Safeguarding Update from Debbie
As we head to the end of what has been a busy year of training, DBS checks and supporting churches, we have some updates and a request for information as we start to plan for 2026.
If you are a DPS, verifier or safeguarding trustee in your church please read this update carefully. And if you’re not, please pass this on to the relevant person(s) in your church – thank you!
New BUGB Level One Video
A new Level One video has been launched and is available in the safeguarding resource section of the BUGB website. The first step in our excellence in safeguarding training is to make sure that the whole church is aware that safeguarding is taken seriously, and this film serves that purpose. The short 8-minute film can be shown in a church service and at your church meeting, and we encourage churches to do this on an annual basis. Click on the link below:
The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Level 1: Excellence in Safeguarding - church meeting
DBS Checks for Churches
If you are a DBS verifier for your church, please note that with effect from 22nd October, new DBS identity document guidance has been implemented on the DDC (Due Diligence Checking) system. The updates are fully systemised so no specific action is needed from you as a verifier although you may notice some changes as you work through DBS applications. BUGB have helpfully provided an update summary for you which can be found here.
For more general guidance relating to DBS applications, check out the BUGB guide which can be found at The Baptist Union of Great Britain : BUGB Guide to DBS Checks
Use of Private Dwellings in Church Youth Work
The use of private dwellings for church youth work has been a keenly considered subject in recent years, and especially since 2023 when the National Youth Agency published their “Youth work in private dwellings, safety first, no compromise” report. In response to this and after significant consultation, BUGB now have a guide which Baptist churches can use as they consider the best place for their youth work and related activities to take place. The guide can be found at The Baptist Union of Great Britain : BUGB Guide on the use of private dwellings in church youth work
Training in 2026
As we look to 2026, it would be enormously helpful for us to know the likely demand for Level 2 and Level 3 training during the coming year. To help with this, please drop me an email with your church name and the likely numbers for training at both levels. We will then collate these numbers and seek to arrange training in geographical areas where there is the most demand.
We are hugely grateful to our two volunteer trainers, Joy and Jane, who have served us so diligently in recent years. We do, however, need to find one or two more willing people who can be trainers for us in the YBA. A good trainer is usually someone with direct knowledge of safeguarding in a professional context – perhaps they work in education, social work or similar, and someone who understands safeguarding in the context of Baptist church life. If there is anyone in your fellowship, or perhaps even yourself, who would be interested in knowing a little more about this, do please be in touch with me for a chat.
Thank you.