Safeguarding Policy

• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount in everything we do.
• All children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, or belief, have an equal right to protection from harm.
• All concerns, disclosures, and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.
• We work in partnership with parents, carers, and local statutory agencies to promote welfare.

This policy applies to all trustees, committee members, employees, volunteers, teachers, and anyone representing Jamia Masjid Al-Madina in classes, events, Janazah services, or any other mosque activity involving children or vulnerable adults.

The Mosque Committee appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for handling concerns, liaising with external agencies, and keeping this policy up to date. Current contact details for the DSL are available from the Mosque office on 01642 245855 or info@al-madina.org.uk.

• Anyone teaching, supervising, or regularly working alone with children (e.g. Quran class teachers, youth activity volunteers) undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting.
• References are sought for all staff and regular volunteers in child-facing roles.
• A code of conduct applies to anyone working with children or vulnerable adults, including rules on one-to-one contact, photography, and use of physical contact.

Staff and volunteers are made aware of the main categories of abuse — physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and (for adults) financial or institutional abuse — and the signs that may indicate a child or adult is at risk, including changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, or disclosures made directly to a trusted adult.

Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult connected to the Mosque should:

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the person involved. Call 999 if there is immediate danger.
2. Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours.
3. Do not investigate the concern yourself, and keep information confidential on a need-to-know basis.
4. Write down what was said or observed as soon as possible, using the person's own words where there is a disclosure.

Information about a safeguarding concern is shared only with people who need to know, in line with data protection law (see our Privacy Policy). Where a child or adult is at risk of harm, the safety of that person always takes priority over confidentiality.

This policy is reviewed annually by the Mosque Committee, or sooner if there is a change in legislation or guidance. This is a working policy template and should be reviewed by the Committee and, where appropriate, a qualified safeguarding adviser to confirm named post-holders and local procedures are current.