Safer Recruitment and Volunteers

Our Commitment to Prevention

Preventing abuse is a primary responsibility for all our churches. This involves not only ensuring we have the right people in roles but also that our activities are safe and our premises are used responsibly. The following principles are central to our preventative approach.

1. The Safer Recruitment Process

All churches must follow a consistent process for all volunteer and paid roles that involve working with children or adults at risk. This process is a critical first line of defence in deterring unsuitable individuals and must include:

• Providing a clear role description and person specification.
• Requiring all applicants to complete an application form.
• Completing a self-declaration form regarding criminal history.
• Conducting a face-to-face interview (this can be informal for some volunteer roles).
• Taking up at least two independent references.
• Completing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for all eligible roles.
• Establishing a trial or review period for new appointments.

You can find all the necessary forms for this process, including application forms (SR1), reference request forms (SR2), and guidance on DBS-eligible roles (S3), on our Safeguarding Resources & Forms page.

2. Ensuring Safe Activities

All activities must be organised in accordance with URC’s Good Practice guidance to promote a safe environment and minimise opportunities for harm or misunderstanding. For every event, this includes:

• Carrying out and documenting risk assessments.
• Using appropriate and accessible consent forms, especially for children’s activities.
• Keeping appropriate records of attendance and incidents.
• Ensuring adequate insurance is in place.

3. Code of Conduct

All trustees, paid staff, and volunteers are required to work within a code of conduct. This ensures that everyone understands the standards of behaviour expected of them. Breaches of this code will be taken seriously and may result in the suspension or termination of a person's role.

4. Safe Use of Church Premises

When any church premises are hired by an external organisation, group, or individual, the hiring party must hold and abide by their own safeguarding policy. Where the hirer does not have their own policy (e.g., for a one-off private booking), they must be given a copy of the local church’s safeguarding policy and must agree in writing to abide by it. The hiring agreement must contain clauses that clearly outline this safeguarding responsibility.