Safeguarding Culture

 In this resource Justin & Jason discuss Safeguarding Culture. 

What is a Safeguarding Culture

• Culture is not a once-done exercise, we need to be continually reviewing, revising and refreshing it
• Culture is difficult to see but is felt by those who attend our Churches

Is Safeguarding Biblical?

• Jesus is our perfect example of how to interact with others
• It's not just a compliance exercise, it's an integral part of our mission to see people looked after and cared for

What does good Safeguarding Culture look like?

• Nurturing our leaders
• Valuing whole life service
• Empowering and guiding teaching
• Creating inclusive environments
• Allowing all to contribute to our culture

How do we journey with those who have experienced harm or abuse?

• Normalise that abuse does happen, remove the 'stigma'
• Create safe spaces where people can journey to a place of healing
• Train and upskill our teams to know how to journey with people who have experienced abuse
• View safeguarding as a pastoral structure, rather than a mechanical procedure

What should you do if you find yourself in an environment with an unhealthy safeguarding culture?

• Establishing what the culture should be, and addressing the things that don't fall in line with it
• Address concerns at a low level rather than ignoring them - sometimes the 'niggles' can be easier to deal with
• Handle the situation openly and with respect
• If you don't feel heard, consider who else you could speak to, like leadership teams, elders or trustees. 
• Good governance is vital to a good safeguarding culture