CODEF UK Prayer Line: Safeguarding Policy

Aligned with National Safeguarding Best Practices and CSSA Standards

Document Control:

• Organisation: Champions of Destiny Foundation (CODEF) UK
• Effective Date: July 2026
• Review Date: July 2027 
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs Grace Attu (contact@codef.org.uk)

1. Policy Statement and Core Commitment

At Champions of Destiny Foundation (CODEF) UK, our mission is to bring hope, spiritual renewal, and practical relief to all who connect with us. In delivering our virtual, confidential CODEF UK Prayer Line (via phone and WhatsApp Business), we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and dignified digital sanctuary.

We formally adopt the core principles and standards of the CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency) as our operational benchmark for safeguarding excellence. We recognise that safeguarding is an integral part of our community support, and that every individual deserves absolute protection from harm, neglect, and abuse.

This policy applies to all trustees, coordinators, and volunteer prayer partners acting on behalf of CODEF UK.

2. Key Safeguarding Principles Applied

Our prayer line operations are guided by the following fundamental pillars:

1. Dignity and Respect: Every caller is treated as a person of infinite worth, regardless of background, faith, or circumstance.

2. Proactive Prevention: Creating clear digital boundaries that prevent abuse, grooming, or inappropriate emotional dependence.

3. Prompt and Compassionate Response: Acting swiftly when a child or vulnerable adult is identified as being at risk, without delay or hesitation.

4. Accountability and Safe Recruitment: Ensuring our volunteers are vetted, trained, and monitored under a strict code of conduct.

3. Definitions of Vulnerability and Abuse

For the purposes of the CODEF UK Prayer Line:

• Vulnerable Adult (Adult at Risk): Any person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing (or is at risk of) abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves.
  
• Child: Any person under the age of 18.
  
• Types of Abuse: We train our volunteers to recognise signs of physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, or sexual abuse, domestic violence, modern slavery, neglect, self-harm, or active suicidal ideation disclosed during prayer chats or calls.

4. Operational Boundaries for the Prayer Line

To maintain a safe and healthy space, CODEF UK enforces strict operational safeguards:

A. Digital Contact Boundaries

• Official Channels Only: Volunteers must never use personal mobile numbers, personal social media accounts, or personal WhatsApp accounts to contact or reply to callers. All interactions must flow exclusively through the official CODEF UK WhatsApp Business account or designated virtual phone line.

• No Private Meetings: Under no circumstances should a prayer line volunteer offer to meet a caller in person privately, nor should they invite callers to their personal homes. Any transition from digital prayer to physical community support must only happen through official community events or public community pantry hours.

• Strict Time Limits: Prayer calls or chat sessions must be kept to reasonable, structured timeframes (e.g., maximum 15–20 minutes) to prevent unhealthy emotional attachments or over-reliance on individual volunteers.

B. Spiritual Safety and Non-Coercion

• Pastoral Sensitivity: Prayer must never be manipulative, coercive, or controlling. Volunteers must offer prayer as a free, gentle, and non-judgmental gift.
  
• Medical Disclaimer: Volunteers must never instruct a caller to stop taking prescribed medication, ignore professional medical advice, or bypass professional psychological care in favour of prayer. We believe professional medical care and spiritual support work hand-in-hand.

5. Procedure for Handling Disclosures or Active Crisis

Because a virtual prayer line can attract individuals in deep crisis, volunteers must follow a strict, phased response protocol:

Step 1: Active Listening and Grounding

If a caller discloses abuse, self-harm, or a desire to end their life:

• Keep your voice calm, gentle, and grounded.
• Acknowledge their pain without judgment: “I hear how incredibly heavy things are for you right now, and I am so glad you reached out to us today.”
• Listen patiently and write down exactly what they say (verbatim where possible), noting the time and any phone number or name displayed on the WhatsApp profile.

Step 2: The Confidentiality Disclaimer

CODEF UK operates a confidential service, but this confidentiality is not absolute. If a caller indicates they are about to harm themselves or someone else, or if a child is at risk, we have a legal and moral duty to breach confidentiality.

• Script for Volunteer: “I want to support you, but because I care about your safety, if I believe you or a child are in immediate danger of being seriously hurt, I cannot keep that a secret. I will need to share this with our Safeguarding Lead to get you the right help.”

Step 3: Immediate Referral and Signposting

For callers in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, we will direct them immediately to established, professional UK support networks:

• Emergency Services: 999 (if they are in immediate physical danger)
• The Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7 confidential listening support)
• Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258 (Free, 24/7 text support)
• Childline (if under 18): Call 0800 1111

Step 4: Internal Reporting (Within 2 hours)

• Immediately after the call or chat concludes, the volunteer must complete a standard CODEF Safeguarding Concern Form.
  
• This form must be emailed directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at contact@codef.org.uk within 2 hours.
  
• DO NOT investigate the matter yourself, confront any suspected abuser, or share details of the disclosure with anyone outside the DSL.

6. Safe Recruitment and Volunteer Support

To ensure the safety of our callers, CODEF UK implements strict vetting:

1. Application and Reference Checks: All volunteers must complete a written application and provide two character references from a community leader, previous employer, or faith leader.
   
2. DBS Checks: Volunteers operating the prayer line or working closely with vulnerable adults and children at our community pantry must undergo a standard/enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
   
3. Mandatory Safeguarding Training: Every volunteer must complete basic safeguarding training before they are permitted to handle any live prayer calls or chats.
   
4. Debriefing and Support: Listening to heavy personal struggles can be emotionally exhausting. CODEF UK provides regular group check-ins and debriefs for our volunteer team to protect their mental health and prevent burnout.

7. Compliance and Review

This policy will be continually audited. It will be formally reviewed and signed off annually by the Board of Trustees, ensuring it stays fully compliant with all updated UK legislation and safeguarding standards.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Founder & Initial Trustee, CODEF UK 

Date: 5 July 2026