Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

  1. Introduction
    The ShahJalal Mosque and Islamic Centre are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and vulnerable individuals who attend the mosque and its associated activities. This policy outlines our responsibilities and the procedures we will follow to ensure all individuals are protected from harm.
  2. Legal and Faith-Based Responsibility
    As Muslims, we believe children are an amanah (trust) from Allah and their safety, dignity, and wellbeing are paramount. As an organisation, we also recognise our legal obligations under UK safeguarding legislation including the Children Act 1989, 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
  3. Safeguarding Officer
    The mosque will appoint a Nominated Child Protection Officer (CPO), whose name and contact details will be displayed clearly within the mosque. Their duties include:
      • Responding to concerns and allegations of abuse
      • Keeping records of safeguarding issues
      • Liaising with local authorities and police where necessary
      • Ensuring all staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training

In the absence of the CPO, a deputy, a member of the Elders board or Management Team will assume responsibility.

  1. Types of Abuse
    Staff and volunteers must remain vigilant to the four main categories of abuse:
      • Physical Abuse – e.g., hitting, slapping, excessive discipline
      • Emotional Abuse – e.g., belittling, bullying, persistent criticism
      • Sexual Abuse – including inappropriate touching, grooming, or exposure
      • Neglect – e.g., failing to meet a child’s basic needs (care, supervision)
  1. Responding to Concerns
    If a child discloses abuse or if a staff member suspects abuse:
      • Stay calm and listen carefully
      • Reassure the child they have done the right thing
      • Do not promise to keep secrets
      • Record what was said using the child’s own words
      • Report immediately to the CPO
  1. Reporting Allegations
      • Any allegation involving a member of staff, volunteer, Imam, or trustee must be reported to the CPO or Chair.
      • Where a criminal offence is suspected, the police and local authority safeguarding team will be informed.
  1. Conduct and Supervision
      • Children must be supervised at all times during madrassah or mosque activities.
      • Children must not be left unattended, sent outside alone, or sent home during class hours unless collected by a parent/carer.
      • Physical punishment is strictly prohibited. Minimal restraint may only be used if the child poses an immediate risk to themselves or others.
  1. Training and Awareness
    All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training every 2 years and familiarise themselves with this policy. Refresher workshops may be held more frequently at the discretion of the CPO.
  2. Record Keeping
    All incidents, disclosures, or allegations must be recorded in a secure Safeguarding Log by the CPO. Notes must be factual, dated, and signed.
  3. Special Circumstances
      • Children with Special Educational Needs – Staff must take extra care to identify non-verbal cues of distress.
      • Ramadan and Fasting – Children below the age of puberty should not be pressured to fast. Safeguarding overrides tradition.
  1. Review
    This policy will be reviewed every 2 years or in response to changes in legislation, best practice, or serious incident.
  2. Contact Details
      • Nominated Child Protection Officer: [Insert Name & Number]
      • Deputy CPO /Member of Elders Board or Management Team: [Insert Name & Number]
      • Lancashire Children’s Safeguarding Board: https://www.lancashiresafeguarding.org.uk

Approved by the Trustees of ShahJalal Mosque – July 2025