Safeguarding Policy

KINGDOM LIFE APOSTOLIC CHAPEL

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK POLICY

Registered Charity Number: 1139371
Organisation: Kingdom Life Apostolic Chapel (KLAC)
Website: https://www.klac.org.uk/
Address: Birmingham Street, Church Square, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 4DY

Policy owner: Board of Trustees
Safeguarding Lead: [Bishop Paul Akinpelu]
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: [Kayode Titiloye]
Date approved: [30 October 2026]
Last reviewed: [29 October 2026]
Next review date: [28 October 2027]

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1. OUR SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT

Kingdom Life Apostolic Chapel (KLAC) is committed to protecting children, young people and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and all forms of harm.

As a Christian charity, we believe that every individual is created with dignity and deserves to be treated with love, respect, fairness and compassion.

We recognise our responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone who participates in our church services, charitable activities, community projects, food bank, counselling programmes, outreach activities and medical missions.

We do not tolerate abuse, exploitation, bullying, harassment, discrimination or any behaviour that places another person at risk.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved in KLAC, including trustees, church leaders, employees, volunteers, ministry workers and anyone representing the organisation.

The Board of Trustees retains overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored and regularly reviewed.

2. PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children, young people and adults at risk from abuse and harm.
• Establish clear safeguarding responsibilities.
• Provide procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure trustees, staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities.
• Promote safe recruitment and appropriate background checks.
• Establish appropriate standards of behaviour.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly and sensitively.
• Protect beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and members of the public who engage with KLAC.
• Promote a culture in which everyone feels safe to raise concerns.

This policy applies to all KLAC activities, whether conducted at church premises, in community settings, online or through activities organised overseas.

3. WHO THIS POLICY PROTECTS

This policy applies to the following groups.

3.1 Children and Young People

A child is anyone under the age of 18.

KLAC is committed to protecting children who attend church activities, community events, family programmes or any other activity organised by the charity.

3.2 Adults at Risk

An adult at risk is an individual aged 18 or over who may be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse or neglect and may have needs for care and support that affect their ability to protect themselves.

This may include people experiencing illness, disability, mental health difficulties, physical dependency, isolation, exploitation or other circumstances that increase their risk of harm.

We recognise that any adult can experience abuse and that safeguarding concerns must always be taken seriously.

3.3 Staff, Volunteers and Beneficiaries

KLAC also recognises its responsibility to promote a safe environment for employees, trustees, volunteers, church members, visitors and beneficiaries.

4. TYPES OF ABUSE AND HARM

All trustees, employees and volunteers must understand the different forms of abuse and recognise possible warning signs.

4.1 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes:

• Hitting, kicking, punching or shaking.
• Deliberately causing physical injury.
• Inappropriate physical punishment.
• Unnecessary restraint.
• Deliberately withholding essential physical care.

4.2 Emotional or Psychological Abuse

This includes:

• Threatening or intimidating behaviour.
• Humiliation, insults or persistent criticism.
• Bullying and harassment.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Deliberately isolating someone.
• Making someone feel worthless or frightened.

4.3 Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes:

• Sexual assault or inappropriate sexual contact.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Inappropriate touching.
• Grooming.
• Sexual harassment.
• Sharing or creating sexual images involving children.
• Any sexual activity involving a child.

4.4 Neglect

Neglect includes:

• Failure to provide necessary care.
• Withholding food, clothing or essential support.
• Failure to protect someone from danger.
• Ignoring medical or healthcare needs.
• Leaving a child or adult at risk without appropriate supervision.

4.5 Financial or Material Abuse

This includes:

• Theft or misuse of money.
• Fraud or financial exploitation.
• Pressuring someone to make donations.
• Misusing someone’s bank details.
• Taking advantage of an individual’s financial circumstances.

4.6 Discriminatory Abuse

This includes abuse based on disability, age, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.

4.7 Domestic Abuse and Exploitation

This may include domestic violence, coercive control, trafficking, forced labour, modern slavery and other forms of exploitation.

4.8 Spiritual Abuse

KLAC recognises that spiritual authority must never be used to control, intimidate, manipulate or exploit individuals.

Spiritual abuse may include:

• Using religious teachings to threaten or control someone.
• Pressuring individuals into giving money or property.
• Using prayer, prophecy or spiritual authority to manipulate people.
• Preventing someone from seeking medical, professional or external support.
• Humiliating or threatening individuals in the name of religion.

No church leader, minister, trustee or volunteer is exempt from this policy.

5. SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for safeguarding within KLAC.

Trustees will:

• Approve and oversee the implementation of this policy.
• Ensure appropriate safeguarding procedures are maintained.
• Appoint a designated Safeguarding Lead and deputy.
• Ensure safeguarding risks are identified and reviewed.
• Ensure appropriate recruitment and background checks are undertaken.
• Provide appropriate safeguarding training.
• Review safeguarding incidents and concerns.
• Ensure serious incidents are reported to the Charity Commission where required.
• Ensure the organisation learns from safeguarding incidents.

5.2 Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for coordinating safeguarding matters.

Their responsibilities include:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns and reports.
• Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.
• Providing guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Referring concerns to appropriate statutory agencies.
• Ensuring immediate risks are addressed.
• Supporting individuals affected by safeguarding incidents.
• Keeping trustees informed, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Arranging safeguarding training and policy reviews.

5.3 Staff and Volunteers

All employees and volunteers must:

• Read and follow this policy.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Avoid situations that could expose beneficiaries or themselves to unnecessary risks.
• Cooperate with safeguarding procedures and investigations.

No employee or volunteer should attempt to investigate an allegation independently.

6. SAFER RECRUITMENT AND DBS CHECKS

KLAC is committed to ensuring that individuals appointed to positions of responsibility are suitable for their roles.

Our recruitment and selection procedures may include:

• Appropriate application and interview processes.
• Verification of identity.
• References where appropriate.
• Review of relevant qualifications and experience.
• Assessment of suitability for the role.
• Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where legally eligible and required.

The level of DBS check will be determined by the actual duties of the role and applicable eligibility requirements.

Where a role involves regulated activity, KLAC will follow the relevant legal requirements concerning barred-list checks.

A DBS check does not replace supervision, training, risk assessment or ongoing safeguarding monitoring.

All information obtained through DBS checks will be handled securely and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

7. SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

KLAC is committed to providing a safe environment for children participating in its activities.

The following measures will apply whenever KLAC organises activities involving children.

7.1 Safe Supervision

• Children must receive appropriate supervision.
• Activities must have sufficient suitable adults present.
• Staff and volunteers must avoid unnecessary one-to-one isolated situations with children.
• Where individual support is necessary, it should take place in an observable and appropriately supervised setting.
• Children must not be left alone with unauthorised individuals.

7.2 Parents and Guardians

• Parents or legal guardians must receive appropriate information about children’s activities.
• Appropriate consent must be obtained for participation, trips and relevant activities.
• Emergency contact details should be collected where necessary.
• Arrangements for collecting and releasing children must be clearly established.

7.3 Physical Contact

Physical contact must always be appropriate, necessary and respectful.

Staff and volunteers must never use physical punishment, inappropriate touching or physical intimidation.

7.4 Photography and Videos

Photographs or videos of children must only be taken and used with appropriate consent.

KLAC will:

• Obtain appropriate parental or guardian permission.
• Explain how images will be used.
• Avoid publishing identifying information unnecessarily.
• Store photographs and videos securely.
• Never publish inappropriate or potentially harmful images.

7.5 Children’s Online Safety

Staff and volunteers must not engage in inappropriate private online communication with children.

Official communication channels should be used for authorised activities, with appropriate parental involvement and oversight.

8. SAFEGUARDING ADULTS AT RISK

KLAC recognises that adults at risk must be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

We will:

• Treat adults with dignity and respect.
• Encourage independence and personal choice.
• Respect individual rights and wishes.
• Listen carefully to concerns.
• Take appropriate action where abuse or neglect is suspected.
• Refer concerns to the relevant local authority or statutory agency.
• Respect confidentiality while recognising that information may need to be shared to prevent harm.

Adults at risk should be involved in decisions affecting their welfare wherever possible, in accordance with applicable law and safeguarding procedures.

9. SAFEGUARDING WITHIN KLAC CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

9.1 Food Bank and Community Support

KLAC’s food bank and community support activities must operate in a safe and respectful environment.

Staff and volunteers must:

• Treat beneficiaries fairly and without discrimination.
• Avoid inappropriate personal relationships with beneficiaries.
• Never request personal favours in exchange for assistance.
• Never misuse or take beneficiaries’ money or property.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding beneficiaries’ circumstances.
• Report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect.

Food bank assistance must never be used as a means of coercion, intimidation or religious pressure.

9.2 Counselling and Pastoral Support

Pastoral care and counselling must be provided within the limits of the worker’s competence and training.

Staff and volunteers must:

• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Respect confidentiality, subject to safeguarding and legal duties.
• Avoid creating dependency or inappropriate relationships.
• Refer individuals to qualified professionals where necessary.
• Never discourage someone from seeking appropriate medical or psychological support.

Where counselling involves children or adults at risk, additional safeguarding arrangements must be followed.

9.3 Medical Missions and Healthcare Activities

All medical activities supported by KLAC must prioritise the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.

The charity will ensure that:

• Medical services are delivered by appropriately qualified and authorised healthcare professionals.
• Relevant consent is obtained.
• Personal and medical information is handled confidentially.
• Medication is distributed only under appropriate professional oversight.
• Healthcare professionals follow applicable professional standards.
• Children and adults at risk receive appropriate protection during medical activities.
• Any concerns about abuse, neglect or exploitation are reported through appropriate channels.

9.4 Church Services and Community Events

All church services, conferences, social gatherings and community events must be organised with appropriate consideration for safeguarding.

Event organisers should assess risks involving:

• Children attending activities.
• Adults requiring additional support.
• Crowded environments.
• Transport arrangements.
• Photography and media.
• Volunteers and external service providers.

10. SAFEGUARDING DURING OVERSEAS ACTIVITIES

KLAC recognises that safeguarding responsibilities extend to charitable activities conducted outside the United Kingdom.

All overseas missions and outreach activities must:

• Identify safeguarding risks before activities commence.
• Follow relevant local safeguarding laws.
• Respect the dignity and rights of beneficiaries.
• Use suitable and appropriately supervised personnel.
• Maintain clear reporting procedures.
• Avoid exploitation, abuse or inappropriate relationships.
• Ensure concerns are referred to appropriate local authorities where necessary.
• Inform UK trustees of significant safeguarding incidents.

Safeguarding arrangements must be considered before working with overseas partners, healthcare providers or community organisations.

11. HOW TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

Every person associated with KLAC has a responsibility to report suspected abuse, neglect or inappropriate behaviour.

No concern should be ignored, dismissed or concealed.

Step 1: Listen and Take the Concern Seriously

If someone discloses abuse or harm:

• Listen calmly and carefully.
• Allow them to explain what happened in their own words.
• Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• Do not blame or judge them.
• Do not ask leading or investigative questions.
• Do not promise absolute confidentiality.

Step 2: Establish Immediate Safety

If anyone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, call 999.

Take reasonable steps to prevent further harm without placing yourself or others at risk.

Step 3: Report the Concern

Report the matter immediately to the KLAC Safeguarding Lead.

If the Safeguarding Lead is involved in the allegation, unavailable or there is a conflict of interest, report directly to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead or an appropriate independent trustee.

Concerns must not be reported only to the person who is the subject of the allegation.

Step 4: Record the Concern

A written safeguarding report should include:

• Date and time of the concern.
• Name of the person reporting it.
• Name of the person affected, where known.
• A factual description of what was disclosed or observed.
• Any immediate action taken.
• Names of relevant witnesses.
• Details of agencies contacted.

Records must distinguish between facts, direct statements and personal observations.

Step 5: Refer to Appropriate Authorities

The Safeguarding Lead or appropriate trustee must ensure that concerns are referred to the relevant statutory agencies promptly.

These may include:

• Police.
• Local authority children’s social care.
• Local authority adult safeguarding services.
• Local safeguarding partnerships.
• The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), where allegations concern someone working with children.
• Other relevant regulatory or professional bodies.

KLAC will not conduct its own investigation where doing so could interfere with a police or statutory safeguarding investigation.

12. RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF, TRUSTEES OR VOLUNTEERS

All allegations involving trustees, employees, church leaders, ministry workers or volunteers must be taken seriously.

KLAC will:

• Ensure the immediate safety of anyone affected.
• Report concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authorities.
• Notify the relevant statutory agencies.
• Consider temporary restrictions or suspension from duties where necessary to protect people.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Preserve relevant records and evidence.
• Cooperate with official investigations.
• Review the individual’s suitability to continue in their role.

Any action taken will be fair, proportionate and consistent with applicable employment and safeguarding requirements.

No individual must be allowed to use their position within KLAC to influence or prevent the reporting of a safeguarding concern.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORD KEEPING

Safeguarding information must be treated as confidential and handled responsibly.

KLAC will:

• Store safeguarding records securely.
• Restrict access to authorised individuals.
• Maintain accurate and factual records.
• Share information only where necessary and lawful.
• Follow applicable UK data protection legislation.
• Retain records in accordance with an appropriate retention schedule.

Confidentiality must never be used as a reason to withhold information necessary to protect a child or adult at risk.

14. WHISTLEBLOWING

KLAC encourages trustees, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries to raise concerns about unsafe practices or inappropriate behaviour.

Anyone who believes that safeguarding procedures are being ignored or that someone is being placed at risk should report the matter.

No individual should suffer intimidation, victimisation or retaliation for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

Where an internal report is inappropriate or has not been addressed, individuals may contact the relevant statutory authority or external safeguarding organisation.

15. TRAINING AND AWARENESS

KLAC will ensure that trustees, employees and volunteers receive safeguarding information and training appropriate to their roles.

Training should cover:

• Recognising different forms of abuse.
• Understanding safeguarding responsibilities.
• Responding to disclosures.
• Reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining professional boundaries.
• Online safety.
• Protecting children and adults at risk.

Refresher training will be arranged as appropriate.

16. SAFEGUARDING INCIDENTS AND CHARITY COMMISSION REPORTING

The Board of Trustees will ensure that safeguarding incidents are appropriately recorded, assessed and acted upon.

Where an incident meets the Charity Commission’s serious incident reporting criteria, the trustees will ensure that it is reported promptly.

Where legally required, KLAC will also make appropriate referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The charity will review safeguarding incidents and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence.

17. SAFEGUARDING CONTACT DETAILS

Anyone wishing to report a safeguarding concern can contact:

KLAC Designated Safeguarding Lead

Name: [Bishop Paul Akinpelu]
Telephone: [0121448 8606]
Email: [admin@klac.org.uk]

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Name: [Kayode Titiloye]
Telephone: [0121448 8606]]
Email: [admin@klac.org.uk]

Emergency Services

Police, ambulance or immediate danger: 999.

For non-emergency police matters: 101.

For concerns about a child, contact the relevant local authority children’s social care service.

For concerns about an adult at risk, contact the relevant local authority adult safeguarding service.

Do not delay contacting emergency services or statutory safeguarding agencies while waiting for an internal response.

18. POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

This policy will be reviewed annually and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, guidance, organisational activities or safeguarding risks.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that the policy remains effective and is implemented throughout the organisation.

All trustees, employees, volunteers and relevant partners must be made aware of this policy.

The policy will be made publicly available on the KLAC website.

Approved by: Board of Trustees, Kingdom Life Apostolic Chapel

Name of Chair of Trustees: [Elder Ademiju]

Signature: ademiju

Date: 31 October 2026

Next review date: 26 October 2026

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OUR SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Kingdom Life Apostolic Chapel is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.

We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We will listen to concerns, respond appropriately and take reasonable steps to protect people from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

No individual should ever be made to feel unsafe, intimidated, exploited or discriminated against through their involvement with our charity.

Every person matters. Every concern matters. Every safeguarding responsibility matters.