FAQ with Christian Safeguarding Services

This article first appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of InTouch, which you can download here.

This article is written by Christian Safeguarding Services, which is a provider of specialist training, consultancy and professional support to churches and other Christian Faith Based Organisations. CSS is driven by a passion to help churches and faith based organisations to develop best practice in safeguarding from a biblical perspective and in a cost effective way. They provide a complete safeguarding service, meeting all your safeguarding needs in a flexible and responsive manner. Find out more about them here.

The vast range of safeguarding concerns which churches manage often feels overwhelming. Here, we will briefly address questions that are regularly asked. Please note that each safeguarding situation must be considered on its own merit, and subtle differences in circumstance can result in significantly different advice. A document with fuller explanations can be downloaded here.

1. Who are vulnerable adults?

This term is used generically and means different things to different people. It is therefore not suitable for use as a technical descriptor in a safeguarding context.

The terms that are now used are:

• Adults with care and support needs;
• Adults at risk of abuse (sometimes referred to as adults in need of protection).

2. Do those working with vulnerable adults need to be DBS checked?

DBS checks are only permitted if the role involves regulated activity. In churches, regulated activity with adults includes supporting them with personal care needs (whether physically or by verbally prompting), providing healthcare or social care support or transporting them to such appointments, or helping them manage their finances. If the role does not meet the criteria for regulated activity, the individual should still be safely recruited, even though an enhanced DBS check cannot be sought.

3. I believe someone at church is living with domestic abuse. What should I do?

Domestic abuse, including emotional abuse and coercive or controlling behaviour, is a crime and victims should be informed of their right to report to the police. The church can support them to do so if they wish. However, it is their decision whether to report. If you witness an assault, you can report that and you can also speak to the police, passing on the ‘intelligence’ under some circumstances. If, however, there are under 18s in the household, a report to Children’s Social Care is mandatory, even if the child is not the direct target of the abuse, and regardless of whether the adult victim wishes to report. Domestic abuse can involve high levels of risk so advice should be sought to ensure safety before the perpetrator is alerted.

4. We have an adult who has disclosed non-recent abuse in childhood. Do we have to report it?

This requires sensitivity, and care focused on the person’s well-being. The adult should be informed of their right to report the abuse to the police, and that there is no time limit on reporting. The church can support the individual to report if they wish. Whether or not the adult wishes to report, we should ask whether the perpetrator remains in a position of trust and if so, how those risks can be addressed.

5. We have a member who is struggling with their mental health. Do we need to take any action?

Mental ill-health is generally regarded as a health matter, rather than a safeguarding concern, but the information should still be reported to the Safeguarding Lead. If, however, the individual poses a risk to the safety of themselves or others, this should be treated as a medical emergency. Support should be sought, from their GP, a local A&E or a local walk-in centre or reported via the 999 service, requesting an ambulance.

6. We have an ex-offender attending the church, how do we manage this?

Churches seek to welcome everyone. However, we also have to ensure we keep everyone safe. If the person is managed by an offender officer, the church must obtain their advice. The individual must be asked for the name and contact details of their offender officer. The church must contact the offender manager for advice and a formal risk assessment must be completed and if required a safety plan should be implemented. The safety plan should outline support the church will provide, conditions for managing the risk, what will happen if the agreement is broken, and when it will be reviewed. Given the complexities and the potential risks involved, we recommend seeking advice from your safeguarding provider.

7. We have an allegation or complaint against one (or more) of our leaders. What should we do?

Churches must have policies, procedures and codes of conduct for staff and volunteers, including procedures for handling complaints or allegations including allegations against multiple leaders (e.g. elders). The complaint must be investigated impartially, and conflicts of interest must be managed.

If the allegation suggests crimes have been committed, or that safeguarding thresholds are met, the matter should be reported to statutory services and the Charity Commission (as required).

If the allegation or complaint does not meet statutory thresholds, the church should follow its complaints or allegations procedures, ensuring that a fair, transparent, and accountable assessment is made of the allegations or complaint. The complainant should be kept informed of progress and anticipated timelines for completion.

Unnecessary delays should be avoided. Both the victim, and the person accused must be supported throughout the process and safeguarding risks must be identified and managed.

8. We want to disciple, mentor, or provide pastoral care on a 1:1 basis to under 18s. Is this permissible?

Provided the increased risk can be managed, parental consent is obtained, the wishes of the young person are respected, and the necessary safeguarding measures are in place, 1:1 support to under 18s is permissible. In addition to the safe recruitment of staff or volunteers, effective risk assessment, robust policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and proportionate monitoring need to be implemented. Consideration should be given to what safeguarding arrangements are required for different ages of children and young people. In addition, any specific requirements related to the needs of the individual child must be considered and managed.

9. Can we use social media with under 18s?

Social media use carries a high risk, but it is possible to manage it safely. It is difficult to give a succinct answer due to the variety of risks and the constant technological advances. Consideration must be given to a range of factors including the safe recruitment of staff or volunteers, effective risk assessment, robust policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and proportionate monitoring.

Legal requirements and age restrictions must be respected, and careful consideration should be given to what safeguarding arrangements are required for different ages of young people. In addition, any specific requirements related to the needs of the individual young people must be considered and risk assessed. Those making decisions must be competent to do so.

In many of the situations addressed in this article, we would recommend seeking advice from your safeguarding advisor.