Light’s Hope is committed to the care, safety, and protection of all people. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we will do all we can to make our Churches safe, welcoming spaces where everyone is respected and supported.
We require all clergy, ministers, trustees, and volunteers to complete safeguarding training through Thirtyone:eight and to hold DBS checks where appropriate.
Each Church has a local Safeguarding Officer, and the denomination has a Safeguarding Lead. Any concerns or allegations will always be taken seriously, recorded properly, and referred to the right authorities without delay.
We seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who welcomed and protected those on the margins, and to ensure that every person in our care is safe.
If you have a safeguarding concern:
- If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Speak to the local Safeguarding Officer (details displayed here).
- Or contact the denominational Safeguarding Lead at [insert contact details].
Safeguarding Policy
1. Commitment
Light’s Hope is committed to the care, safety, and protection of all people. Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole Church, and we will uphold the highest standards of safety, inclusion, and accountability in every part of Church life.
2. Standards
We follow recognised national best practice for safeguarding in churches and charities in the United Kingdom. All clergy, ministers, trustees, and volunteers will complete safeguarding training through Thirtyone:eight, and safeguarding policies will be reviewed annually.
3. Leadership
a. Denominational Safeguarding Lead (currently the Rev’d. Sally Walker):
- Oversees safeguarding across the whole denomination.
- Ensures policies are up to date and followed.
- Supports local Safeguarding Officers.
- Receives reports of serious concerns and makes referrals to statutory authorities where needed.
- Reports annually to Trustees and the General Meeting.
b. Local Church Safeguarding Officer (one per Church):
- First point of contact in their Church for safeguarding concerns.
- Ensures all clergy, ministers, volunteers, and leaders complete DBS checks (where required) and Thirtyone:eight training.
- Keeps local safeguarding records (secure and confidential).
- Reports concerns promptly to the Denominational Safeguarding Lead.
- Ensures the Safeguarding Statement is displayed in Church buildings and on websites.
4. Safer Recruitment and Training
All clergy, ministers, trustees, and volunteers must:
- Be safely recruited (references, DBS checks where required).
- Complete safeguarding training through Thirtyone:eight.
- Agree to follow safeguarding policies and codes of conduct.
5. Responding to Concerns
- A concern is raised (about any person).
- The Local Safeguarding Officer is informed immediately.
- The Officer records the concern using the denominational safeguarding incident form.
- If urgent / immediate danger → call 999.
- The Officer refers the concern to the Denominational Safeguarding Lead.
- The Lead decides next steps (statutory referral, police, pastoral support).
- The Lead informs Trustees of serious incidents (without breaching confidentiality).
- All actions logged, dated, signed, and stored securely.
6. Record-Keeping
- Incident Forms capture details, actions, and outcomes.
- Safeguarding Logbooks track concerns, referrals, and follow-up support.
- Records are stored securely with access restricted to the Safeguarding Lead/Officers.
7. Pastoral Care
The Church will provide appropriate pastoral care to:
- Anyone who raises or is affected by a safeguarding concern.
- Those subject to allegations, handled fairly and respectfully.
- Church communities affected by safeguarding issues.
8. Accountability
- Trustees shall review safeguarding policies annually.
- Safeguarding responsibilities apply to everyone, and failure to comply is grounds for removal from role or membership.