What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about being able to identify and take appropriate action when we are concerned about anyone at risk of harm.

Although we always want to keep people safe, in respect of safeguarding, we are specifically talking about harm caused by abuse or neglect.

If you are concerned that someone is at risk of harm, either because they are hurting themselves, or being hurt by someone else, you must speak to the Safeguarding Team immediately.

Why do we do safeguarding?

Psalm 191 “The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life”

Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves”

Matthew 18:6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

The Bible teaches us that we are obliged to care for the vulnerable. We are expected to speak up for and defend the voiceless. And we are warned that, in a fallen world consumed by sin, causing harm (and failing to stop harm being caused to others) has dire consequences.