You’ve got a safeguarding policy in your church. Great! Now what?
Occupying the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead/Coordinator/Officer can feel like a lonely job – one that no one else signed up for, so you thought you’d step up into the role. Being on the after-service refreshments rota was a literal cup of tea compared to safeguarding. Whoever signed up for the welcome roster had the right idea. Even cleaning up after crèche seemed less messy than the emotional, sensitive and potentially traumatic ordeal of dealing with concerns about vulnerable people.
But deep down, you knew that safeguarding was important – of Biblical proportions, you could say, and you’d be right. Proverbs 31:8, anyone? How about Psalm 121, where the Hebrew word describing God as the keeper of Israel can be translated as safeguard? Even just the broad metanarrative sweep of the entire Bible, which calls us to look out for the marginalised, oppressed and vulnerable among us in loving gratitude of a God who embodied just that in the person of Jesus?
Lessons in Hebrew could work a treat for your recent Bible college graduate, but not for the average person in the pew. The good news is that there are other ways you can raise awareness of safeguarding in your church. As the Safeguarding Coordinator, you’re not expected to be an expert in child protection or assessing mental capacity. You do, however, need to raise awareness of your church’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Your task is to coordinate action where there are concerns about a vulnerable person in your church, and to communicate that keeping vulnerable people safe is everyone’s responsibility.
So often we compartmentalise church – Steve manages the cleaning, Linda manages the bring-and-share lunches, and so on. To move beyond that mentality, you could hold a service or series of services on what you, the trustees and the leadership team are doing to make church a safer place for everyone and invite everyone to get involved? Let them know who the Safeguarding Coordinators are and how to contact you. Make people aware of how they can access your church’s safeguarding policy. Place posters in key places around your premises both in public and administrative spaces and ensure that any safeguarding information is given in a user-friendly format – simple language for the young, a readable font for those with limited sight, in pictures, Braille or Makaton, and posters at a height where small children or those in wheelchairs can see them. Have a statement on your website along with contact details about how to get a copy of the policy.
While policies and procedures are good on paper, don’t forget to bring them to life as an advocate for young people and adults at risk. Show up in person. Be an active safeguarding presence in your church. Consider being part of the interview panel when appointing workers to explain the responsibilities they would carry for passing on safeguarding concerns to you, giving assurances that appropriate training will be provided. Distribute your policy to all workers including volunteers as part of their induction. Consider occasionally attending activities and meeting with workers so that you become a familiar face to the children, adults at risk and workers alike. You’ll be making it easier for them to come to you with any concerns. At trustee meetings, ensure that safeguarding is always on the agenda, and keep the leadership informed on good practice. By doing this, you’ll be instrumental in making your place of worship a safer environment for all.
