Our Commitment
Safeguarding Policy
At RCCG House of Favour, every person — child, young person, and vulnerable adult — is made in the image of God and deserves to be safe, valued, and protected.
Why This Matters
Our Commitment to Safety
RCCG House of Favour is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in our activities. We believe that safeguarding is not merely a legal obligation — it is a fundamental expression of the love of God for every person.
Our safeguarding policy applies to all church activities including Sunday services, youth and children's ministry, community outreach, food distribution, home visits, and all online communications.
All leaders, volunteers, and staff working with children or vulnerable adults are required to hold a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and to complete safeguarding training before taking up their role.
Principles
What We Stand For
The Welfare of the Child is Paramount
The needs and safety of children always take precedence. No tradition, programme, or convenience overrides the obligation to protect a child.
No One Unsupervised with a Child
We operate a two-adult rule. No leader or volunteer is ever alone with a child or vulnerable adult. All activities are transparent and observable.
DBS Checks for All Leaders
Every volunteer and leader working with children or vulnerable adults holds a current enhanced DBS check, renewed on schedule.
No Photography of Those We Help
We do not photograph or publish images of people receiving help from our outreach activities. Dignity is non-negotiable. Back-view photos only, with explicit consent.
Clear Reporting Procedures
Every team member knows how to raise a safeguarding concern. Reports are taken seriously, handled confidentially, and escalated to statutory agencies where required.
Ongoing Training
All team members complete safeguarding training before starting their role and refresh it regularly. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at leadership meetings.
Data Protection
GDPR & Privacy
RCCG House of Favour processes personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We collect only the information we need to serve our congregation and community, and we never sell or share personal data with third parties for commercial purposes.
Data held about children is subject to additional protections. Consent for participation in children's activities and for any photography is obtained from a parent or legal guardian before the activity begins.
For the purpose of our food distribution and outreach work, we collect only the minimum information required to coordinate logistics. No identifying information about recipients is shared publicly or stored longer than necessary.
Raise a Concern
How to Report a Safeguarding Concern
Within the Church
If you have a concern about a child or vulnerable adult in connection with our church, please speak to our Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. Your concern will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.
Safeguarding Lead: To be confirmed
Contact: Use our contact form
External Agencies
If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact the statutory authorities directly:
- Emergency: 999
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Local Authority Children's Services: Contact your local council
Important: Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern — you do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred. If something feels wrong, please speak up. It is always better to raise a concern in good faith and be mistaken than to say nothing when a child or vulnerable adult is at risk.
Questions About Safeguarding?
We welcome questions, feedback, and conversations about our safeguarding practices. Please get in touch with our leadership team.
Contact the Leadership Team