We all have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people; even if we don’t have a specific safeguarding role. It can be an easy mistake to think that, because parents and carers are present, when you hold a group or an activity, safeguarding isn’t really necessary. To some degree, you will be viewed as being in ‘a position of trust’.
The majority of Messy Churches operate under the authority of a local church, and therefore should be covered by the safeguarding policy of that church or denomination. Check this with your church or denomination to make sure. You will need to identify the appointed safeguarding officer of your church or denomination, make yourself known to them and share their contact details with those involved with running/leading your Messy Church. It is a good idea to ask if they could arrange some safeguarding training for anyone supporting or working with families, which can be done online.
Messy Churches need to comply with legislation and government expectations with regards to safeguarding. Where abuse is disclosed, witnessed or suspected, it needs to be reported to the statutory authorities (Children’s Social Care or the police). However, you should discuss this with those responsible for safeguarding, either at your church or within your denomination.
If you need to respond to a concern quickly, without the opportunity to speak to your designated safeguarding officer, then contact your local authority Children’s Social Care Services, the police, or NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 (24 hrs).
For more information, talk to the person responsible for safeguarding in your church or denomination (your minister should be able to advise how to contact them).
- Be prepared to challenge unsafe practice or inappropriate behaviour by adults.
- Record your concerns and share them with relevant people as soon as you can, as it builds a picture.
- You may need to act/respond within a short timescale – think about whether a child may be at risk of immediate harm.
- Have a list of contact names and numbers for people to report any concerns.
- Trust your judgment. If something doesn’t seem right, then act appropriately.
- We are often asked about who needs to have a DBS check. We recommend that at a minimum, your core team have enhanced DBS checks. As Messy Church happens in a communal space, our advice is to all stay visible and together, ie no team member is left alone with a child in a side-room. Remember to check the advice given by your denomination.
For more information:
Visit the thirtyone:eight website
Visit BRF Ministries Safeguarding page and download our policies
Read our blog: Creating Safe spaces
It is our responsibility to provide a safe place for our families to meet
It is our responsibility to provide a safe place for our families to meet, where children should not knowingly be put at risk of significant harm.
Part of safeguarding is to do a risk assessment for the activities and space where you hold Messy Church and share this with your team. If operating outside, we recommend you do a live risk assessment with those present.
Staying safe also includes food safety. We recommend someone from the cooking team completes an online food hygiene course. Remember to check with your local authority for local requirements.
We also recommend that someone on the team holds a current first aid certificate. Have a first aid kit available and record any incidents. This includes when meeting outdoors.
