Q1. Do safeguarding procedures apply to everyone in church?
Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. But specific safeguarding procedures only apply to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Q2. Do I need a DBS certificate and have taken safeguarding training to be a volunteer helper in church activities?
If the activities involve children, young people and / or vulnerable adults, and you will be interacting directly with those involved then yes. (Contact Sandra Koo – Trinity Safeguarding Deputy).
Q3. What church activities require risk assessments?
All Trinity organised activities involving children, young people, and / or vulnerable adults, whether held in the building or elsewhere. We have a collection of risk assessments covering a range of activities which can be used as a template. (Contact Safeguarding Lead or Deputy).
Q4. When should a helper enter something into the incident book.
All accidents such as cuts, bruises, and falls should be recorded in the incident book. The report should briefly outline what happened and what the resulting injury was. In addition, if a child, youth, or vulnerable adult becomes very distressed or exceptionally angry, a note should be made of this. It is important that any incidents are recorded and soon as possible after the event occurred.
Q5. In safeguarding, what is considered to be an acceptable versus inappropriate behaviour?
Inappropriate behaviours can be spoken e.g. being rude and disrespectful, showing prejudice, bullying, belittling someone in front of others. They can also be physical, e.g. hitting, pushing, touching inappropriate parts of the body. (See below).
Q6. In safeguarding, when is it appropriate to touch someone?
Physical contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults should preferably be avoided, unless it is felt to be necessary, e.g. preventing someone from harming themselves or others, or cuddling a small child who has hurt themselves. If you do touch someone (e.g. giving a vulnerable adult a reassuring pat on the shoulder or laying the hand of prayer on a youth), be aware of how they respond. If they show any form of negative reaction, then take note not to touch them on a future occasion. In the case of prayer, the hand over, but not touching, the recipient.
Q7. What should I do if I witness, or hear of, inappropriate behaviour towards a child, youth, or vulnerable adult?
You should speak to a pastor, or the safeguarding lead or deputy. You should do this as soon as possible and you should not share your concerns with others.
Q8. When should confidentiality be maintained, and when can it be broken in safeguarding?
If a child, youth, or vulnerable adult discloses something to you that makes you have concerns for their safety then you should speak with a pastor, or the safeguarding lead or deputy. You should let the person know that you will do this, but that you will not tell anyone else.
Q9. Where can I find out more about safeguarding?
As well as our Safeguarding web pages, Trinity has information leaflets (Safeguarding: what you need to know) available in English and Chinese. There are copies in the rack in the foyer and on notice boards. There is also a more detailed guidance booklet for those involved in organising and running church activities (available from safeguarding deputy). If you have any other queries, then email safeguarding@trinityearley.org.uk.