Safeguarding Statement

Church Army affirms that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount. This means that all our work with such people will maintain the highest professional standards to ensure that their welfare is maintained and our ministry is a safe place.
 
Church Army will uphold good practice in order to develop sound relationships of integrity, truthfulness and trust with children, young people and vulnerable adults and work to prevent abuse from occurring, as well as seeking to protect those that are at risk of being abused and those that have been. Church Army will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others and offer support to them whilst taking the steps to mitigate such risks.
 
We will do all that we can to make sure that we recruit and train those in positions of trust safely and fairly. The leadership of Church Army are committed to promoting the importance of safeguarding so that everyone sees it as their responsibility, regardless of their role, and takes an active part in making our ministries and projects safe places.
 
Where there are disclosures or allegations of abuse, Church Army will take them seriously and will co-operate with statutory agencies and will not investigate on its own. We will provide appropriate pastoral care to anyone who is the survivor of abuse as well as recognising our own responsibility to care for those who have had an allegation made against them.
 

POLICY

Our expectations for all Church Army personnel in relation to safeguarding is set out in our Safer Ministry policy, which can be viewed here.

As a member of the Anglican church, we aim to work closely with the safeguarding teams in all of the Anglican provinces, and ensure that our policy is in line with the minimum expectations of the different jurisdictions. We take professional advice from ThirtyOne:Eight in relation to safeguarding matters.
 

CORE PRINCIPLES

Church Army’s core principles to safeguarding are:

1. RESPECT

We will value, listen to and respect all those within our care, communities and ministries; treating everyone with the unconditional love of Jesus.

2. SAFETY

We are committed to making our ministry safe. That means the safe recruitment, supervision and training for all those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults; and thorough provisions in place to ensure the safety of our activities.

3. RESPONSIVE

We will respond promptly to concerns or allegations regarding those to whom we have a responsibility for, working with statutory authorities as necessary.

4. PASTORAL

We will seek to offer pastoral care to survivors of abuse1 and other affected persons; and care for those within our responsibility who have known to offend against a vulnerable person.

5. PROTECTIVE

We will provide appropriate support and care to those whom may present a known risk to others. Church Army will not discriminate against those who have offended in the past, but will do it all it can to ensure that risk is assessed and managed within our activities.
 
In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. We will aim to work with openly towards those who need to know and confidentially with those who are not directly involved and the sharing of statutory information to the relevant authorities.
 
What to do if you have concerns
If you have information relating to a safeguarding matter and a child or adult is in immediate danger, please contact the emergency services on 999.
If you have any concerns relating to Church Army personnel or activities, you can contact Church Army’s safeguarding team who will look into the matter. To contact our Safeguarding Coordinator please email faye.popham@churcharmy.org or call 0300 123 2113.
 
Finding Support and more information
Reporting abuse is difficulty, therefore if you need advice and support there are a number of agencies who may be able to help you and provide a 24-7 service.
 
Link to Church of England Safeguarding
Link to Church of Ireland
Link to Church in Wales
Link to Scottish Episcopal Church
Link to ThirtyOne:Eight

Safe Spaces – Supporting Survivors of church-related abuse

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, or the Church in Wales.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.

The service is now provided by First Light. Their helpline is open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening hours)
Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk
Webchat via Safe Spaces website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/