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Version 1.1 (8 Aug 2025)

 

Purpose and Scope

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The Christian Safeguarding Centre [CS Asia Ltd] is a Hong Kong-based charity committed to the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.

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Our safeguarding approach is rooted in Christian values of compassion, justice, and care for the vulnerable. We seek to reflect Christ’s love in our interactions and uphold Biblical principles in our safeguarding responsibilities.

This policy set out our approach to preventing harm, responding to concerns, and promoting a culture of safety and respect.

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Roles and Responsibilities

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This policy applies to all personnel working with or associated with our organisation:

• Directors, trustees and board members

• Staff (employed full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis)

• External advisors and consultants

• Volunteers and interns

• Beneficiaries and service users

• Visitors and guests

 

Key Principles
 

• Accountability: All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and documented, with clear outcomes and follow-up actions

• Prevention: We take proactive steps to prevent harm by implementing robust safeguarding measures and promoting a culture of awareness and vigilance.

• Protection from harm: We prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, ensuring they are protected from physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

• Dignity and Respect: All individuals must be treated respectfully regardless of race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, or background

• Reporting and responding: We have clear procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely and effective support for those affected.

• Christian perspective: we adopt a Christian and biblical basis for our approach to work and expectations of our staff.

 

Code of Conduct

 

All staff and personnel associated with our organisation must:
 

• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, valuing their opinions and beliefs.

• Avoid any behaviour that may be seen as abusive, exploitative, or discriminatory.

• Maintain professional boundaries, avoiding behaviour that could be misinterpreted or cause harm.

• Always act in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults. Never place them in a situation where they could be at risk of harm.

• Treat all information about safeguarding concerns with the utmost confidentiality, sharing it only on a need-to-know basis with appropriate individuals and relevant authorities.

• Participate in promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and compassion, ensuring vulnerable individuals are treated with care and kindness.

• Report safeguarding concerns immediately using designated channels.

 

Recruitment and Vetting

 

We adopt safer recruitment practices, to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with our beneficiaries. Our procedures include:
 

• Conducting thorough background checks and police record checks in line with Hong Kong regulations for all roles that involve direct contact with children or vulnerable adults.

• Obtaining at least two professional references.

• Mandatory safeguarding induction training.

• Safeguarding clauses in staff contracts.

 

Reporting

 

It is the responsibility of all personnel to report any safeguarding concerns.
 

• If a person is in immediate danger, contact the Hong Kong Police at 999 or the Social Welfare Department (SWD) Hotline at 2343-2255 immediately.

• As soon as it is safe to do so, report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. If the concern is about the DSL, report it to the Designated Board Member.

• All reports must be documented using the designated Safeguarding Concern Form to ensure a consistent record.

• Reports will be responded to promptly and sensitively. All cases will be documented, investigated fairly, and resolved in accordance with policy.

• We are committed to a culture where safeguarding concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal. Whistleblowers will be protected and supported.
   

Confidentiality and Data Protection

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• All safeguarding information will be handled in accordance with the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

• Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with individuals directly involved in the investigation or those with a legal requirement to receive it.

• Staff and volunteers must not discuss concerns with anyone outside of the designated reporting channels
   

Training and Awareness

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All personnel will receive periodic safeguarding training, ensuring they are equipped to identify and respond to concerns. This training will cover:
 

• An understanding of this policy and their roles.

• How to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect.

• The correct procedure for reporting a concern.

• Guidance on appropriate behaviour and professional boundaries.

We provide ongoing support and supervision to staff and volunteers, promoting their well-being and effectiveness in safeguarding roles.

 

Monitoring and Review

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This policy will be reviewed annually, or as needed, by the Board to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practices and regulatory requirements. All personnel will be informed of any updates.

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Key Contacts

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• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Muriel Inard (Programme Director) muriel@cs-asia.org

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Andy Cheung (Executive Director) andy@cs-asia.org

• Designated Board Member for Safeguarding: Sharon Wong (Board Director) sharon@cs-asia.org