Amazing Grace Advocacy and Support for the Vulnerable (AGASUVU) values the social, relational and interpersonal safety and wellbeing of all people of all ages.

As such we are committed to:

1) Everyone being treated with equal dignity.

Discrimination by people on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, family, tribe, religious belief, class, wealth or social background, sexual preference or political belief is not in keeping with the teaching of the Bible and is completely inappropriate. This is manifested by respecting the rights, worth, opinions and contributions of others when making decisions. 

2) The promotion of a safe environment where: 

a. Abuse of any nature (physical, emotional, neglect, sexual or spiritual) is neither tolerated nor able to take place. 

b. Bullying of any kind is neither tolerated nor allowed to take place.

Bullying can include:

• Exclusion from a group or activity
• Intimidation
• Extortion

c. Harrassment is neither tolerated nor allowed to take place. 

Harrassment is unwelcome conduct whether intended or not likely to make another person feel offended, belittled and/or threatened. It may occur through a single incident or a series of incidents over a period of time. 

Harrassment can include: 

• Unwelcome physical contact. 
• Unwelcome comments with sexual overtones or suggestions. 
• Gestures or language that could give offence including gossup, coarse hokes, unwarranted tone of voice or shouting.
• Unjustified or unneccessary comments about a person's attributes or abilities.

3) If working with or relating to a vulnerable adult or anyone under the age of 18 years.

Avoiding any situation where there is risk of allegations being made. This includes:

• No smoking, drinking alcohol or using banned substances. 
• Not providing these people with alcohol, nicotine or banned substances. 
• Always working in an open environment. This means avoiding private or unobserved situations.
• Avoiding all physical contact unless this is strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm to the person concerned. 
• Not engaging in any form of sexually related content, gestures or language. 
• Not directly messaging via email, text or social media platforms. (If necessary as part of the activities of AGASUVU, messages should be directed to the parents/guardians and the young person/vulnerable adult with the consent of both parties, or via open forum with appropriate language and content.)

4) When working with a member of the opposite sex (who is not a spouse or other close family member).

Avoiding any situation where there is a risk of allegations being made. This includes:

• Avoiding touch of any kind unless socially necessary or strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm to the person concerned.
• Avoiding spending excessive amounts of time alone together and instead wherever possible work in an open, observed environment. 
• Avoiding conversation, language or gestures that might imply the desire for an intimate relationship. 
• Being mindful of third parties and the avoidance of anything that might lead to their perception of anything innappropriate. 

Recruiting of Staff/Appointment of Trustees

AGASUVU is committed to safely recruiting, training and supporting all staff/trustees with any responsibility for young children, young people or vulnerable adults so that they have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse. 

Taking Action

The responsibility to report any observed breach, or concern about a possible breach of this Code of Conduct lies with every trustee, board member, staff member and volunteer at AGASUVU.

The reporting of any concerns should be made via the "Contact" page on the website. 

Issues pertaining to criminal actions will be reported to the police as required by law in the country where the alleged action has taken place. 

Should a safeguarding concern or allegation be made, AGASUVU is committed to:

• Listening and taking seriously all those who disclose abuse. 
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
• Caring pastorally where possible and appropriate for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons. 
• Responding to those who may pose a present risk to others. 

You can download our separate safeguarding policy for Amazing Grace Pre and Primary School below: