Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
| Policy Ref | NDOPW-CP-001 |
|---|---|
| Version | 2.0 |
| Status | Active |
| Effective Date | August 2026 |
| Review Date | August 2027 |
| Approved By | NDOPW Board of Trustees |
| Policy Owner | Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Table of Content
- 1. Policy Statement and Commitment
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Roles and Responsibilities
- 5. Safer Recruitment
- 6. Training and Awareness
- 7. Code of Conduct - Behaviour Standards
- 8. Large-Scale Event Safeguarding Protocol
- 9. Online Safety and Digital Ministry
- 10. Recognising and Responding to Abuse
- 11. Referral to Statutory Agencies
- 12. Confidentiality and Record Keeping
- 13. Insurance Requirements
- 14. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
- 15. Vulnerable Adults
- 16. Whistleblowing
- 17. Policy Review
- 18. Key Contacts
- 19. Authorisation and Adoption
NDOPW is a UK-based Christian charity (registered address: 161 Cumberland Road, Plaistow, London E13 8LS) dedicated to mobilising the Body of Christ across the British Isles through large-scale prayer gatherings, night-watch events, fasting campaigns, Shine Your Light carol movements, and grassroots discipleship.
This policy applies to all NDOPW activities, events, and personnel, whether paid or voluntary.
1. Policy Statement and Commitment
The National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW) is fully committed to safeguarding and supporting every child, young person (under 18), and vulnerable adult involved in our activities. This commitment applies at all times, including major stadium events, night-watch gatherings, Shine Your Light community events, online prayer platforms, and all related activities.
NDOPW believes that every person is made in the image of God and has inherent dignity and worth. Protecting those who are vulnerable is not just a legal duty but also a core part of our faith. We will always act quickly, openly, and firmly whenever a safeguarding concern comes up.
This policy has been written in compliance with:
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Care Act 2014 (vulnerable adults)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023)
- Charity Commission guidance: Safeguarding and protecting people for charities and trustees (CC11)
- GDPR / UK Data Protection Act 2018 (in respect of safeguarding records)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023 adopted as best practice for event contexts
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent duty, where applicable)
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All NDOPW trustees, directors, and senior leadership
- All paid staff employed by NDOPW
- All volunteers, including event stewards, prayer team leaders, and worship facilitators
- All contractors, freelancers, and third-party suppliers who have contact with children or vulnerable adults in connection with NDOPW activities
- Partner organisations and guest speakers operating under NDOPW’s platform
It covers all activities organised, facilitated, or endorsed by NDOPW, including but not limited to: national prayer days, Shine at Midnight events, Shine Your Light carol gatherings, 72-hour fasting and prayer campaigns, online Gideon programmes, youth tracks, and any overseas extensions of NDOPW’s ministry.
3. Definitions
Child / Young Person: Any person under the age of 18 years.
Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding: The action taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and to protect them from harm, abuse, or neglect.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The named individual with lead responsibility for safeguarding at NDOPW.
DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service check conducted on individuals who work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Board of Trustees
- Ensure this policy is adopted, resourced, and reviewed annually
- Appoint a trustee with designated lead responsibility for safeguarding oversight
- Report serious safeguarding incidents to the Charity Commission as a Serious Incident
- Ensure adequate insurance cover (see Section 13) is in place
4.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
NDOPW will appoint a named DSL and a Deputy DSL at all times. The DSL will:
- Act as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns raised by staff, volunteers, children, or the public
- Manage referrals to statutory agencies (Children’s Services, Police) in a timely manner
- Maintain confidential safeguarding records in a secure system
- Undergo DSL-level training (minimum Level 3) and refresh every two years
- Brief event leads and volunteer coordinators before each NDOPW event
- Liaise with venue safeguarding officers at large-scale events
4.3 All Staff and Volunteers
- Read, understand, and sign the NDOPW Safeguarding Code of Conduct before undertaking any role
- Report any safeguarding concern to the DSL without delay
- Attend safeguarding induction training before working with children or vulnerable adults
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
- Never use personal social media to contact children or young people connected to NDOPW
5. Safer Recruitment
NDOPW uses a safer recruitment process for all roles, whether paid, voluntary, or contracted, that involve regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.
5.1 DBS Disclosure Requirements
- An Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List check where applicable) is required for all roles involving regulated activity with under-18s
- For roles involving vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check is required
- DBS checks must be renewed every three years, or earlier if a concern arises
- NDOPW will use the DBS Update Service where individuals consent to subscription
- No individual will commence regulated activity prior to receipt of a satisfactory DBS disclosure
5.2 References and Interviews
- A minimum of two satisfactory references (not from family members) must be obtained before appointment
- Applicants must complete an NDOPW Safeguarding Declaration Form
- Any gaps in volunteering/employment history must be explored at interview
- All accepted applicants must sign the Safeguarding Code of Conduct and this policy
6. Training and Awareness
- All trustees, staff, and volunteers must complete NDOPW safeguarding induction (minimum 3 hours) before first activity
- DSL and Deputy DSL must complete accredited Level 3 Safeguarding training
- Event leads and Gideon coordinators must complete at minimum Level 2 awareness training
- Refresher training is required every two years for all personnel
- Training records are maintained by the DSL and reviewed annually by the Trustees
- NDOPW will signpost to Thirtyone:eight (CCPAS), Churches Child Protection Advisory Service, and other specialist bodies for specialist training
7. Code of Conduct – Behaviour Standards
All NDOPW personnel and volunteers are required to adhere to the following behavioural standards at all times:
7.1 You Must:
- Treat every child, young person, and vulnerable adult with dignity, respect, and care
- Follow the ‘two adults present’ rule. Never be alone with a child in a place where you cannot be seen.
- Ensure that if a one-to-one pastoral conversation is necessary, another adult is informed and remains in the building
- Ensure all spaces used for children’s activities are well-lit, accessible, and with appropriate sight lines
- Obtain written parental / guardian consent before photographing or filming minors
- Use only NDOPW-approved communication channels when contacting minors (no personal DMs or social media)
- Report concerns immediately to the DSL. Reporting concerns is mandatory, not optional.
7.2 You Must Not:
- Be alone with a child in a private, unobserved space under any circumstances
- Use language that is sexually suggestive, derogatory, or demeaning toward any child or vulnerable person
- Engage in rough, physically provocative, or sexually inappropriate games or contact
- Provide lifts to children alone (if unavoidable, a child must sit in the rear and the parent must be informed)
- Share sleeping accommodation with children (e.g. on residential trips) except in same-gender groups with parental consent and a minimum of two adults present)
- Do not give any kind of medication to a child. Always refer to a qualified medical professional.
- Invite a child to your personal home alone
- Use personal social media accounts to contact minors connected to NDOPW
- Consume alcohol before or during any activity involving children or vulnerable adults
- Share, store, or distribute images of children without written parental consent
8. Large-Scale Event Safeguarding Protocol
Given NDOPW’s track record of events at major venues (Wembley Stadium, West Ham Stadium, Millwall, and others), the following additional safeguards apply to all events with an audience of 500+ or where children are present:
- A dedicated Event Safeguarding Officer (a DBS-checked individual) must be named and briefed before every large-scale event
- A clearly marked Safeguarding Point must be identified at all venues and communicated to attendees and volunteers
- A Lost Child Protocol must be agreed with the venue operator before the event. This includes: designated safe holding point, PA announcement procedures, and liaison with police if a child is not reunited within 30 minutes
- Wristbands or ID systems for children must be used at events where large numbers of minors are expected
- Stewards must be briefed on safeguarding triggers and the escalation pathway (DSL contact details) before the event begins
- A safeguarding debrief must take place within 48 hours of every major event to identify any concerns arising
- Any event-related safeguarding concern must be recorded in the NDOPW Safeguarding Log within 24 hours
9. Online Safety and Digital Ministry
NDOPW’s ministry now often uses digital platforms, such as the Gideon prayer network, online fasting campaigns, and the Shine Your Light movement. The following standards apply to all digital ministry activities:
- All online groups or platforms involving minors must be co-administered by at least two DBS-checked adults
- Minors must not be added to NDOPW communication platforms without verifiable parental consent
- Live-streamed events must not feature children in a way that enables them to be personally identified without prior written consent
- NDOPW’s social media accounts must not be used to hold private conversations with minors
- Moderators of online prayer groups involving minors must be DBS-checked and trained in online safety
- Any online concern (e.g. grooming, harmful content, cyberbullying within NDOPW platforms) must be reported to the DSL and, where appropriate, to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) or CEOP
10. Recognising and Responding to Abuse
10.1 Types and Indicators of Abuse
The following are recognised categories of abuse and potential indicators. This list is not exhaustive, and indicators should not be treated as definitive proof of abuse. Do NOT jump to conclusions.
Type | Possible Indicators |
Physical | Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; injuries inconsistent with explanation; frequent ‘accidents’; reluctance to undress for activities |
Emotional | Persistent low self-esteem, sudden behavioural change, withdrawal, excessive anxiety, attention-seeking, reverting to younger behaviour |
Sexual | Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour; sexualised play or drawing; self-harm; nightmares or sleep disturbances; unexplained gifts |
Neglect | Persistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress for weather, untreated medical conditions, chronic tiredness, reporting of no one at home |
Online / Tech | Secretive about devices; unexplained gifts; distress after online activity; withdrawal from family/friends; exposure to harmful content |
Radicalisation | Sudden ideological shift; isolation from peers; accessing extremist content; expressing sympathy for extremist views; unexplained travel |
10.2 Immediate Response- What to Do
If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult makes a disclosure to you, or if you observe signs of possible abuse:
- Stay calm. Do not show shock or alarm.
- Listen carefully without prompting, interrupting, or asking leading questions (e.g. ‘Did he…?’)
- Use open questions only where necessary to clarify: Where? When? Who? What?
- Do not promise confidentiality- be honest and explain that you may need to share what you have been told, tell them they have done the right thing in telling you, and that it is not their fault
- Tell the person what you are going to do next
- As soon as possible, make a written record using the person’s own words. Include date, time, and sign it.
- Report immediately to the DSL. If the DSL is unavailable, contact the Deputy DSL.
- If there is immediate risk of serious harm, call 999 without waiting for DSL authorisation
10.3 What Not to Do
- Do NOT investigate the concern yourself or question the alleged abuser
- Do NOT share the concern with anyone other than the DSL (or emergency services where necessary)
- Do NOT make promises you cannot keep (‘I won’t tell anyone’)
- Do NOT delay reporting. Even if you are unsure, report it.
11. Referral to Statutory Agencies
The DSL holds responsibility for making referrals to statutory authorities. The referral pathway is:
- Step 1: DSL receives the concern and makes a written record
- Step 2: DSL assesses whether immediate police (999) or Children’s Services referral is required
- Step 3: If a referral to Children’s Services is made, this must be followed up in writing within 24 hours
- Step 4: If Children’s Services decline to act and NDOPW remains concerned, the DSL escalates to the Charity Commission as a Serious Incident
- Step 5: All referrals, outcomes, and follow-up actions are recorded in the Safeguarding Log
NDOPW is aware of its duty as a charity to report serious incidents to the Charity Commission. A safeguarding incident that involves a risk to the reputation of the charity, a significant breach of this policy, or the involvement of statutory authorities constitutes a serious incident and must be reported promptly.
12. Confidentiality and Record Keeping
- All safeguarding records are stored securely, separate from general personnel records, with access limited to the DSL, Deputy DSL, and relevant trustees
- Records are retained for a minimum of 10 years (or until the child reaches the age of 25, whichever is longer)
- Personal data is processed in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
- Information may be shared with statutory agencies without the consent of the data subject where there is an overriding public interest in the safety of a child or vulnerable adult
- Volunteers and staff must not take photographs of safeguarding incidents or share case information on personal devices
13. Insurance Requirements
NDOPW must maintain appropriate insurance cover at all times. The following minimum cover is required:
13.1 Required Policies
- Public Liability Insurance: Minimum £5 million per occurrence. This must cover all NDOPW events, including large-scale public gatherings, outdoor events, and community Shine Your Light activities across the British Isles.
- Employers’ Liability Insurance: Minimum £10 million (statutory requirement where NDOPW employs staff). Must cover all employees and may need to be extended to cover regular volunteers at trustee discretion.
- Trustee Indemnity Insurance: Protects trustees against personal liability arising from their decision-making in their charitable capacity. Strongly recommended given NDOPW’s scale of operation.
- Event Cancellation / Abandonment Insurance: Recommended for all events above 500 attendees, covering cost recovery in the event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, including public order events or acts of God.
- Personal Accident Insurance for Volunteers: Provides cover for injury to volunteers during NDOPW activities. Standard public liability does not always cover volunteers; a dedicated policy or extension is required.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Relevant if NDOPW provides any form of advice, counselling, or pastoral support services. Recommended minimum: £1 million.
13.2 Safeguarding-Specific Insurance Considerations
NDOPW’s insurer must be informed that the organisation works with children and vulnerable adults. NDOPW should confirm with its broker that the policy:
- Explicitly covers allegations or claims arising from safeguarding failures
- Covers incidents involving minors at public events
- Includes legal expenses cover for defence against safeguarding-related claims
- Is not voided by a failure to comply with NDOPW’s own safeguarding policy — and maintain this policy accordingly
Recommended brokers with specialist charity and faith sector experience include Ansvar Insurance, Zurich Municipal, and Markel UK. NDOPW should seek a policy review whenever this safeguarding policy is significantly updated.
14. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
An allegation may be made against any member of NDOPW’s staff or volunteer base. Where such an allegation is received:
- The DSL must be informed immediately (or the Chair of Trustees if the DSL is the subject of the allegation)
- The individual concerned must be removed from all regulated activity immediately while the investigation takes place. This is a precaution and does not mean the person is guilty.
- The allegation must be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day where it concerns a person working with children
- NDOPW will cooperate fully with any statutory investigation
- The individual will be informed of the allegation and the process in broad terms, unless doing so would compromise the statutory investigation
- A trustee or senior leader must be assigned as a support contact for the individual under investigation. This person should not be involved in managing the case.
- A Serious Incident Report must be filed with the Charity Commission where appropriate
15. Vulnerable Adults
NDOPW’s prayer and worship events welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. The organisation recognises that some adults, such as those with mental health conditions, physical or cognitive disabilities, or those going through a crisis (including spiritual crisis), may be vulnerable and need extra care.
- The same DBS requirements apply to any role involving sustained contact with vulnerable adults
- Prayer ministry teams must be trained to recognise signs of acute psychological distress and to refer to appropriate support rather than providing pastoral care beyond their competence
- NDOPW will maintain a list of signposting resources (mental health helplines, social services, domestic abuse support) available at all events
- No prayer minister should provide any form of ‘counselling’ to a vulnerable adult alone. The two-adult rule must always be followed.
- NDOPW adopts the NHS definition of a vulnerable adult and will keep pace with Care Act 2014 guidance
16. Whistleblowing
NDOPW is committed to a culture where concerns can be raised freely and without fear of retaliation. Any individual, whether staff, volunteer, partner, or beneficiary, who has a concern about safeguarding practice within NDOPW is encouraged to:
- Raise it first with the DSL or, if that is inappropriate, with the Chair of Trustees
- If internal escalation is unsatisfactory, report directly to the Charity Commission, the NSPCC, or the relevant Local Authority
- As a last resort, report to the media though NDOPW would strongly prefer concerns to be addressed internally or via statutory channels first
No one who raises a genuine concern in good faith will face any adverse treatment by NDOPW as a result of doing so. Any retaliation against a whistleblower will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
17. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed:
- Annually by the DSL and Board of Trustees as a standing agenda item
- Following any safeguarding incident or near-miss
- Following significant changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or Charity Commission requirements
- Following changes to NDOPW’s operating model, activities, or geographic scope
This policy supersedes all previous NDOPW safeguarding policies (including ECMAT policy ref SG01 v1).
18. Key Contacts
Contact | Name | When to Use |
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) | Rachel Webster | NDOPW First point of contact for all safeguarding concerns |
19. Authorisation and Adoption
Chair of Trustees
Name: Simon Teague
Date: August 2026
This policy has been formally adopted by the Board of Trustees of the National Day of Prayer and Worship and is binding on all personnel, volunteers, and partner organisations operating under NDOPW’s governance.