Safeguarding in The Salvation Army: We all have a part to play!

Dean Juster introduces the territory’s updated Safeguarding materials to help us all protect children and adults.

As I sat waiting for a train recently, I had time on my hands to read a newspaper. Looking through the pages, I noticed the adverts. Some brands looked different, particularly Pepsi and Jaguar. My mind turned to other brands. I mused: was it time to look at Safe & Sound?

Sharing my thoughts with my team, we agreed to have a look. We began by taking feedback. We consulted leaders, held focus groups, and clarified the need to develop our learning resources. After all this, I’m pleased to announce our rebranded Safeguarding materials, training and resources.

On the one hand, nothing has changed: I’m encouraged by how a consideration of safeguarding permeates everything the Army does, and we still have the same desire to interrupt the potential for harm and to weave wellbeing, respect and care into our ministry.

We continue to consider engendering safe environments for all and ensuring that children and adults are informed and given a voice. Those who work with children and/or adults under supervision of a leader will continue to be safely recruited using an application form, interview, background check, references and code of conduct. They will now have a contextual conversation with a leader covering considerations and expectations pertinent to their role or activity, having viewed the new Safeguarding Topic Talks. Leaders responsible for programmes and activities will then complete further training and attend an induction meeting, for example with a divisional safeguarding officer.

The Safe Church residential modular training will also remain for those leaders who require training in safeguarding subjects – such as understanding sexual offending behaviour, risk assessment and management plans, and understanding domestic abuse – available through Learning and Development with William Booth College.

On the other hand, the branding has changed: we’ve withdrawn the Safe & Sound terminology and the purple box.

Our new tagline is: we all have a part to play. One practical outworking of us all playing our part is the introduction of the 4Rs: Recognise, Respond, Record and Report. A new information video, Safeguarding for Everyone, informs people what safeguarding is, what to do if we become aware of a concern, and we are given confidence that leaders are trained to hold further safeguarding responsibilities.

When commencing the project, a priority of mine was to ensure our new resources were grounded in our theology. I shared this with Commissioner Keith Banks, who offered us the Safeguarding Prayer. These words help us tremendously when thinking about safeguarding. When we prayerfully ask for God’s help in creating a climate of care, a safe environment is engendered. I hope these new resources will help us work towards making our ministry the best it can be!

So, thank you for continuing to play your part in keeping everyone who attends our programmes and activities safe. I hope you like the new look!