Children Policy

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

Reviewed and updated: August 2026

Organisation

Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance

Registered Charity

1128219

Main Address

5 Temple Street, West Bromwich, B70 9AE, Sandwell, United Kingdom

Website

www.lanouvellealliance.co.uk

Policy Review

At least annually, and sooner following significant legal, organisational or safeguarding changes

1. Purpose and commitment

Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and Christ-centred environment in which children and young people are valued, listened to, respected and protected from harm.

This policy replaces the church’s earlier safeguarding children policy, which identified the welfare of the child as the most important consideration and committed the church to safe recruitment, responding to concerns, supporting parents/carers and maintaining links with statutory agencies.

The welfare and safety of every child are paramount.
All children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: trustees, church leaders, staff, volunteers, ministry workers and members must act on concerns.
Children and young people will be treated with dignity and respect, without discrimination.
Concerns will be taken seriously, recorded appropriately and referred to statutory services when required.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all church activities involving anyone under the age of 18, including Sunday school, youth activities, worship services, community programmes, trips, transport, online communication, pastoral support, prayer ministry and any activity organised in the church’s name.

For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.

3. Legal and safeguarding framework

The church will work in accordance with applicable safeguarding law and statutory guidance in England, including the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and current statutory safeguarding guidance. The church will also have regard to Charity Commission safeguarding expectations for charities working with children and young people.

Where an immediate risk or emergency exists, the safety of the child takes priority over internal church procedures.

4. What is abuse?

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment. A child may be harmed by an adult or another child, through an act or through a failure to act. The four main categories are:

Physical abuse

Physical abuse includes deliberately causing physical harm, for example hitting, shaking, burning, poisoning, suffocating or otherwise injuring a child. No church practice, prayer, discipline, deliverance or religious ceremony may involve conduct that harms or places a child at risk of harm.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is persistent emotional maltreatment that may seriously affect a child’s emotional development. It can include humiliation, threats, rejection, intimidation, persistent criticism, frightening a child or placing inappropriate spiritual pressure on them.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing, enticing or manipulating a child to take part in sexual activity, whether or not the child understands what is happening. It can also include non-contact activity and online abuse.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs, including adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, protection from danger and access to necessary medical care.

5. Faith practices, prayer and fasting

Prayer with children must be gentle, age-appropriate, respectful and never coercive. A child must never be subjected to frightening language, physical restraint, forced ingestion of substances, excessive pouring of water or oil, or any practice presented as spiritual ministry that could cause physical or emotional harm.

Children must not be required to fast. Any voluntary fasting by an older child must be approached with particular care, be appropriate to age and development, involve parental/carer awareness and must never compromise the child’s health or welfare.

6. Recognising possible signs of harm

Possible indicators can include unexplained or repeated injuries, fearfulness, sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, aggression, persistent hunger, poor hygiene, untreated health needs, age-inappropriate sexualised behaviour, sleep disturbance, sudden deterioration in school performance, or a child making a disclosure. A single sign does not necessarily prove abuse, but concerns must not be ignored.

7. Responding to a disclosure or concern

If a child tells you that they have been harmed, or you become concerned about a child:

Listen carefully and remain calm.
Take the child seriously and reassure them that they did the right thing by speaking.
Do not investigate, interrogate or ask leading questions.
Do not promise secrecy. Explain that information must be shared with people who can help keep them safe.
Do not confront the alleged person responsible.
Make a written record as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where possible, and record the date, time, place and people present.
Report the concern promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. A referral to Children’s Social Care or the Police must not be delayed because a church safeguarding lead is unavailable.

8. Safeguarding leadership and reporting

The trustees and church leadership retain overall responsibility for safeguarding. The church will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead who are suitable, trained and clearly identified to workers, parents/carers and children.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

To be formally appointed / confirmed

DSL contact number

To be inserted

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

To be formally appointed / confirmed

Deputy contact number

To be inserted

A safeguarding concern must be shared only with those who need the information in order to protect the child and manage the concern appropriately. Confidentiality must never be used as a reason not to report a child-protection concern.

9. Safer recruitment, DBS checks and supervision

Anyone undertaking regulated or safeguarding-related work with children will be recruited and supervised appropriately. Depending on the role, this may include:

A clear role description and application process.
Identity checks and appropriate references.
An appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where the role is eligible.
Safeguarding induction and ongoing training.
Clear supervision, accountability and review.
A requirement to follow this policy and the church’s code of conduct.

10. Safe working practice

Treat every child with dignity and use age-appropriate language.
Plan activities with appropriate adult supervision and safe adult-to-child arrangements.
Avoid unnecessary one-to-one isolation with a child; use open, observable and accountable settings wherever possible.
Never use corporal punishment, humiliating discipline, threats or degrading treatment.
Use appropriate boundaries around touch. Any physical contact must be child-led or necessary, proportionate and suitable to the context.
Obtain appropriate parental/carer consent for activities, trips, transport, photographs and relevant medical information.
Follow safe procedures for online contact, messaging, photographs, video and social media involving children.
Record accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns promptly.

11. Allegations or concerns about workers and leaders

Any allegation or safeguarding concern involving a pastor, trustee, leader, staff member, volunteer or other person working with children must be taken seriously and reported immediately through the safeguarding procedure. The matter must not be handled informally or investigated internally in a way that could compromise a statutory investigation. Where required, the church will cooperate with Children’s Social Care, the Police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and other relevant authorities.

12. Known offenders or persons who may present a risk

Where a person attending the church is known or reasonably believed to present a safeguarding risk to children, the church will seek appropriate safeguarding advice, complete a risk assessment and establish clear written boundaries. The safety and welfare of children will determine any arrangements.

13. Information sharing, records and confidentiality

Safeguarding records will be factual, dated, stored securely and kept separately from general ministry records where appropriate. Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis for safeguarding purposes and in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements. The welfare of a child may require information to be shared without consent.

14. Supporting children, families and those affected by abuse

The church will respond pastorally and compassionately to children, adults and families affected by abuse while respecting professional and statutory safeguarding processes. Pastoral care must never replace referral to qualified or statutory services where safeguarding action is required.

15. External safeguarding contacts

Emergency

999 – where a child is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress

West Midlands Police

101 for non-emergency police matters

Sandwell Children’s Social Care

Use Sandwell Council’s current children’s safeguarding / social care contact route

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000

Thirtyone:eight

0303 003 1111 – safeguarding advice for churches and faith organisations

Because local authority and agency contact details can change, the church should verify the current Sandwell safeguarding contact information whenever this policy is reviewed and ensure the latest numbers are displayed for workers.

16. Governance, training and review

The trustees will ensure that safeguarding is a standing governance responsibility. Safeguarding arrangements, training, safer recruitment practices, incidents and risks will be reviewed regularly. This policy will be reviewed at least annually and after any serious safeguarding incident, significant organisational change or relevant change in law or statutory guidance.

17. Approval

Approved by

Trustees of Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance

Chair of Trustees

Audrey N’gom

Secretary

Hyacinthe Alexandra Woollery

Treasurer

Shidjey Eugénie Sauhi

Pastor / Church Leader

Prophet N’Gom Francis Clément

Approval / review date

August 2026

Equal Opportunities Policy

Eglise Evangelique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance

Address: 5 Temple Street, West Bromwich, B70 9AE

Charity No: 1128219

Equal Opportunities Policy

For Eglise Evangelique Missionnaire La nouvelle Alliance

1. Purpose

Eglise Evangelique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of its life and ministry. We believe that every individual is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is therefore of equal value and worth. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that no one is treated unfairly or unlawfully due to their identity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:
- All members, leaders, and volunteers of the church
- All staff employed by the church (where applicable)
- All individuals and groups who engage in the church’s ministries, programmes, and activities

3. Our Commitment

We will seek to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect regardless of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender or gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership status
- Pregnancy or maternity
- Race, colour, nationality, or ethnic origin
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation

We will also work to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, and to advance equality of opportunity within our church and community.

4. Biblical Foundation

Our approach to equality is rooted in Scripture:
- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
- “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” (James 2:1)

5. Implementation

- Leadership Responsibility: The church leadership team is responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring it is followed.
- Recruitment & Appointment: All appointments of staff, volunteers, or ministry leaders will be made on the basis of gifts, calling, and suitability, free from unlawful discrimination.
- Training & Awareness: Leaders and volunteers will be encouraged to understand and apply the principles of equal opportunities in their ministry.
- Accessibility: We will take reasonable steps to make our buildings, services, and activities accessible to all.

6. Complaints and Concerns

Any member, staff, or volunteer who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or victimisation within the church context is encouraged to raise their concern with the leadership team. All concerns will be taken seriously and addressed in a fair and confidential manner.

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or church practice.

GOVERNING DOCUMENT CONSTITUTION

GOVERNING DOCUMENT

CONSTITUTION

Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance

Registered Charity No. 1128219

Principal Address: 5 Temple Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 9AE

Website: www.lanouvellealliance.co.uk

Original Constitution Adopted: 7 February 2009

Consolidated Governing Document: 2026

For adoption by the Charity Trustees

1. Name

The name of the charity is Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance (the “Church” or the “Charity”). The Charity is registered in England and Wales under charity number 1128219.

2. Principal Office and Area of Benefit

The principal address of the Charity is 5 Temple Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 9AE. The Charity operates primarily for the benefit of people in West Bromwich, Sandwell, the West Midlands and elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and may undertake or support charitable work overseas where this furthers its charitable objects.

3. Charitable Objects

The objects of the Charity are, for the public benefit:

To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible, including through worship, prayer, preaching, teaching, evangelism, missionary activity, pastoral care and Christian discipleship.
To prevent or relieve poverty, hardship and distress by providing or supporting practical assistance, information, advice, food, essential items, community support and other charitable relief to people in need.
To advance health and wellbeing, including physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, through charitable activities, pastoral and community support, counselling-related support, fitness and wellbeing activities, and initiatives that reduce loneliness and social isolation.
To advance education and develop the skills, capacities and capabilities of children, young people and adults, including through training, mentoring, music, arts, sewing, employability, digital skills, life skills and other educational activities.
To advance citizenship and community development by bringing people together, supporting volunteering, strengthening community cohesion and providing inclusive activities and facilities for local residents.
To support children and young people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, exclusion or hardship, so that they may develop their skills, confidence, wellbeing and participation in society.
To further such other exclusively charitable purposes under the law of England and Wales as are consistent with the Christian ethos of the Charity and for the public benefit.

The Charity shall operate its charitable services without unlawful discrimination. Participation in community-benefit programmes funded for the wider public shall not be conditional upon adherence to the Christian faith, except where the nature of a specifically religious activity makes this inherent.

4. Powers

In furtherance of the objects, but not otherwise, the Charity Trustees may:

raise funds and receive grants, donations, legacies, gifts and other lawful income;
open and operate bank accounts in the name of the Charity;
employ staff and engage sessional workers, contractors, advisers and volunteers as necessary;
acquire, lease, hire, maintain, improve and dispose of premises, equipment and other property, subject to charity law;
organise worship services, community programmes, training, conferences, youth activities, wellbeing activities, outreach and charitable events;
make grants or provide goods, services or assistance to beneficiaries or charitable partners where this furthers the objects;
work with charities, churches, public authorities, schools, health bodies, voluntary organisations, funders and other partners;
establish committees and delegate functions to them while retaining overall trustee responsibility;
borrow money and give security where lawful and appropriate, taking professional advice where required;
invest funds not immediately required in accordance with applicable law;
purchase appropriate insurance, including trustee, public liability, employer’s liability and property insurance;
do all other lawful things necessary or desirable to further the charitable objects.

5. Application of Income and Property

The income and property of the Charity shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its charitable objects.

No part of the income or property may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of profit to members or Charity Trustees. This does not prevent reasonable and proper reimbursement of expenses, payments for goods or services where legally permitted, or other trustee benefits expressly authorised by law, the governing document or the Charity Commission.

Any payment or benefit to a Charity Trustee or connected person must be properly authorised, reasonable, in the best interests of the Charity, and managed in accordance with the conflict-of-interest provisions of this document.

6. Charity Trustees

The Charity Trustees are responsible for the general control, governance and management of the Charity. They must act collectively in the best interests of the Charity, comply with charity law, safeguard the Charity’s assets and ensure that its activities further its objects for the public benefit.

The Charity shall normally have at least three Charity Trustees. The trustees may determine an appropriate maximum number from time to time, provided effective governance is maintained.

6.1 Current Officers

Office

Name

Chair

Audrey N’gom

Secretary

Hyacinthe Alexandra Woollery

Treasurer

Shidjey Eugénie Sauhi

7. Appointment, Retirement and Removal of Trustees

New Charity Trustees may be appointed by resolution of the existing Charity Trustees, taking account of the skills, experience, independence and diversity needed for effective governance. Appointments shall be recorded in the minutes and relevant registers.

A Charity Trustee ceases to hold office if they resign in writing, die, become legally disqualified from acting as a charity trustee, are absent without reasonable cause from a substantial number of trustee meetings and the trustees resolve to remove them, or are removed in accordance with applicable law and a fair procedure.

A retiring trustee may be reappointed where eligible and where the trustees consider this to be in the Charity’s best interests.

8. Officers

The Charity Trustees shall appoint from among themselves a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, and may appoint other officers as required. Officers remain accountable to the full trustee body.

The Chair shall facilitate meetings and good governance; the Secretary shall support records, notices and minutes; and the Treasurer shall support oversight of financial records, budgets, banking and reporting. These descriptions do not remove the collective legal responsibility of all Charity Trustees.

9. Trustee Meetings and Decision-Making

The Charity Trustees shall meet as often as reasonably necessary and at least three times in each calendar year.

Reasonable notice of trustee meetings shall be given. Meetings may take place in person, by telephone or by suitable electronic means where all participants can communicate adequately.

The quorum for a trustee meeting shall be two Charity Trustees or one-third of the total number of trustees, whichever is greater.

Decisions shall normally be made by a simple majority of trustees present and entitled to vote. If votes are equal, the Chair may have a casting vote, except on a matter in which the Chair has a conflict of interest.

A unanimous written or electronic resolution of all Charity Trustees entitled to vote shall be as valid as a decision made at a meeting, provided the decision is properly recorded.

10. Conflicts of Interest and Loyalty

A Charity Trustee must declare any direct or indirect interest, loyalty or potential conflict in a matter being considered. The declaration shall be recorded.

Unless the non-conflicted trustees lawfully decide otherwise, the conflicted trustee shall withdraw from relevant discussion and voting and shall not be counted in the quorum for that matter. The trustees shall maintain a register of interests and review it regularly.

11. Membership and Participation

The Church may maintain a membership or congregation for pastoral and organisational purposes. Membership of the Church does not give any person a proprietary interest in the Charity’s assets.

Unless the governing arrangements expressly provide otherwise, legal responsibility for governance and charitable decision-making rests with the Charity Trustees.

The trustees may establish fair membership, conduct and disciplinary procedures consistent with the Christian ethos of the Church, charity law and applicable equality and safeguarding duties.

12. Annual General Meeting and Community Accountability

The trustees may hold an Annual General Meeting or annual community meeting to report on the Charity’s activities, finances, plans and impact. The trustees shall ensure that all statutory reporting obligations to the Charity Commission and other relevant authorities are met.

13. Finance and Internal Controls

The Charity Trustees shall ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that annual accounts, reports and returns are prepared and submitted as required by law.

All bank accounts shall be held in the name of the Charity.
The trustees shall approve appropriate banking mandates and financial authorisation limits.
No individual shall authorise a payment to themselves without independent approval and supporting evidence.
Restricted grants and donations shall be used only for the purposes for which they were given.
The trustees shall maintain proportionate internal financial controls, budgets, records of income and expenditure, and appropriate supporting documentation.
The trustees shall protect Charity funds from fraud, misuse and avoidable loss and shall report serious incidents where required.

14. Safeguarding

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. The trustees shall adopt, implement and regularly review appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures, including safer recruitment, reporting concerns, managing allegations, training and appropriate checks where required.

All staff, volunteers, leaders and contractors involved in regulated or safeguarding-sensitive activities must comply with the Charity’s safeguarding arrangements.

15. Equality, Inclusion and Public Benefit

In carrying out its charitable activities, the Charity shall have regard to the public benefit requirement and applicable equality law. Community services shall be delivered fairly and inclusively, subject to any lawful exceptions that apply to religious organisations or to the nature of a particular charitable activity.

16. Volunteers, Staff and Pastoral Leadership

The Charity may appoint ministers, pastors, project workers, employees, sessional workers and volunteers to carry out its activities. Operational or spiritual leadership roles do not automatically confer trustee status.

The trustees shall ensure that employment, volunteer management, expenses, remuneration and safeguarding arrangements are lawful, transparent and appropriately documented.

17. Property, Equipment and Assets

All property, equipment and other assets acquired using Charity funds or grant funding shall be held and used for the Charity’s purposes and recorded appropriately. Restricted or grant-funded assets shall be managed in accordance with the relevant funding conditions.

The trustees shall take reasonable steps to maintain, insure and protect the Charity’s premises and equipment.

18. Fundraising and Grants

The Charity may apply for and accept grants and conduct lawful fundraising in furtherance of its objects. The trustees shall ensure compliance with any conditions attached to grants, restricted funds and donations and shall maintain records sufficient to demonstrate proper use of funds.

Where a funder requires a project to be non-religious or open to the wider community, the Charity shall ensure that the funded activity is delivered in accordance with those conditions and that grant funds are not diverted to religious worship or proselytising unless expressly permitted.

19. Overseas and Missionary Work

The Charity may undertake or support missionary and other charitable work outside the United Kingdom where this furthers its objects. Before transferring funds or resources overseas, the trustees shall undertake appropriate due diligence, document the charitable purpose, maintain adequate financial controls, monitor use of funds and take reasonable steps to manage safeguarding, fraud, sanctions and other relevant risks.

20. Records

The Charity shall keep appropriate records, including minutes of trustee decisions, accounting records, registers of trustees and interests, policies, contracts, grant records and other documents required for good governance or by law. Records containing personal information shall be managed in accordance with applicable data protection law.

21. Policies

The trustees may adopt and amend policies consistent with this governing document, including policies on safeguarding, finance and internal controls, reserves, conflicts of interest, complaints, risk management, data protection, health and safety, equality and inclusion, volunteer management and trustee expenses.

22. Amendment of the Governing Document

The Charity Trustees may amend this governing document by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the trustees entitled to vote, provided that no amendment may cause the Charity to cease to be charitable or permit its property to be applied for non-charitable purposes.

Any amendment requiring the prior consent of the Charity Commission, or notification to the Commission or another regulator, shall not take effect until the relevant legal requirements have been satisfied.

23. Dissolution

If the Charity is dissolved, the Charity Trustees shall first discharge or make proper provision for its liabilities. Any remaining property shall not be distributed to members or trustees but shall be transferred to one or more charities with objects the same as or similar to those of the Charity, or otherwise applied for charitable purposes as agreed with the Charity Commission where necessary.

24. Interpretation

In this document, “Charity Trustees” means the persons having the general control and management of the administration of the Charity. “Charity Commission” means the Charity Commission for England and Wales. References to legislation include amendments and replacement legislation in force from time to time.

If any provision of this document is inconsistent with mandatory charity law, the mandatory legal requirement shall prevail and the trustees shall take appropriate steps to amend the document.

25. Adoption

This consolidated Governing Document is intended to update and restate the governance arrangements of Église Évangélique Missionnaire La Nouvelle Alliance, whose original constitution was adopted on 7 February 2009. It should be formally considered and adopted by the Charity Trustees in accordance with the amendment provisions of the Charity’s existing governing document and any applicable Charity Commission requirements.

Name

Signature

Date

Audrey N’gom – Chair

Hyacinthe Alexandra Woollery – Secretary

Shidjey Eugénie Sauhi – Treasurer

Important adoption note: Because a governing document is a legal document, the trustees should compare this consolidated version with the Charity’s currently registered governing document before adoption. Any regulated alteration or change requiring Charity Commission consent or notification must be handled in accordance with charity law.

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