What’s new to The Salvation Army’s Safeguarding materials?

Introductory videos A new Safeguarding for Everyone video introduces Safeguarding and breaks down the 4Rs. Your corps safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead are trained to address referrals and will be identified at the time of showing the video. There is also a video featuring the Safeguarding Prayer being read out by Salvationists. Topic Talks A new set of Safeguarding Topic Talks videos will cover points such as transporting children, staff ratios, risk assessments, and taking a disclosure. Safeguarding posters A set of safeguarding posters is available to each corps, giving a choice to display different posters in relevant places around the building. The posters include a QR code that links to further information and resources, including summary policies and how to report concerns. A new Safeguarding Contacts poster is available to download and should be populated with local contacts and clearly displayed.

Why did The Salvation Army rebrand Safe & Sound?

This is the fourth incarnation of Safe & Sound. The Army first adopted it for child protection in 1994. The next incarnation was in 2000, then 2007. In 2012 we did a review, and in 2016 we introduced safeguarding for adults as a separate entity. It’s simply time for a refresh. We’ve taken in good feedback about the administrative side. People have always said that it’s very helpful to methodically go through everything. But we’ve listened about the hindrances. For example, the Safeguarding for Everyone video is now a lot shorter – it used to be just over an hour, it’s now just over 10 minutes. The upcoming training resources will also lean into different learning styles. We’ve tried to make the learning and training a lot more user-friendly. We’ve also combined safeguarding for children with safeguarding for adults. We can all be subject to abusive behaviour – especially with the potential for online threats – and the new material aims to help with creating safe environments and ensuring that we respond well to our congregations and wider communities – adults and children alike.

I don’t have a leadership role at my corps. Should I engage with these new resources?

Yes, we’re encouraging everyone who is part of a Salvation Army community to watch the new video. It explains that we all have a part to play in making The Salvation Army a safer place. You don’t need to be a leader or wear uniform for that. A child or an adult might choose to disclose something to any one of us because they see us as approachable. That’s why we’ve introduced the 4Rs. We want to give you the ability to know what to do and to contact the appropriate people, should you need to.

What if I report something that’s innocent? Could I get someone in trouble by mistake?

If something doesn’t look right, sound right or feel right, please let us know. Our Safeguarding team is trained to know what a safeguarding concern could be – this will stop any misunderstandings very quickly. Ultimately, we want people to turn up to church and feel welcome and safe.