A BRADFORD mosque is hoping to lead by example after it was accredited with ‘Safer Centre’ status.

Masjid-ur-Raashideen, in Heaton, was awarded the status after complying with core standards accredited by Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI).

SFI, a national organisation backed by the Government, has developed the accreditation scheme for faith institutions throughout Bradford and the UK as a whole. 

It aims to create safer spaces for children and young people and to give parents confidence when making a choice about sending their children to out-of-school settings.

Faith organisations need to show that they have knowledge of child protection, have safeguarding policies in place and have a designated safeguarding lead. 

Health and safety policies are also a must, as is having a qualified first aider.

“We are pleased to have received this status, and it reaffirms our duty to protect children and young people from harm,” said Hafiz Imtiaz Mussa, Chairman of Trustees at Masjid-ur-Raashideen.

“It is imperative that faith organisations are equipped with the knowledge and awareness that will enable them to detect things like abuse and ill-treatment.

“We have been working with SFI to develop policies, procedures and training our staff to achieve this.”

The scheme is open to all faith institutions. For more information, contact Dr Javed Bashir at javed@sfitogether.org.