Revelation Trust Safeguarding Policy (2026)
Adoption of the policy
This policy was agreed by the Trustees and will be reviewed annually on: 1st Sept
Contents:
Section 1: Details of the Organisation
Section 2: Governance and Leadership
Section 3: Prevention
Section 4: Partnership Working
Section 5: Responding to Allegations of Abuse
Section 6: Wellbeing Support and Pastoral Care
Appendix 1: Safeguarding Statement
Section 1: Details of the organisation
Name of Organisation: Revelation Trust
Address: PO Box 7082, Rugby, Warwickshire C21 9WD
Tel No: 07720550634
General Email address: admin@revelationtrust.org
Trustees: Brian Addis, Elijah Kirby, Caroline Taylor
Safeguarding Lead Name: Caroline Taylor
Safeguarding email: admin@revelationtrust.org
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The following is a brief description of our organisation:
Vision: The advancement of the Christian religion mainly, but not exclusively, by means of broadcasting Christian messages of an evangelistic and teaching nature. To advance the Christian religion in for the benefit of the public.
Revelation Trust recognises that none of us is invulnerable but that there is a particular care for those whose vulnerability is increased by situations, by disabilities, or by a reduction in capacities. It is recognised that this increased vulnerability may be temporary or permanent and may be visible or invisible, but it does not diminish our humanity and seeks to affirm the gifts and graces of all God’s people.
Section 2: Governance and leadership
Our Commitment
As Trustees we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for all adults. We acknowledge that all adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. As Trustees, we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.
Our safeguarding statement can be found in APPENDIX 1.
The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight (Our Ten Standards | Thirtyone:eight).
Governance
The Trustees are appointed to have independent authority and legal responsibility. This includes having a critical role in decision-making and compliance as well as setting the values, standards and behaviours of the organisation.
The standards and behaviours may be referred to as the culture of the organisation or “the way we do things around here”. Culture can be shaped in both negative and positive ways.
“The culture of a charity goes beyond mere compliance with legal and regulatory demands. Charity governance is most effective when it provides assurances not just that legal requirements are met, but that the behaviour of people working for the charity, and those who encounter it, is proper and ethical. Culture, alongside good governance, can be pivotal to whether a charity achieves its stated object” (IICSA The Governance Institute, 2017).
The Trustees will have overarching responsibility for safeguarding within the organisation, including referring to the relevant charity regulator.
The following Safeguarding Policy and Statement aims to not only meet the requirements of ensuring a safe environment for those accessing activities in our organisation, but to also build an open culture where:
those who lead do so by example,
are committed to the safeguarding of all
those who work or volunteer are safely recruited and trained for their roles.
there are accountability structures
with codes of conduct
the values of the organisation are embedded in its day-to-day actions and behaviours of its people
and there is open communication
Section 3: Prevention
Understanding abuse and neglect
Defining abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Adults with care and support needs may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often, the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.
An adult at risk of harm will be defined in this policy by the Care Act 2014, which states that adult safeguarding duties apply to any person aged 18 years or older who:
Has care and support needs.
Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
Is unable to protect themselves because of their care and support needs.
To safeguard those in our organisation, for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with reference to Article 5:
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
This policy is in line with the following legislation in England:
The Care Act (2014)
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
Mental Capacity Act (2005)
Detailed definitions, signs and indicators of abuse, as well as how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, are included the policy or the Safeguarding appendices.
Positions of Trust
All adults working with vulnerable adults are in a position of trust. All those in positions of trust need to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they have because of this relationship.
It is vital that all workers ensure they do not, even unknowingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately. They should always maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which could be misinterpreted.
Safer recruitment
The Trustees will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. This includes ensuring that:
There is a written job description/person specification for the post
Those applying have completed an application form
Those short-listed have been interviewed
Safeguarding has been discussed at the interview
Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate
A self-declaration form and the relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (England and Wales) have been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information)
Qualifications, where relevant, have been verified
A suitable training programme and induction are provided for the successful applicant
The applicant has completed a probationary period.
The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns.
Note: Within Revelation Trust, Trustees ratify the appointments of all staff/leaders.
Safeguarding training
The Trustees are committed to ongoing safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our staff/volunteers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis.
The Trustees will provide or facilitate all staff/volunteers undertaking basic safeguarding training which will be renewed every three years.
Practice Guidelines
As an organisation working with young people and adults with care and support needs we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable staff/volunteers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of potential harm or abuse and false or unfounded accusations.
We have specific good practice guidelines for every activity we are involved in, and these are being collated into the Further Reading section.
Management of Workers – Codes of Conduct
As Trustees, we are committed to supporting all workers and volunteers and ensuring they receive support and supervision. All workers and volunteers will be given clear expectations about what is expected of them both within their role and outside of their role. They will also receive further training as necessary.
Good practice
Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness, and have proper regard for individuals’ interests, rights, safety, and welfare
Work in a responsible, transparent, and accountable way
Be prepared to challenge unacceptable behaviour or to be challenged
Listen carefully to those you are supporting
Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as bullying, emotional abuse, harassment, physical abuse, spiritual abuse or sexual abuse (including inappropriate physical contact such as rough play and inappropriate language or gestures)
Seek advice from someone with greater experience when necessary
Work in an open environment – avoid private or unobserved situations
Follow policies, procedures and guidelines and report all disclosures, concerns, allegations, and suspicions to the safeguarding co-ordinator
Don’t make inappropriate promises particularly in relation to confidentiality
Do explain to the individual what you intend to do. Do not delay taking action
Unacceptable behaviour
Not reporting concerns to Safeguarding lead or delaying reporting concerns
Taking unnecessary risks
Any behaviour that is or may be perceived as threatening or abusive in any way
Developing inappropriate relationships
Consuming illegal substances
Favouritism/exclusion – all people should be equally supported and encouraged
Breaching the Code of Conduct
If a person has behaved inappropriately, they will be subject to investigation procedures. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, they may be asked to leave Revelation Trust. We may also make a referral to statutory agencies such as the police and/or the local authority children’s or adult’s social care departments or DBS. If you become aware of a breach of this code, you should escalate your concerns to the safeguarding lead.
Section 4: Partnership working
Partnerships
The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to young people and adults with care and support needs. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.
We therefore have clear guidelines with regards to our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or not. We will discuss with all partners our safeguarding.
We believe good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with adults with care and support needs and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding.
Complaints
It is hoped that complaints concerning Safeguarding issues can generally be dealt with informally by the Safeguarding Lead.
The Trustees will respond without delay to every complaint made that suggests that an adult, or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
Everyone can contribute to a safeguarding culture, whatever role or status in society regardless of the position we hold.
Section 5: Responding to allegations of abuse
Under no circumstances should a worker or volunteer carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Follow the procedures below:
The worker or volunteer should make a report of the concern in the following way:
The person in receipt of disclosures, allegation or concern of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to:
Name: Caroline Taylor (hereafter the "Safeguarding Lead")
Email: admin@revelationtrust.org
The above is nominated by the Trustees to act on their behalf in dealing with the disclosure, allegation or concern, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities.
In the absence of the Safeguarding Lead or, if the concerns in any way involve the Safeguarding Lead, then the report should be made to:
Name: Brian Addis (hereafter the "Deputy Safeguarding Lead")
Email: addishome@btinternet.com
The worker or volunteer can also contact Thirtyone:eight to get further advice if required: Tel: 0303 003 1111. Option 2 (7 am-midnight)
The worker or volunteer should record the disclosure, allegation or concern on the Cause for Concern form and share this with the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.
The Safeguarding Lead may first ring the Thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. Based on the concern, they may then contact the relevant statutory services.
Adult Social Service:
Mon to Thurs 8.30am - 5 pm, Fri 9 am - 4:30 pm, dependent on area 0116 305 0004
Out of Hours: 0116 305 0888
Police: 999
The Safeguarding Lead may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern, on a need to know basis, such as:
Chair of Trustees who may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity regulator (Charity Commission for England and Wales) to report a serious incident/raise a concern.
Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO (England and Wales), if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.
Concerns must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.
Information sharing: Consent will normally be obtained before sharing information. Information may be shared without consent where a crime has been committed, or someone is in danger.
Whilst disclosures, allegations or concerns of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Lead, the absence of the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead should not delay referral to the statutory services, the police, or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.
The Leadership will support the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need-to-know basis.
It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight, although the Trustees hope that members of the organisation will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Lead(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct. We hope by making this statement that the Trustees demonstrate its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.
The role of the safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate.
Detailed procedures where there is a concern about an adult at risk:
Concerns or allegations of abuse or harm include physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse.
If there is concern about any of the above, Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Safeguarding Lead will:
If the adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury, contact the Emergency Services on 999, informing them of any suspicions.
Contact Adult Social Care (England), who will be able to advise whether this reaches the safeguarding threshold and actions required. Alternatively, Thirtyone:eight can be contacted for advice.
If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse:
The Safeguarding Lead will:
Identify support services for the Survivor, i.e., counselling or other pastoral support
Contact Thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern.
Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with care and support needs:
The safeguarding Lead will:
Liaise with Adult Social Care to establish whether this can be investigated under their safeguarding processes.
Make a referral to the relevant Disclosure and Barring Service DBS, following the advice of Adult Social Services.
Share information about the concern with the police.
The legislation in England (The Care Act 2014) places the duty upon Adult Social Care to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Social Care to decide not the organisation.
Allegations of non-recent sexual abuse from an adult:
If an accusation is made of non-recent sexual abuse from a child, the procedure in relation to sexual abuse will be followed (please see above).
If an accusation is made of non-recent sexual abuse from an adult, the Safeguarding Lead will:
Give the adult the option to report this to the Police. If the adult does not wish to report this to the police, then the Safeguarding Lead can pass on the information relating to the alleged Perpetrator, however, they must not share details of the Survivor.
If the alleged Perpetrator is in a role working or volunteering with children or young people, make a referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer -LADO, whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
If the alleged Perpetrator is in a role working with adults with care and support needs, liaise with Adult Social Care to establish whether this can be investigated under their safeguarding processes.
If the alleged Perpetrator is in a role within your organisation, contact Thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern.
Section 6: Wellbeing Support and Pastoral Care
Supporting those affected by abuse
The Trustees are committed to offering wellbeing support/pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the organisation.
The Trustees are committed to offering well-being support and pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate. We are committed to giving support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with, or are part of, the church.
Please see below the details for the individual responsible for well-being support and pastoral care:
Name: Caroline Taylor
Email: admin@revelationtrust.org
Working with those who may pose a risk
When someone attending the organisation is known to pose a potential risk to adults with care and support needs; the Trustees will supervise the individual concerned and offer wellbeing support/pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on a risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate external parties.
APPENDIX 1: Safeguarding Statement
To be displayed on our Website
POLICY STATEMENT ON THE PROTECTION OF ADULTS
REVELATION TRUST
The following statement was agreed by the Trustees on: 27th August 2026
This organisation is committed to the safeguarding of all.
We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent harm or Abuse to any human being.
We recognise the personal rights of adults and will ensure all our policies and procedures reflect this.
We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work within or alongside Revelation Trust
We believe every adult should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that all those we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.
We are committed to:
Following specialist guidelines provided by Thirtyone:eight in relation to safeguarding adults and will ensure that as organisation all workers, volunteers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.
Implementing the requirements of all relevant legislation including but not limited to; Equality Act 2010 and referring concerns about adults with care and support needs to the local authority under the Care Act 2014.
Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake this work.
Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this organisation.
Supporting all in this organisation affected by abuse.
We recognise:
Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy annually.
If you have any concerns, then speak to one of the following who have been approved as Safeguarding Leads.
Caroline Taylor - Safeguarding Lead
Brian Addis - Deputy Safeguarding Lead