Safe for everyone, at every age

We promote an environment where abuse of any kind — physical, emotional, neglect, sexual or spiritual — is never tolerated.

• Bullying is never tolerated, including exclusion from a group or activity, intimidation and extortion.
• Harassment — unwelcome conduct, intended or not, that may make another person feel offended, belittled or threatened — is not allowed, whether a single incident or a series of incidents.
• This includes unwelcome physical contact, sexual comments or gestures, offensive language such as gossip or coarse jokes, and unjustified comments about a person’s attributes or abilities.

With a vulnerable adult or anyone under 18, we avoid any situation where allegations could be made:

• Never smoking, drinking alcohol or using banned substances, or providing them to others.
• Working in the open, never in private or unobserved situations.
• Avoiding all physical contact unless strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm.
• No sexually related contact, gestures or language.
• No direct messaging by email, text or social media; where necessary, messages go to parents or guardians and the young person with both parties’ consent, or through open forums.

With a member of the opposite sex who is not a spouse or close relative, we avoid any situation where allegations could be made:

• No touch of any kind unless socially necessary or strictly necessary to prevent immediate harm.
• No excessive time alone together; work in the open and in view of others.
• No conversation, language or gestures implying a desire for an intimate relationship.
• Staying mindful of third parties and avoiding any perception of impropriety.

GTI recruits, trains and supports all staff and trustees who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults, so they can recognise and respond to abuse.

Every trustee, board member, staff member and volunteer must report any observed breach or concern about a possible breach. Report to the Safeguarding Lead, or to the Board Chair if the concern involves that person. Criminal matters are reported to the Police as required by law.

Where a concern or allegation is made, GTI listens to and takes seriously all who disclose abuse, responds promptly, cares pastorally for victims, survivors and those subject to allegations, and addresses anyone who may pose a present risk to others.