health and safety policy

GENERAL STATEMENT
Health and Safety is a major concern of the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Wood Green.
It is the responsibility of the Parochial Church Council to put in place arrangements to ensure that our premises are safe and healthy environments for all and that action be taken to monitor and maintain those premises.
Health and safety is for the most part a practical and down to earth subject.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
To carry out the Parochial Church Council's responsibilities under the health and safety law there are a number of things that need to be done. The most important are:

·         To ensure that each of us gives top priority to the health and safety of ourselves and of those who work in, worship in or visit our premises.

·         To assess the risks that exist within our premises and take action to stop those risks becoming accidents: and to do this regularly in both a formal and informal manner.

·         To ensure that the necessary resources ‑ whether time, money, training or support – are made available to achieve a safe and healthy environment.

·         If something goes wrong it must be reported and action taken to find out why it went wrong and to put it right for the future.

·         To look at health and safety arrangements in our parish at least once a year to ensure that they are kept up to scratch.

·         To support the work of Health and Safety Representative appointed by the Parochial Church Council and to take action when he/she expresses concern on issues in our parish.

ITEMS NEEDING REGULAR ATTENTION

                                                             I.      fire extinguishers (annual maintenance contract) & fire exits / signs

                                                           II.      first aid boxes

                                                         III.      electrical installation

                                                        IV.      lightning conductor (annual maintenance contract)

The Parochial Church Council has overall responsibility for Health and Safety. However, for practical reasons, monitoring is delegated to the District Church Councils who are responsible for issues that arise for their individual premises.
A member of the Parochial Church Council will be appointed annually to beresponsible for informing the District Church Councils on general issues of health and safety.
The District Church Councils will form a premises working party to whom issues of health and safety should always be referred. The members of those working parties will inspect their respective premises regularly, assess risks and the action needed and report recommendations to their District Church Council and to the Parochial Church Council.
A named First Aider will be appointed in both churches.

child protection policy

Introduction
The Parochial Church Council is responsible for the safety of children and young people on church premises and in church‑sponsored activities elsewhere.
Our Parochial Church Council has a legal and moral duty to the children and young people in our parish; we also have a duty to our youth leaders.
A person working regularly with young people will be asked to make a declaration relating to any previous criminal convictions (a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify them: it depends on the type of offence e.g. offence against children). These recommendations apply to those who are involved in activities such as choirs as well as youth clubs and Sunday School.
A check should be carried out if a leaders has substantial opportunity for unsupervised access to children and young people. This could be done by contacting a police community liaison officer. A checking system is not a substitute or an alternative to a proper recruitment policy.

Insurance and Liability
The parish should ensure that their Public Liability Insurance is enough to cover children and leaders in the event of possible accident or injury.
The church insurance policy only covers youth activities if the following conditions apply:

a) Those involved are exclusively church members.
b) The P.C.C. as the insured party, has agreed to and accepted responsibility for the activity being undertaken and has minuted this in its records in specific terms.

Other Requirements
The local Social Services department should be informed in advance of the intention to provide any facilities, such as a crèche, holiday club or play scheme, that involves the care of under 8’s for more than two hours a day on six or more occasions during the year.
Guidance, support and opportunities to discuss their work should be available in the parish for both new and experienced youth workers.
There should be a named person who will deal with claims of alleged abuse; that person should not be one of the clergy (who may have to deal with those involved in a pastoral capacity) or one of the youth leaders.
All those involved with young people should be aware of the Health and Safety policy of the parish, be aware of safety issues and how to protect children from abuse.

Procedure for the Selection of Youth Workers
The following factors are recommended as a good practice guide:

·         Previous experience of looking after or working with young people

·         If no previous experience, the worker should undertake training within the first 12 months

·         Workers should have the ability to provide warm and consistent care

·         Workers should be willing to respect the background and culture of all the children in their care

·         Workers should be willing to make a commitment to treat all the young people as individuals and with equal concern

·         Workers should be physically healthy, mentally stable, have integrity & flexibility

This procedure should be used sensitively, all information treated confidentially and the same process used for everyone

Staff / Children Ratios
For the protection of young people and youth workers there should always be at least two workers, no matter how small the group.
The gender of leaders should reflect the group, i.e. there should be at least one male leader if possible when there are boys present and always at least one female leader when there are girls present.

Taking Children off the Premises

If young people are to be taken off church premises at any time written permission from the parents / guardians must be obtained.

If young people are to be transported in a car or other vehicle the parents / guardians must be informed. Persons transporting children in a car should make sure that their insurance covers transportation of children on this basis, and parents should be informed of this necessity.

A list of names, addresses and next of kin of all the children and workers who are away from the church premises should always be available in the parish. Leaders should also have such a list.

Regulations for Leaders
ü   All youth workers must be committed to giving our young people warm and consistent care.

ü   If a youth worker has no previous experience or qualification in the relevant field, training should be undertaken within the first twelve months

ü   All those involved with young people should be aware of the Health and Safety policy of the parish and be aware of safety issues.

ü   All those involved with young people should know how to protect children from and recognise the signs of abuse.

ü   No worker should be in sole charge of a child or children or meet a child off church premises without a parent or another adult present.

ü   No person under the age of 18 years should be left in charge of any children of any age.

ü   No child or group of young people (under 16) should be left unattended at any time.

A register of all the young people attending the club/activity should be kept.

Youth Leaders and Helpers
In an emergency youth leaders and helpers should know:

1.     the location of the nearest telephone
2.     fire drill
3.     who is the caretaker of the building and where to find him / her
4.     where the local GP / hospital accident department is
5.     where the local police is
6.     the location and how to deal with:

a)          central heating, Gas and Electricity
b)          the fuse box
c)          the first aid box
d)          the security of the building
e)          cleaning materials

6.  basic information for the children in your care

a)          Home address and telephone number
b)          Contact number of a relative, friend or neighbour in case the parent / guardian cannot be contacted.

7.  how to recognise a case of abuse and the procedure to follow if abuse is suspected.
 

disability discrimination / accessibility policy

GENERAL STATEMENT
The Parochial Church Council are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can worship alongside everyone else and with complete access to our church buildings.
We aim to create an atmosphere that is welcoming for everyone, whether or not they have a disability.

Disability Etiquette
Many non-disabled people have surprising apprehensions and fears whilst interacting with disabled people. The purpose of this paper is to provide a few guidelines about this interaction – but most of it comes from basic common sense.
In all communication with disabled people, it is important to understand that there are some widely used words and phrases that give offence, because they reinforce the very prejudices and preconceptions which you are  trying to challenge in integrating with disabled people                                                                 
It is important to remember some of these ideas when meeting or conversing with disabled people. This paper considers language, behaviour and common courtesies which should be used throughout this communication process. Above all, it is important not to get hung up over language, and to behave as naturally as possible avoiding language that may offend.

Language
1.    Use the term disabled rather than the word handicapped.

2.    Refrain from using the word disabled as a noun – i.e. The Disabled. All disabled people are not a homogenous group but individuals.

3.    Avoid referring to an individual by the condition they have. A person is not a condition.

4.    Avoid attaching labels to people with or without disabilities – i.e. the word normal has no real meaning if we are all different.

5.    Some words to be avoided:

Victim  use – person who has / with / who has experienced
Crippled by use – person who has / with / who has experienced
Suffering from use – person who has / with / who has experienced
Afflicted by use – person who has / with / who has experienced
Wheelchair bound  use – wheelchair user
Mental handicap  use – person with learning difficulty
Mental illness  use – person with a mental health problem
Invalid  use – disabled person

 General behaviour
1.    Leaning on a person’s wheelchair may be considered annoying, but do not allow it to become a barrier to appropriate physical contact.

2.    When offering assistance to a blind person, ask them directly what you need to do, but as a rule allow the person to take your arm. You should guide rather than lead or propel the person. Advise on steps and other obstacles as they occur.

3.    To help a blind person sit down, place their hand on the back of the chair and tell them what you have done.

4.    Advise a blind person when you are leaving them, otherwise they may end up talking to fresh air.

5.    Introduce yourself by name on meeting a blind person, as they may not recognize your voice.

Offering help
1.    Most disabled people do not need any extra help. The most common reason for requiring help is a restrictive environment.

2.    Disabled people are all individuals – some will be very confident in asking for help, others not.

3.    Never assume what help is needed or how to provide it. Offer help if you think it may be needed by asking, ‘are you ok’, or ‘do you need some help?’

4.    Disabled people have the right to say NO.

5.    Disabled people may get stroppy, which can be for various reasons. But they should not be allowed to get away with inappropriate behaviour as it is as patronizing as patting them on the head. Unreasonable and / or rude behaviour should be confronted.

Conversation
1.    Talk directly to the disabled person rather than through a companion. Relax, and make eye contact.

2.    Don’t be embarrassed about using common expressions such as, ‘see you later’, or ‘I’ll be running along then’.

3.    Establish whether or not a deaf person can lip-read. Look directly at them and speak clearly and slowly. Do not shout or exaggerate lip movement

4.    Facial expressions and gesturing help deaf people to understand you. Face the light and keep things away from your mouth while speaking, and don’t wear sunglasses.

5.    Many deaf people prefer to use sign language. It’s a language like any other with its own grammar. Interpreters should be provided if deaf people are present at meetings or in an official interview situation.

6.    When talking to a person who is in a wheelchair, get down to their eye level.

7.    Resist the temptation of asking negative or intrusive questions such as, ‘What’s wrong with you’, or  ‘Have you always been like that?’

People with speech problems
1.    Don’t mouth words when a person with a speech impediment speaks to you.

2.    Don’t anticipate and finish sentences or find words to help people with speech impairments.

3.    Don’t offer pen and paper. This shows that you are interested in hearing what the person has to say.

4.    Don’t nod or shake your head in reply or acceptance if you have not understood what has been said to you.

5.    Don’t be afraid to ask for words or sentences to be repeated. People with speech impediments are used to being asked to say things again.

6.    Always speak directly to the person with the speech impediment and not to their companion.

7.    Never assume that a speech impediment means a learning difficulty or a learning impairment.

People with poor hand functions

1.    The fact that someone has difficulty in handling money doesn’t mean that you have the right to help yourself to coins without being asked to do so by the disabled person or without asking permission.

2.    Signing a form or document on a hard surface can be difficult for someone with poor hand function. It is helpful to offer a pad of paper or even a newspaper to rest the document on.

3.    At social functions, rigid alternatives to paper cups should be provided, as paper cups tend to squash easily.

Common courtesies

 1.    When organizing a meeting or conference, consult disabled people on access issues. Ensure there is a statement on posters or leaflets welcoming disabled people and advising on access provision.

2.    Don’t make assumptions about the existence or absence of disabilities. Some people have hidden disabilities e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, sickle cell anaemia etc.

3.    People with sight or hearing impairments (as well as people with other impairments) should be consulted as to preferred seating positions that may help enhance their participation.

 

 

race equality policy

Introduction
The aim of our Parish is to promote race equality by:

·        eliminating unlawful racial discrimination

·        promoting equal opportunities

·        promoting good relations between people of different racial groups

 This Parish is founded upon and deeply rooted in the Christian faith as it has been handed down to us from the apostles. Through our corporate life, we attempt to glorify God in our worship, mission and outreach by helping the development of the full human potential in each person. Our Parish ethos of love and care and its commitment to justice and peace are the foundation of its aims in educating the local community to make its proper contribution to society.

 The Parish of Wood Green:

                     I. is opposed to all forms of racism which seek to disadvantage persons on the grounds of colour, culture or ethnic origin

                   II.  will continue to re-appraise and develop its organisation and worship in order to create an ethos that meets the needs of all its people and so provide the best possible environment in which they may achieve their full potential, spiritually, morally, socially, intellectually and emotionally

                 III.  will not tolerate racist behaviour such as name calling, stereotyping of all ethnic groups, insulting remarks, offensive graffiti, undue pressure on individuals and bullying. We will not use literature that is racially biased and dependent upon stereotypes, nor will we allow the distribution of racist literature or pamphlets or permit the wearing of racially offensive symbols

                IV.  will take immediate and positive action against any racist offences whoever may be the perpetrator. Those responsible will be made aware of our Parishes opposition to racism and reasons will be given. Sanctions will be applied as judged appropriate according to the circumstances and having in mind a positive outcome

in the light of the above, is aware of the need to publicise our racial equality policy and code of conduct. We will keep them under review and maintain a system of monitoring their effectiveness

Responsibilities

a.                 The Parochial Church Council will ensure that the Parish complies with its duty under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act and that its policies and related strategies and procedures are implemented

b.                 The Clergy and Churchwardens will be responsible for implementation of the policy and ensuring all other council members are aware of their responsibilities and given training and support where necessary

c.                  A named member of the P.C.C. will be given specific responsibility for    co-ordinating racial equality across the Parish and for dealing with specific racist incidents

d.                 All council members will be responsible for dealing with racist incidents, challenging racial bias and stereotyping, promoting racial equality and keeping up-to-date with race relations legislation (by attending training if and when necessary)

e.                 Visitors, service providers, employees and contractors will be made aware of their responsibility to comply with the Parish policy (*1)

Commitment
We are committed to continually seeking ways of ensuring that minority ethnic and majority ethnic people actually get to know each other and mix on friendly, mutually accepting terms both for worship and other activities which make up the life and witness of our Parish.
One of the ways given to us all of valuing each other is to address each other by our name. We are therefore committed to getting to know one another’s names – and to using them.
We seek ways of creating a fellowship which enables people to share their    expe­riences freely and unselfconsciously.

Good Practice
through Welcoming
The Churches in our Parish are learning welcoming skills and skills to deal with other cultures; we seek to provide opportunities for issues of concern to minority ethnic people to be aired, and develop ways of listening to each other, and learning from one another

through Being sensitive (*2)
We seek ways of becoming aware of how racism operates and opportunities to discuss it are always available during the course of our Parish life together, so that we may begin the process of combating it

 through Activities
We ensure that our Churches’ worship and activities reflect the special interests of minority ethnic as well as majority ethnic members, planning together what is appropriate and releasing the natural gifts of all the people of God; we seek ways of ensuring that minority ethnic members are fully included in the conduct of worship

through Training
We are committed to gaining help from minority ethnic members in providing positive images of their culture and history to the young people of our Parish. In this, we are trying to create an atmosphere and practice where it is natural for 'upward looks' to be focused on minority ethnic leadership (or heroes), rather than exclusively major­ity ethnic leadership

through Membership
We ensure that everyone, especially minority ethnic people who attend our churches, are welcomed into full membership at the earliest opportunity

through our Parochial Church Council & District Church Councils
We ensure that minority ethnic members of our Parish are represented on our Church Councils and decision‑making bodies so that those who order Parish life will be truly representative of those who faithfully worship here

through our Daily life
Regular members of the congregation should endeavour to practise total integrity in carrying the Christian perception of equality into their daily life, at home, in the local community, at work and in their leisure activities. This will be reflected in particular in their willingness to challenge discriminatory practices and remarks wherever and whenever encountered

through Giving
Giving of both time and money, by individuals and by the Church corporately, reflects need without regard to culture or ethnicity. We ensure that causes we give to charitably include those which bene­fit members of minority groups in Britain, and other cultures and ethnic groups overseas

 through Relations with Black majority (Pentecostal) Churches
We welcome and affirm the presence of Black majority Churches in this area. We are committed to enabling Black-led Churches to use our Parish hall resources

Notes
*1

a. Attention will be drawn to this policy in literature we send out eg. Letter-heads, compliment slips etc., and on our Parish web-site

*2

a. Discussion about various race related issues can take place in any of our Parish group activities eg. Confirmation Groups, the Men’s Group etc. and during any of the Parish Councils or meetings.

 b. Examine traditional ways of expressing ourselves. White people, often uncon­sciously, use language and sayings which are offensive and hurtful to minority ethnic people. Minority ethnic people often internalise racism by saying things which they think majority ethnic people want to hear rather than what they really think.

 Action
In the event that a racial incident takes place the following action will be taken:

• The Parish Policy on Race Equality will be reinforced to the person/s involved in the incident. Support will be given to the recipient/s

• An incident record (pro-forma) will be kept in an appropriate file

• The incident records will be monitored regularly to build up a picture of any patterns

• The Parochial Church Council (and District Church Councils) will be informed of any breach of the policy

A copy of the Parish Racial Equality Policy will be made available near the entrance to both churches at all times with the other Parish policies

 

Health & Safety     Child Protection     Disability Discrimination     Race Equality