Safeguarding

Britain Yearly Meeting recognises that there is that of God in everyone. All adults and children deserve respect, value and appropriate care. Our care extends both to those who are potentially vulnerable as victims of abuse, and those who are perpetrators.

Quakers are committed to:

• the care, respect and nurture of all vulnerable groups encountered within Quaker activities
• the safeguarding and protection of children and other vulnerable people
• the promotion of a culture of good practice in relation to activities promoted by Quaker meetings and groups
• maintaining and developing procedures and good practice guidelines

Model safeguarding documents for Area Meeting Safeguarding Coordinators

Reviewed and amended in Nov 2021.

• Introduction to the reviewed documents (PDF)
• Model Safeguarding Policy for area meetings (Word)
• Safeguarding Procedures and Toolkit for area meetings (Word)

More information:

• I have a concern about abuse
• I want information on DBS/PVG (criminal records) checks
• I am a safeguarding co-ordinator
• I work with children and young people in a Quaker setting
• I am a trustee of an area meeting
• I have responsibility for oversight

How do Quakers organise safeguarding?

In local and area Quaker meetings, the area meeting trustees are responsible for safeguarding. Each area meeting has its own safeguarding policy and a safeguarding co-ordinator. This person is the main point of contact for concerns about safeguarding. They also encourage good practice at local and area meetings.

Britain Yearly Meeting's safeguarding policy (PDF) covers its centrally-managed work, including its events.

Quakers are supported by Thirtyone:eight the specialist safeguarding organisation (previously known as CCPAS).

Britain Yearly Meeting's Safeguarding Officer can give support on the Quaker context for safeguarding, support with being a safeguarding coordinator, sample documents, and pastoral support for role-holders.

There are also some separate Quaker organisations. They run their own events and have their own safeguarding arrangements.

Support for individuals

Support for individuals is on the page I have a concern about abuse, with links to Quaker and non-Quaker organisations who can help.