Safeguarding services –
helping churches put in place best practice All have experienced with shock those times when the news media have released breaking news detailing the abuse and harm of a vulnerable person. It is even more striking and disappointing when these allegations are within the Church or a Christian organisation. Hearing these being broadcasted churches and Christian ministries are heavily reminded of the serious importance and their responsibility for SAFEGUARDING, alongside the stark danger of overlooking this. Church Growth Trust (CGT) has recently reviewed the support and advice on safeguarding to those churches it works alongside. Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) headed up by Paul and Sue Harrison have been a great encouragement to CGT and have recently reviewed and updated its briefing paper on “Church and Your Safeguarding Arrangements” that is available to view and download on its website www. churchgrowth.org.uk/area/health-safety/.
What is safeguarding?
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Safeguarding is about upholding and promoting the rights and wellbeing of all people, but with particular focus on those who due to their age or some other factor are unable, or less able, to protect
themselves from harm. Safeguarding includes: • • •
Protecting vulnerable people from harm Promoting their wellbeing Ensuring that the circumstances in which they live are safe and supportive of their needs
Safeguarding is a broad range of activities that include the protection of children, young people, and adults at risk of abuse, but is much broader than protection from harm.
Churches, like other organisations in society, have a responsibility to work with the Local Authority, the police, and other local partners to ensure that children, young people, and vulnerable adults are protected. There are, however, some unusual features that churches must consider. For example, in the church community, there could be people who pose a risk to those who are vulnerable within the community. This risk must be managed, while at the same time supporting the individual, who poses a risk, to be as involved in the life of the church as is possible. Effective safeguarding arrangements are therefore essential. There are six key elements to ensuring a safe
