Chicago Egyptian Academy

 

CEA Chicago Egyptian Academy projects are open to all young people,

American Artist & Director Mr. Lamonte' Johnson

His-Story
BlingYaBike began in 2004 when Lamonte Johnson came from Chicago Ill U.S and started the project. At that point, the project offered a rich mix of bike mechanics, art, and mentoring derived from Lamonte’s background as a trained artist and school teacher, and his experience as an art therapist. Lamonte has always been very adamant that young people learn that as they can fix a bike, they can also fix other problems in their lives. We teach, therefore, Bicycle Mechanics, Bicycle Art, and Bicycle Therapy. Bling Ya Fashion, Bling Ya Perfume

Past Project
Our initial 12-week course involves six weeks of Bike Mechanics and six weeks of Bike Art. The Bike Mechanics involves safety checks, as well as how to repair punctures, brakes, and gears, among other things. The Bike Art teaches young people how to spray paint an old bike and how to put artwork on a bike. The Bike Therapy aspects of the course are delivered by both explicit and implicit mentoring. We start with the thought that life is like riding a bicycle, and we teach core life skills of Resilience, Respect, and Re-Creation. 

A broken bicycle has many possible futures: it is a source of frustration, disappointment, and a disruptive force. However, it is also an opportunity, for creativity, for learning new skills, for a new direction, a new future. At our workshops, all students are trained to understand the importance of Resilience and a positive approach to adversity.

 2. Respect: “A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements”

 Students learn how to work constructively as a team with others whom they perceive to be very different from themselves. This leads to respect for difference. Students also learn self-respect through their achievements on the project, and through the process of advancement on the project. Students also learn respect for property, their own bikes, and those of others... 

 
3. Re-Creation: “The act of creating again, to put fresh life into something”

During our workshops, students learn not only to fix broken bicycles, but to Re-Create them, to develop a vision for the new future, new life, and new identity that the bike will have, and then to make that become a reality through art, creativity, and liberal amounts of spray paint! We teach all students that they can Re-Create themselves, Re-Create their lives and choose a new future.



Safeguarding Policy

 Ownership: National Safeguarding Manager Date Issued: August 2020 Governance Forum Responsible Safeguarding Committee Version: 0.2 Document history: Distribution All representatives Review date of policy: August 2021 Review frequency Annually

 INTRODUCTION Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe environment for children, young persons, adults at risk and everyone who encounters the SVP and to allow appropriate healthy and supportive relationships to flourish across all Society activities without fear. Scope This policy and associated procedures govern all Conferences, District and Central Councils, the National Council and National Board of Trustees, as well as any SVP partner project overseas whether under the direct or indirect control of the Society in England and Wales. Its remit includes both auxiliary and full members as well as volunteers in Community Support Projects, Special Projects and Special Works including children’s camps who may encounter. All of the preceding individuals are known collectively as "our representatives,” KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Board While safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, the Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for all safeguarding matters and for providing adequate resources throughout the Society for effective safeguarding. Named Trustee A named Trustee with the experience, training and aptitude for safeguarding will take the lead in relation to the Board’s safeguarding responsibilities. The named Trustee will chair the Safeguarding Committee which meets at least 6 times per year in order to oversee all safeguarding matters including the Society’s Safeguarding Strategic Plan. The named Trustee will review the Society’s safeguarding procedures and submit an annual written report to the Board with recommendations. This review will form part of the annual review undertaken by the Governing Body to ensure that all policies, procedures, and training provided by the Society are effective and comply with the law. Safeguarding Committee Supporting the work of the Safeguarding Trustee, the Safeguarding Committee is responsible for providing expert advice, driving and supporting improvements in safeguarding policy and practice as well as reviewing all safeguarding cases and

 National Safeguarding Manager The National Safeguarding Manager reports to the Safeguarding Committee and is line managed by the Director of Governance and Compliance. He or she is responsible for the development and updating of safeguarding policy and procedures, safeguarding awareness training and implementation of best practice in line with policies and procedures by all representatives of the Society on a day to day, lived basis. The Safeguarding Manager is also responsible for the management of all safeguarding concerns and allegations raised as well as referrals to statutory agencies as required by law and policy. Executive and Management The Executive and SVP management teams shall be aware of and endorse the safeguarding policy and procedures set out in this document. They must also ensure that all staff, volunteers, and members who report to them are always aware of and abide by safeguarding the policy and procedure. Society Representatives All Society representatives including staff, members, other volunteers, and contractors must be aware of and abide by the policy and procedures set.

 POLICY STATEMENT 1.0 Definitions 1.1 Staff - A paid employee, contractor, placement, or non-member volunteer. 1.2 Members - Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) including all categories of membership. 1.3 Society Representatives – All staff, members, volunteers and contractors collectively 1.4 The Society – The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) 1.5 Child - anyone under the age of 18 years of age 1.6 Adult at Risk/Vulnerable Adult – any person over the age of 18 who is or may be in need of community-care services by reason of mental health issues, learning or physical disabilities, sensory impairment, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him/herself or unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or serious exploitation. The range of people considered to be vulnerable includes but is not limited to people encountering domestic violence, substance misusers and asylum seekers. 2.0 Key Principles 2.1 The Society’s safeguarding policy reflects theological, moral, and ethical values which flow from the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the SVP’s belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life. We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement, and respect that we can give. 2.2 These values commit us to honour the intrinsic dignity of every person and to create relationships of mutual respect regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic group, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, beliefs, or any other differences. 2.3 While this commitment extends to everyone we meet, it also recognises the need for special attention to ensure the welfare of children and adults with specific vulnerabilities and to ensure that action is taken to support them if they are at risk of significant harm from anyone. 2.4 This commitment also explicitly recognizes the additional needs and barriers met by beneficiaries from minority ethnic groups and by disabled persons. 2.5 These beneficiaries include individuals who are reliant on humanitarian aid, or members of marginalised groups who face exclusion due to one or more aspects of their identity and whose voices may not be heard. 2.6 The best interests of children and adults at risk will always be of paramount importance.


 2.7 All of our adult representative have a responsibly to act and intervene when it appears that children and adults at risk need to be made safe from harm whether the risk of harm is neglect, sexual, physical, psychological, emotional, financial or any other kind of abuse. 2.8 Reflecting a ‘One Church’ approach, the SVP’s safeguarding policies and procedures reflect those of the Catholic Church in England and Wales as encapsulated in CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service) policies and procedures. 2.9 We recognise that the nature of our work with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities and the resources we have access to can create unequal power dynamics and we must guard against a risk no matter how small that some of our representatives might exploit their position of trust. 2.10 Therefore, our Codes of Conduct which should be read in conjunction with this policy make explicit commitments that the personal and professional conduct of anyone who represents the SVP is and is seen to be of the highest standard. Our Codes of Conduct strongly condemn all kinds of abuse and exploitation, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and make clear that the SVP will not tolerate any form of such behaviour and will act swiftly and decisively to stop such behaviour. 2.11 This policy also makes explicit the organisation’s commitment to the development of best practice and sound internal procedures. This ensures all safeguarding referrals will be handled sensitively, professionally and in ways which support the needs of all those involved. 2.12 All those acting in the name of the Society in any capacity have the responsibility to act and intervene when it appears that children or adults at risk need to be made safe from risk of abuse or maltreatment. 2.13 Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Society will be responded to sensitively, respectfully, and seriously in a timely manner. 3.0 Policy Reporting Abuse 3.1 Guided by victim-centred principals, allegations of serious abuse of adults at risk shall be reported to relevant statutory agencies in keeping with the Care Act and all other related legislation to ensure that they are dealt with promptly and properly. 3.2 With regard to safeguarding children, our policies and procedures will be guided by The Children’s Acts 1989 and 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. Even where no statutory obligation exists, we will report all allegations of abuse of children to the appropriates services and statutory agencies. Working Together 3.3 The Society will act in an open and transparent and accountable way in working in partnership with social care services, the Police, health agencies, probation services and Issue Date: August 2020 / Version No. 0.2 Page 7 of 10 Review Date: August 2021 other relevant agencies and assist in bringing to justice anyone acting in the

 other relevant agencies and assist in bringing to justice anyone acting in the name of the Society who has committed an offence against a child or an adult at risk. Safer Recruitment 3.4 The Society recognizes the importance of operating recruitment and selection procedures and other human resources management processes that help deter, reject, or identify people who might abuse children and adults at risk or who are otherwise unsuited to work with these groups. Therefore, in accordance with statutory guidance and the Safer Recruitment Policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Society employs safer recruitment practices in all its areas of operation. Awareness Training 3.5 Training and raising awareness of safeguarding issues, policies and procedures is fundamental to the development and maintenance of a safe environment and safer organisation and we embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Therefore, training will not be regarded as a 'once only' activity, but as an on-going development of skills and knowledge of safeguarding. 3.6 All members, volunteers and staff will receive induction training and/or information in safeguarding awareness, policy, and procedures, sufficient and commensurate to the role that is being performed and the level of responsibility of the individual. This training will take place as soon as possible during the probationary period. 3.7 Appropriate training/information will cover policies, procedures, awareness, and skills in safeguarding, creating safe environments, safe recruitment, and recognising, responding to and reporting concerns and allegations of maltreatment. Low-Level Concerns 3.8 In order to maintain a safer environment for all children and young people we encounter, the Society has adopted a Low-Level Concerns reporting policy. 3.9 A low-level concern is any disquieting behaviour towards children which falls below the threshold of an allegation or is otherwise not serious enough on its own to merit a referral to a statutory agency. 3.10 Such concerns include behaviours inconsistent with Society Codes of Conduct on a spectrum from the inadvertent or inappropriate to that which is ultimately intended to enable abuse even where occurring outside of activities carried on behalf of the Society. All concerns will be responded to proportionately which may include the provision of guidance, supervision, further training, management guidance or referral to authorities. 3.11 This policy enables the early sharing of any genuine concern about a child. It ensures that no opportunities are missed to identify and effectively and proportionately respond to any such concerning behaviour. It also ensures that adults working on or on behalf of the Society are clear about professional boundaries and act within them in accordance with the SVP ethos at all times.


 Twinnage 3.12 With reference to our Twinnage work, Society policy also reflects international safeguarding standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant Human Rights Conventions, the UN Secretary General’s Bulletin for Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse; IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) Minimum Operating Standards for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS). 3.13 As each Twinnage country has its own specific legislative requirements relating to safeguarding such as criminal law, recruitment vetting processes, data protection and reporting protocols, if circumstances arise where SVP policy contravenes or contradicts local legislation, local legislation must be followed with guidance from the National Safeguarding Manager and Safeguarding Committee 3.14 This document will apply if SVP policy is more stringent than local legislation Support for Victims and Survivors of Abuse 3.15 The SVP is committed to challenging abusive behaviour and encouraging people to accept responsibility for their harmful actions. 3.16 Support will be offered to those seeking in so far as is reasonably practicable, considering an assessment of needs, the availability of resources and all other circumstances. Whistle Blowing 3.17 In line with the Public Disclosure Act 1998, SVP members, volunteers or staff are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns about fellow members, volunteers, or staff, made in good faith, without fear of repercussion. 4.0 References This document should be read in conjunction with the following individual safeguarding procedures, handbooks, and codes of conduct: • Camp Safeguarding Procedures • Camp Helpers’ Handbook • Camp Junior Helpers’ Handbook • Young Volunteers in Community Shops Procedures and Handbook • Conference Safeguarding Procedures • Conference Recruitment Procedures • Members’ Code of Conduct • Staff Code of Conduct • Volunteers’ Code of Conduct

 5.0 Legislative Framework Children • The Children’s Acts 1989 and 2004. • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. • Children and Families Act 2014 • Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners • Safeguarding Children who may have been trafficked 2011 • Safeguarding Children in Whom Illness is Fabricated or Induces 2008 • What to Do If You Are Worried a Child is being Abused 2015 • Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People in Education 2015 • Keeping Children Safe in Education – Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges, September 2018 • Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession 2007 • The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime Policing Act 2014 • General Data Protection Regulation 2016 • The Data Protection Act 2018 • Draft Guidance: Out-of-school Settings: Voluntary Code of Practice, 2018 • Section 26, Counterterrorism and Security Act, 2015 Adults • The Care Act 2010, • Care and Support Statutory Guidance issued under the Care Act 2014 • Local Authority Responsibility for Sharing Information under the Care Act 2014 • The Common Law Duty of Confidentiality • The Human Rights Act 1998, Article 8 (the right to respect for private life) • The General Data Protection Regulation 2016 • The Data Protection Act 2018 • The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 • Sexual Offences Act 2003 • Action on Elder Abuse Report 2005 • The Mental Capacity Act 2005 • The Mental Health Act 2007 and, • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 • The Public Disclosures Act • The Rehabilitation of Offender’s Act. Legislation and Guidance in Wales • The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 • Care and Support in Wales • All Wales Child Protection Procedures

 Position Name Phone Email Reports To National Safeguarding Manager (DSL) Catherine Kerr 020 7703 3030 07796 140897 [email protected] Director of Culture and Compliance Director of Culture and Compliance Beverley Whittaker 020 7703 3030 [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Palmer 020 7703 3030 [email protected] Board of Trustees Trustee for Safeguarding Vince McAllister 020 7703 3030 [email protected] Board of Trustees


 Signature: Name:

Helen O’Shea