Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Shift is committed to creating a safe, hospitable and respectful environment for all who attend, volunteer, speak or serve. Safeguarding is part of our Christian belief that we are all.

made in the image of God and our commitment to love our neighbour and protect those who may be at risk. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. This policy outlines how we safeguard children, young people and adults at risk during all Shift Weekend activities. It applies to all staff, volunteers and participants.

Definitions

Children and young people: anyone under 18 years of age.

Adults at risk: adults (18+) who need additional care or support, are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and as a result of those care and support needs and risks of abuse, may be unable, temporarily or permanently, to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Safeguarding Principles and Culture

We aim to:

  • Fulfil our national and international obligations to prevent and to report harm

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect and care

  • Create an open culture where concerns can be raised safely by means of a clear reporting system

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries and positions of trust

  • Ensure those in leadership act responsibly and model good practice

All adults working with children or adults at risk are considered to be in a position of trust and must not misuse or abuse that power.

Safeguarding Leadership

Shift Weekend appoints a trained Safeguarding Lead (and deputies where appropriate) who is responsible for:

  • Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns

  • Liaising with statutory agencies where required

  • Training staff and volunteers on safeguarding issues

  • Ensuring appropriate actions are taken to protect individuals

Safer recruitment practices, appropriate training and clear role expectations are used for all relevant roles in accordance with this policy.

Safer Recruitment

In order to prevent or report harm, Shift will ensure all leaders and volunteers working with children, young people and adults at risk will be appropriately trained, supported and supervised in accordance with safer recruitment guidelines.

This will include:

  • A volunteer role description for the Kids Team

  • Those applying to volunteer with children and young people complete an application form

  • Those applying to volunteer with children and young people complete an enhanced DBS check

  • Those applying sign a code of conduct

  • Those applying complete a self-declaration form

  • Provision of at least two written references, followed up where appropriate

  • Safeguarding training has been provided to volunteers and workers and completed before an event has been provided to volunteers and workers

  • Those in relevant roles have the appropriate safeguard training

Expected Behaviour and Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Act in ways that prioritise and promote safety and wellbeing

  • Respect personal boundaries, consent and difference

  • Avoid behaviour that could be abusive, coercive or misinterpreted

  • Follow instructions from the Shift team, including Safeguarding Leads

Physical contact must always be appropriate, welcome and proportionate to the situation. Prayer for under‑18s or adults at risk must only occur with another appropriate adult present.

Equality, Confidentiality and Boundaries

Shift Weekend values diversity and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or abuse of power. Confidential information will be handled lawfully and sensitively, in line with data protection legislation. Staff and volunteers must not pursue ongoing contact with children or adults at risk following the event either in person or online.

Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, financial, discriminatory or neglectful* Anyone can be vulnerable at any time.

If you have a concern or receive a disclosure:

  • Stay calm and listen

  • Do not promise confidentiality

  • Do not investigate or ask leading questions

  • Offer reassurance that they were right to share their concerns.

  • Report the concern immediately to a Shift Safeguarding Lead or Event Lead. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first.

All concerns will be taken seriously, recorded appropriately and handled in line with UK safeguarding legislation. Information will be shared only on a need‑to‑know basis.

Review

This policy was adopted in May 2026, will be reviewed regularly and updated as required.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By taking part in Shift Weekend, all participants agree to uphold this policy and contribute to a culture of safety, care and accountability.

Shift Weekend 2026, July 3-5th

Address: Leigh Court, Gloucester, GL19 4AF

General Info: info@shift-uk.com

Chair:  Hugh Chichester

Safeguarding Trustee: Lydia Hardingham

Safeguarding Lead 2026: Victoria Wells

Email: safeguarding@shift-uk.com

Charity Number: 1165932

For independent advice call the Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline: 0303 003 11 11

Appendix

  • Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse: Hitting, pushing, kicking, rough handling, misuse of medication, or inappropriate restraint.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual acts without consent, where consent couldn’t be given or was pressured. Includes non‑contact abuse such as voyeurism or pornography.

Psychological / Emotional Abuse: Intimidation, threats, humiliation, blaming, manipulation, or overriding someone’s choices or consent. Often occurs alongside other forms of abuse.

Financial Abuse: Theft, fraud, exploitation, or pressure relating to money, property, possessions, or benefits.

Spiritual Abuse: Coercion or control in a spiritual or religious context. This may include manipulation, enforced obedience, misuse of scripture, pressure to conform, isolation, or claiming divine authority to control others. It is an abuse of power and is therefore linked to emotional abuse.

Neglect and Acts of Omission: Failure to meet basic care needs, including medical care, access to services, food, warmth, or medication.

Discriminatory Abuse: Abuse motivated by prejudice related to race, gender, disability, age, religion, culture, or sexual orientation.

Institutional Abuse and Poor Practice: Poor or unsafe practices within organised settings, ranging from neglect to serious misconduct.

Conversion Therapy: Any practice that seeks to change, suppress, or deny a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is not tolerated at Shift.

Online / Digital Abuse: Abuse carried out through online or digital platforms, including harassment, bullying, threats, intimidation, stalking, coercion, or exploitation. This may involve non‑consensual sharing of images or information, impersonation, repeated unwanted contact, or encouraging others to target an individual online.