RAISING STANDARDS

“We used the resources in lots of different formats over a range of services.”

“All the materials we used were excellent. Sensitive and thoughtful.” “It felt as if we were tackling something really important that doesn’t get that much air time in services.”

Through your membership and support, we’ve continued to raise safeguarding standards across society through various initiatives including our flagship campaign, Safeguarding Sunday. Over 2,000 churches registered to take part – a 60% increase on last year – with good representation across denominations and traditions. 97% of those that completed the feedback survey said that they would take part again. The campaign was an opportunity to remind each other that protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message of justice and hope, and we saw hundreds of churches participate and show their communities that they take this responsibility seriously. We thank all those who took part and work behind the scenes to make our churches safer for all.

Will you help us make this year our best yet? We’ve got all the resources you need to help you plan the event, including a range of age –appropriate children’s activities to raise children’s awareness of safeguarding in a way they’ll understand. You’ll also get a free communications toolkit to help you promote your event.

If you haven’t registered already, will you join us on 20 November? Register today and get your free resource pack at thirtyoneeight.org/safeguardingsunday

“After our Safeguarding Lead gave a talk on what we do within the church, someone came over at the end and was surprised at just how vital safeguarding was and that it isn't just about having policies but integral to our faith and Christian living.”

In Northern Ireland our long –established AccessNI service continues to provide criminal records checks to the faith sector in Northern Ireland and our nationally accredited safeguarding helpline became a member of the Helplines NI network. We have seen our membership from Northern Irish organisations increase by 5.2% over the last year with calls to the helpline from Northern Irish organisations increasing steadily.

Public policy across the UK

We’ve been involved with the Department of Justice at the consultation stage in relation to changes in the Positions of Trust legislation in Northern Ireland, which now feature in the Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims Bill, and have worked with the Department of Health in relation to proposals for a new Adult Safeguarding Bill. In Wales, we’ve continued to work with the Welsh Christian Safeguarding Forum (WCSF), an inter –denominational network meeting of Safeguarding Professionals in Christian Organisations, building links with the Welsh Government, the National Independent Safeguarding Forum, Regional Safeguarding Boards, and the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, so that we can inform legislation and raise standards in safeguarding. We also provided the faith representative input for the Welsh Council of Voluntary Action safeguarding steering group.

Find out more about our complete range of consultancy services at thirtyoneight/ safeguarding –services/consultancy or call us on 0303 003 1111