Safeguarding & Safety
Our Commitment to Care
Introduction
Our churches facilitate and engage in a wide range of activities, including Sunday services, small groups, educational programs, medical aid, poverty alleviation, and ministries for the elderly, children, and adults at risk. We also operate departments that prepare and equip people for ministry in local churches, workplaces, and overseas missions. We recognise our responsibility to apply comprehensive safeguarding standards across all these contexts, including digital platforms such as livestreams, social media, and online pastoral care.
This safeguarding policy outlines the overarching principles, standards, and procedures which guide our approach to safeguarding. It includes guidance for safer recruitment and procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns,allegations and disclosures.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of an EFGA church, including senior staff, trustees, ministers, ministers in training, church leaders, paid staff and volunteers.
This Policy should be read alongside our organisational policies, procedures, guidance and other related documents:
Safeguarding Practical Guidance
Social Media Policy
Role description for the designated safeguarding officer and deputy.
Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Health and safety policy
Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
Safer recruitment policy
National Leadership Team Statement on Safeguarding
Elim seeks to build healthy churches across the UK and globally, welcoming people of all nationalities, ages, and backgrounds. The National Leadership Team of Elim is committed to supporting our churches in creating healthy, safe spaces for all. We recognise the ways in which children and adults can be at risk of harm or abuse, and we are determined to foster a culture that minimises opportunities for abuse to occur. We affirm that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All Elim churches must provide safe, stable, and nurturing environments where individuals can flourish. We recognise that vulnerability may be temporary or long-term, and that relationships of trust must be stewarded with openness, transparency, and accountability. We recognise the courage it takes to disclose abuse, and we are committed to listening to and supporting survivors. We acknowledge the impact of trauma and strive to ensure our churches are sensitive to the needs of those with lived experience of abuse. Where abuse has. taken/takes place within the context of the church or by someone professing a Christian faith, we recognise the impact this abuse can also have on an individual’s spiritual wellbeing and development. Safeguarding is rooted in our theological commitment to justice, dignity, and care for all. It is embedded into our leadership culture through regular safeguarding reviews, training, and accountability mechanisms. It is imperative that the National Safeguarding Team are made aware of safeguarding issues faced by a local church. They are available for advice and support and should be contacted where concerns have implications for the healthy spiritual culture and good standing of Elim. This ensures that responses are open, transparent, and involve statutory safeguarding authorities, with quality assurance provided by Elim International Centre.
Mark Pugh - General Superintendent
On Behalf of the National Leadership Team
Church Statement: Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are committed to providing a safe, caring environment for everyone. We believe every person should feel valued, safe, and treated with dignity and respect. Safeguarding is the responsibility of our entire church community, and our leadership works to ensure everyone in our care is protected and their rights are maintained. Everyone in our community has a responsibility to help prevent the abuse and neglect of children and adults, respond promptly to concerns for well-being and report any disclosed or suspected abuse in accordance with procedures outlined
below. We endorse and adopt this safeguarding policy in accordance with national legislation, statutory guidance, and local safeguarding procedures, along with practical guidance issued by Elim nationally through the National Safeguarding Team. This policy and accompanying practical guidance are informed by relevant legislation such as the Equality Act (2010), Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2023), The Care Act (2014), The Children Act (2004), Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006).
We recognise that:
All individuals, without distinction of any kind, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Some individuals may require additional safeguards due to previous experiences, dependency, communication needs, or other factors that increase vulnerability. We commit to providing personalised approaches, where possible, to keep everyone safe.
In our commitment to promoting a healthy and safe church culture, every Elim church will.
Adhere to Elim’s expectations for the safe recruitment of those working with children and adults at risk (whether paid or voluntary).
Provide appropriate training, support and supervision to all those who undertake work with children or adults, and those in positions of trust (paid and voluntary).
Adopt a code of conduct for all adults working with vulnerable groups.
Adopt the annually revised Elim Safeguarding Policy within three months of publication (usually late September).
Value, respect and listen to the voice of children and adults at risk.
Promote inclusive, respectful, and trauma-informed practice, including healthy, non-coercive discipleship that respects personal boundaries and fosters accountability.
Maintain clear boundaries and adopt safer working practices to promote the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk.
Ensure that children and adults are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter of concern.
Take all safeguarding concerns seriously and respond promptly in accordance with our procedures outlined below.
Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding concerns and actions.
Promote transparency and accountability: Whilst recognising that the very nature of safeguarding means that we must respond to allegations sensitively, discreetly and confidentially; this does not mean secretively. We will liaise with and seek advice from social services, the police, and other agencies as necessary.
Ensure that appropriate and personalised boundaries are implemented for individuals who may pose a risk to others, to promote the safety of all in our community.
Apply safeguarding procedures across all online and in-person ministries of the church, including discipleship, prayer and deliverance, as well as for all outreach activities such as Missions, Evangelism, Community programs etc.
Discuss safeguarding as a standing item on the agenda as part of minuted church leadership meetings.
Working in partnership
Working in partnership with children, adults at risk, parents/carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting an individual’s welfare. Therefore, all Elim Churches will partner with the following stakeholders.
National - We will work closely with Elim’s National Safeguarding Team, who oversee the implementation of safeguarding policy and procedures across every Elim church.
External - We will cooperate fully with all statutory safeguarding agencies to protect those at risk of harm or abuse, including statutory investigations linked with the church. We will share relevant information, where appropriate, to promote the safety of individuals.
Organisational - Where possible, and where there is not a conflict of interest, the Designated Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will liaise with the senior minister when issues arise, to ensure appropriate pastoral considerations are addressed and to promote accountability and communication. However, this should not delay any necessary reporting.
Local - All individuals working with children and/or adults at risk will be given a copy of this safeguarding policy and accompanying practical guidance. It is the expectation that all those working with children and adults have read and agreed to fully adhere to the policy, procedure, and practical guidelines as a condition of continuing in their role.
Get in Touch
To report a safeguarding issues, or to speak directly with our Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) Amanda Smith, please contact:
