Safeguarding Policy

Global Breakthrough Ministries Ltd is committed to the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, who participate in our programs or interact with our ministry. We believe that every person has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This policy outlines our safeguarding responsibilities and the measures we take to ensure a safe environment, in compliance with Australian law and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) standards.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to:

• Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who interact with our ministry.
• Provide staff, volunteers, and partners with clear guidelines on their responsibilities in safeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Australian child protection laws and ACNC governance standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved with Global Breakthrough Ministries Ltd, including:

• Staff (both paid and voluntary)
• Contractors and third-party service providers
• Board members
• Volunteers
• Partner organisations

3. Principles

Our Safeguarding Policy is based on the following key principles:

• Zero tolerance of abuse: We will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
• Child-focused approach: In all decisions and actions involving children, the best interests of the child will be the primary consideration.
• Transparency and accountability: We will implement transparent and accountable procedures for managing and reporting safeguarding issues.

4. Definitions

• Child: Any person under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable adult: A person aged 18 or over who is at greater risk of harm or exploitation due to factors such as age, disability, mental illness, or dependency.
• Abuse: Includes physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation.

5. Responsibilities

• Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are required to comply with this policy and report any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.
• Board Members: The Board is responsible for ensuring the organisation upholds its safeguarding obligations and regularly reviews safeguarding practices.
• Safeguarding Officer: A designated Safeguarding Officer will oversee all safeguarding matters, including managing reports, conducting investigations, and ensuring staff and volunteers are adequately trained.

6. Code of Conduct

All individuals involved in our ministry must adhere to the following conduct:

• Treat all children, young people, and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity.
• Avoid any inappropriate behaviour or contact with children or vulnerable adults.
• Ensure that all interactions with children and vulnerable adults take place in open, visible settings.

7. Training and Awareness

All staff, volunteers, and board members must undergo safeguarding training as part of their induction and participate in regular refresher training. This ensures everyone is aware of their responsibilities and equipped to identify and report safeguarding concerns.

8. Reporting Concerns

Any suspicion or allegation of abuse or exploitation must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer. All reports will be handled confidentially, and the safety of the individual will be prioritized. We will take appropriate action in line with Australian law and child protection standards.

9. Working with Partners

We are committed to ensuring that our partners, including third-party service providers and contractors, adhere to our safeguarding standards. We will work with organizations that share our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

10. Review and Compliance

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current laws and regulations, including ACNC standards. We are committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practices.

Contact Information
For any concerns or questions regarding this Safeguarding Policy, please contact:

Safeguarding Officer
Global Breakthrough Ministries Ltd
PO Box 598
St Ives NSW 2075
Damien Poulsen
info@globalbreakthrough.org