Safeguarding Matters & Updates
“In my YBA role I have the privilege of being part of our National Safeguarding Contacts Group (NSCG).
This group meets regularly to share ideas, work with BUGB’s safeguarding team on new and updated resources, and to learn together as we strive to keep our knowledge up to date and relevant for the Baptist churches we support.
We reflect on the enquiries which come to us each week, and we know that many Safeguarding Trustees and Designated Persons for Safeguarding in our member churches are striving for this too.
This activity is hugely encouraging, but there is still much to be done as we work to ensure that every one of our churches are safe places for all”
Debbie Gamble
ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATOR
Association Administrator:
Debbie Gamble
Safeguarding Training
Each year we offer a number of safeguarding training dates. These take place in a variety of locations, and on various dates. Training is provided at both Level 2 and Level 3.
Level 2 is for is for anyone who works/volunteers with children and adults at risk in a Baptist church, ministers, trustees, deacons and the designated person for safeguarding.
Level 3 is for ministers, trustees, deacons, those who lead church activities and the designated person for safeguarding. (Level 2 must be attended before Level 3.)
Please be aware that we cannot offer training specifically at each church in the YBA as we don't have the resources to do this! But we do seek to locate sessions in a fair and equitable way to enable as many people as possible to book training and attend. Details of any up-coming sessions are shared through our email news round, and dates can also be found on our calendar here.
Places must be booked in advance, at least two weeks before the training date, although bookings will close when all spaces have been filled. Even if your home church is hosting the session - you must book your own place!
Before attending training it's a good idea to do some preparation beforehand. We recommend that you watch BUGB's Level 1 training video and also make use of the Gateway to Level 2 resource, both of which can be found here along with many other useful guides.
Resources
There’s a wealth of safeguarding resources and guides which are freely available through the BUGB website. The main resource area can be found at The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Safeguarding
Please do look at this to ensure that you are up to date with the latest BUGB information.
Are you new to the role of DPS (Designated Person for Safeguarding) in your church? Get in touch and we can provide a copy of the DPS Welcome Pack. The role of the DPS is an important one and this short pack sets out the requirements of the role, the tasks and activities involved and looks at how the DPS can work effectively alongside the church leadership team. This will be helpful to those who are newly-appointed and also to those who have been serving for some time as a refresher.
Safeguarding from Scratch
Whilst many churches already have good safeguarding policies and practices in place, the NSCG are aware that some churches do not currently have an up-to-date policy and practices in place. There may be many reasons for this. Safeguarding is not only about protecting children and young people from harm - it also relates to adults who may be at risk for a number of reasons. If your church includes only adults, it is equally as important that you have good policies and practices in place!
To help churches a Safeguarding from Scratch resource has been created (available on request). The resource is intended to help a church establish good processes to manage safeguarding practice, to ensure that the church meets the Charity Commission requirements for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk, and to ensure that church leaders are fully aware of their responsibilities to take care that their church is a safe place for all.
Reflecting on your church situation, if you feel that you do not have good safeguarding awareness and do not have effective practices in place please do get in touch. We will be able to provide the Safeguarding from Scratch resource and assist you in implementing the necessary measures.
Any questions?
“As always, I am available at the YBA office should you have any queries relating to safeguarding practice and to offer support where needed. Please do get in touch. It is far preferable that you get in touch with what may seem a minor question than wait until a more significant situation arises!”