Safeguarding
The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), and our Youth Movements LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer, are committed to promoting the safeguarding of children and adults and protecting them from harm. There are a number of ways to report safeguarding concerns.
Statement of Commitment
The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. We believe that safeguarding is fundamental to our Jewish values: the dignity of every human being, the protection of the vulnerable, and shared responsibility for one another.
We recognise that abuse and neglect can occur in all communities. MPJ is committed to creating a culture that is proactive, preventative and protective, where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and where concerns can be raised safely, respectfully and without fear. MPJ affirms that:
• The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount.
• Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, harm and exploitation.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• We work in partnership with individuals, families, communities, statutory agencies and professionals.
• Concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
Safeguarding is not an add-on. It is integral to how MPJ lives its values, exercises leadership and builds trust. Every individual connected with MPJ has a role in creating communities that are safe, inclusive and life-affirming.
Policy
Please view our detailed safeguarding policy here.
Safeguarding Reporting
If there is immediate risk of harm or abuse to a child or adult, call 999 without delay. Your immediate action could prevent serious harm.
How to Report Safeguarding Concerns
1. In a local synagogue or community
Individual synagogues/communities are independent charities with their own safeguarding policies and procedures.
MPJ’s role is to support them in developing good practice.
If you have concerns about safeguarding in a local synagogue or community, contact the community’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as your first point of contact. You also have the right to report to the Local Authority or to the Police.
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2. In MPJ, RSY-Netzer or LJY-Netzer
If you have concerns about safeguarding in MPJ or our youth movements, contact one of our Safeguarding Leads as your first point of contact.
MPJ has the following Safeguarding Leads:
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Rebecca Fetterman – Becca@progressivejudaism.org.uk, 020 8349 5670
Deputy DSLs – Youth and Young People:
Nadia Alam – NadiaA@progressivejudaism.org.uk
Jess Mindel – JessM@progressivejudaism.org.uk
Deputy DSL – Adults:
Sarita Robinson – Sarita@progressivejudaism.org.uk
During RSY-Netzer or LJY-Netzer events, please use the emergency phone number provided.
If a DSL is unavailable, the matter is urgent, or you are unhappy with the response of the DSL, you can also report to an independent, external safeguarding specialist (Emmaus Global) to ensure independent assessment and appropriate escalation:
If you are unhappy with the response of the DSL, as your first point of contact please email one of the Co-Leads of MPJ:
Rabbi Josh Levy: Josh@progressivejudaism.org.uk
Rabbi Charley Baginsky: Charley@progressivejudaism.org.uk
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3. Concerns about Rabbis or Cantors
Concerns regarding Rabbis and Cantors can be referred to the DSL of their synagogue/community or organisation (if they are employed) or via the website of the Joint Ethics Committee of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors and the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (please click here).
Where external assessment identifies safeguarding concerns, the matter will not be referred to the clergy committee. Emmaus will undertake appropriate escalation. All decisions and referrals consider the severity of the situation, wishes of those affected and appropriate confidentiality and data protection requirements.