Trust Policies

Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Culham St Gabriel’s Trust (“the Trust”) is an endowed charity. The Trust’s vision is for a broad-based, critical and reflective religion and worldviews education contributing to a well-informed, respectful and open society.

2. Policy statement

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. The Trust is committed to creating a safe environment for everyone. This includes, but is not limited to, children, young people, and adults at risk. The Trust will maintain a safe, positive environment and an open culture for reporting concerns.

3. Scope

This policy ensures compliance with UK law and best practice for charities. It applies to all Trustees, staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and anyone representing the Trust.

4. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how the Trust will create a safe environment for all who come into contact with the Trust.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Board of Trustees: Overall accountability.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Liz Smith (liz@cstg.org.uk).
  • Trustee Safeguarding Lead: Gwynn Bassan
  • Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Kathryn Wright (ceo@cstg.org.uk).
  • All Staff, Trustees and Representatives: Must follow this policy and report concerns promptly.

6. Safer Recruitment and Training

All staff, trustees, volunteers, consultants and representatives will undergo appropriate checks (references, DBS if appropriate). Regular safeguarding training will be provided. Self-certification for trustees and CEO as per Charity Commission requirements.

7. Grant-Making and Partnerships

Before awarding any grant or funding to an organisation trustees must confirm that it has an up-to-date safeguarding policy (up-to-date means that it has been reviewed within the last two years). Before awarding any grant or funding to an individual trustees must confirm that the individual agrees to adhere to the Trust safeguarding policy.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

  • Report concerns immediately by emailing safeguarding@cstg.org.uk.
  • In emergencies, call 999.
  • If you have concerns regarding a child or vulnerable adult, always consult children’s or adult care services.
  • Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
  • Concerns about staff/consultants: report to DSL and CEO. Concerns about DSL: report to CEO and Trustee Safeguarding Lead. Concerns about CEO/Trustee: report to two Trustees.

9. Responding to Disclosures

  • Keep listening. Do not question or investigate.
  • Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we need to share this.
  • Assure them they are not to blame.
  • Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
  • Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
  • Report it to the DSL.
  • Only tell those who need to know.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Share information only with those who need to know to protect individuals at risk. Comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

11. Statutory Framework

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Children’s Act 1989 & 2004
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Disclosure & Barring Service 2013
  • Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
  • Online Safety Act 2023
  • Safeguarding for charities and trustees -Charity Commission guidance 2021
  • BSI BS25800:2024 Safeguarding Guidelines

12. Applicable Trust Policies

This policy is relevant to, and should be read in conjunction with, the following Trust policies:

  • Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy.
  • Equality and Diversity Policy.
  • Disciplinary and Grievance Policy.
  • Health and Safety Policy.
  • Risk Policy.
  • Safeguarding Procedures.
  • Whistleblowing Policy.
  • Working Practices, Leave and Absence Policy.

Approved by Trustees: December 2025

Review date: December 2026