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HANDLING DISCLOSURES
What is the S.L.I.C.K. method, and how should I use it if someone discloses abuse to me?
S.L.I.C.K. is a mnemonic for handling disclosures:
Stay calm: Remain composed and approachable.
Listen: Allow the person to speak without interruption or judgment.
Inform: Explain that you will need to share this information with a Safeguarding Officer.
Care: Show empathy and support for the person.
Keep to yourself: Do not share the information with anyone other than a Safeguarding Officer.
What information should I record after a disclosure?
It's important to capture all basic information of anyone involved; including full name, date of birth, address. Then record EXACTLY what was disclosed. Don't worry about trying to make it sound nicer - if they used swear words, write those down (you can use the asterisiks to block some letters out. If there is an injury then it's important to describe it well. Where is it? What size and colour is it? The reporting form has a body map to help with this. This is especially important for cases involving criminal activity, all facts recorded at the start are important.
How do I send details of a concern?
Please phone the Safeguarding Helpline first. We can't guarantee to attend in a timely manner to any form submitted without the prior knowledge of a Safeguarding Officer.
Once you have spoken to a Safeguarding Officer they will direct you to complete one of the following forms. This is our preferred way for you to send us your information as it's more detailed and secure. These form links are found on the front page of this Hub.
I've called the Safeguarding Helpline but there's no reply. What should I do?
In an emergency, if there seems a risk to life, you should phone 999.
If there appears to be no imminent risk to life, and you feel it's safe, you could try the Safeguarding Helpline again in ten minutes or so. If it's late and the Helpline is closed, call first thing in the morning. If you're very sure it's a minor issue you can email the Safeguarding Co-ordinator but please be aware that staff don't always work full time or they may be on annual leave and so you should always follow this up with a phone call if you don't receive a reply.
Some of the Safeguarding Officers may have an answerphone facility on their mobiles. Please do leave a message to say that you're phoning about a Safeguarding concern along with your name and a contact number. However, sometimes technology can fail us, so please follow this up as soon as possible with another phone call to ensure your concern is attended to in the swiftest manner.
REPORTING CONCERNS
How do I report a safeguarding concern?
You should "PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer. The helpline number is 01224 460590, available from 8 am to 10 pm daily
What should I do if a life is in immediate danger?
If a life is in immediate danger, you should always call 999 first before contacting a Safeguarding Officer.
Are there specific forms for raising different types of concerns?
Yes, there are dedicated online forms for raising concerns about children/youth, at-risk adults, or even a concern about yourself. There is also a link to update an existing concern. CLICK HERE
What is the best way to contact a Safeguarding Officer?
You should use the dedicated safeguarding helpline (01224 460590). It is advised not to phone officers directly on their personal phone. If you cannot get through, leave a message. You can also email safeguarding@catalyst.vin with questions, but please don't use this to report an issue or share sensitive info.
TEAM QS & SCENARIOS
I've noticed three small bruises on the inside of the arm of one of our children in Catalyst Preschool. The child is a little grumpy with other children today but otherwise seems fine. What should I do?
Children can bruise really easily and some children are more prone to accidents than others. However, bruises in places that are not usual or seem frequent should also be queried.
You could quite cheerily ask the child how they managed to get the bruises but it is not our duty to investigate further. Remember our guidelines say not to speak to parents/carers about safeguarding concerns.
As soon as possible, phone the Safeguarding Helpline to pass on the information to an SGO who will let you know what you should do.
I've started setting up for the morning and received a message that the other team member can't make it as the family appear to be coming down with a tummy bug. What should I do?
You should speak to your Pastor, SKL/SYL or Service Leader as soon as you can - and you could put out a call for help via your WhatsApp group. Your SKL/SYL or Pastor may keep a list of volunteers who have current Kids PVGs but are willing to be used as extras in an emergency. You can use anyone who is PVGd for Primary, Preschool or Youth, who would be willing to stand in. Don't forget to register your last minute helpers on ChurchSuite!
IMPORTANT: Never run a group on your own; if all other options are exhausted, it would be better to run with the assistance of a couple of parent helpers - don't forget to record them on the register and make sure you report this to the Kids Pastor - as this isn't something we'd want to happen often.
Help! We have a baptism going on and we have 9 more children in Catalyst Preschool than usual. What's the adult to child ratio?
Our Adult:Child ratios are generous and simple, to provide for a well-balanced, regular event.
You must have 2 adults (minimum) at a session
Catalyst Kids Preschool One adult for every three children (1:3)
Catalyst Kids Primary One adult for every eight children (1:8)
Catalyst Youth One adult for every ten children (1:10)
In other situations, such as a baptism, it will be up to you to decide how many more adults you need in the room with you to continue to be safe and effective. Perhaps a parent or two would be willing to stay or perhaps you have "standbys" you can call on in these situations.
Here is the full information regarding Adult to Child Ratios we suggest as a minimum.
Someone on team was a bit off with one of our adults at Lifestyle today. How should I approach her?
As a collective team of volunteers in our church community we give permission to challenge one another so that we provide a healthy safeguarding culture. This should always be done in a loving manner with mutual care and respect.
We apply the principal of Matthew 18:15-17, approaching one-to-one and involving leaders if the incident fails to be properly addressed.
You could try an approach such as, "I know it's difficult when he/she does that but I find it's more helpful to do this, rather than that."
Our Kids' area is supposed to be an adult free zone but I've seen someone hanging around who isn't on team?
We operate an Adult Free Zone for all Kids and Youth areas when events are going on or during drop-off and collection times.
To avoid confusion and keep things as clear as possible - only those who are on team that day or the SKL/SYL should be in these areas when children or youth are in the areas, apart from parents/carers dropping off/picking up children at these times.
If you see someone who is not on team or not a Kids/Youth Site Leader, it's really important to use the form below to record an unauthorised adult in a restricted area. It's likely the person will have a completely legitimate reason to be there but this is a precautionary measure that ensures safety for all and means that we can recognise patterns.
Unauthorised Adult in Restricted Area
We have a 10 month old baby in our Kids Preschool Group. She isn't settling well and cries when she's not being held? What's the appropriate length of time to comfort her?
Babies can get distressed especially when they're younger and new to the group.
If the baby is distressed at the parent leaving, it's always a good idea to ask the parent/carer how long they think their child will cry for and if they would like to be called if she still hasn't settled after a certain time.
It is appropriate to comfort a young baby who is distressed. Whilst doing this we should be thinking of ways to distract and ease the child and working towards the child being able to sit independently on the floor and allow us to interact with them there.
We should never be concerned that the child is noisy and distracting the rest of the room so that we might consider taking the child into an adjacent room or corridor on our own. This would be completely against our policy and not considered safe - either for the child or the volunteer. In any case, if the child is particularly distressed it is probably a better idea to recall the parent/carer to the Preschool room (in whichever way has been deemed the safest way for your site to do this).
As children get older, extended comfort and cuddles become less appropriate. A quick cuddle or arm around a child should be all that's needed - and only if they make the first move to ask for a hug.
Refer to our Code of Conduct - Specifics for Children and Young People section on the Good Practice in Teams page for further information around this topic.
I suspect something isn't right, but I don't have definitive proof. Should I still report it?
Absolutely. You do not need to have proof to report a concern. Your role is to "PASS IT ON." It is the Safeguarding Officer's responsibility to assess the information and take appropriate action.
What if a child or vulnerable adult asks me a sensitive personal question that makes me uncomfortable?
Politely redirect the conversation. If the nature of the question raises a safeguarding concern (e.g., related to their own safety or others' behaviour), then "PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer. Avoid engaging in personal discussions that could be misinterpreted or inappropriate.
I received a safeguarding concern late at night, outside of the helpline's operating hours. What is the procedure?
If there is immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, note down all relevant details and contact the safeguarding helpline as soon as it reopens at 8 am the next day.
What if I have a safeguarding concern about another team member or volunteer?
You must still "PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer using the established reporting channels (helpline or online form). Do not attempt to address the issue directly with the individual.
GENERAL SAFEGUARDING
What is the primary message of the Safeguarding Hub?
The primary message is "PASS IT ON," emphasising the importance of immediately reporting any safeguarding concerns to a Safeguarding Officer.
What are the key responsibilities of the Catalyst Vineyard Church regarding safeguarding?
Catalyst Vineyard Church is committed to protecting children, young people, and at-risk adults, operating as a registered charity in Scotland with a clear safeguarding policy and dedicated team.
Where can I find the official Safeguarding Policy and related guidance documents?
Links to the full Safeguarding Policy and guidance for recognizing and responding to concerns about children/young people and at-risk adults are available on the hub.
PARENTING
What should I do if my child discloses something to me that happened during a church activity or involves someone from the church?
It's crucial to listen calmly to your child without pressing for details. Reassure them that they've done the right thing by telling you. Then, you must immediately "PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer at Catalyst Vineyard Church via the helpline (01224 460590).
Do not investigate the matter yourself. The Safeguarding Team will take your concern seriously and handle it sensitively and appropriately.
How can I be assured that the volunteers and staff working with my child are safe and appropriately vetted?
Catalyst Vineyard Church is committed to safeguarding and follows robust recruitment procedures for all staff and volunteers who work with children, young people, and at-risk adults. This includes undertaking Disclosure Scotland checks (PVG scheme memberships), ensuring appropriate training in safeguarding best practices, and providing ongoing supervision and support. Our Safeguarding Policy details our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
I've just found out my daughter has been looking at pornography since she was 10. She had a fake warning on her mobile telling her to pay money or be arrested and, in a panic, it's prompted her to tell us what's been going on. What do I do?
Children viewing pornography is sadly more common than we think, even for those who have had a loving and Christian upbringing. Pornography affects the developing brain so that it becomes addictive.
There are many helpful, Christian-based articles to be found online which offer useful advice.
Here are three of the best tips from us:
Do seek out a friend or pastor to talk to and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Do speak with your child about pornography and keep channels of communication open and regular.
Do use technology to help - set filters and boundaries, use apps such as Covenant Eyes or Ever Accountable (we can commend the latter), and consider your hardware - Apple devices are not so easy to monitor or protect as Android.
My son has confided in me that he's been self-harming. He says it helps him cope with stress. What are the immediate steps I should take, and how can the church support us?
Discovering your child is self-harming can be incredibly distressing. First, it's vital to remain calm and assure your son that you're there for him and that you'll help him get the support he needs. Listen without judgment.
Immediate Steps:
Seek Professional Help: Contact your GP immediately or, if it's a crisis, take them to A&E or call NHS 24 (111). They can assess his physical and mental well-being and refer him to specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) or other appropriate support.
Ensure Safety: Remove any means of self-harm from his environment if it's safe to do so.
Open Communication: Maintain an open and supportive dialogue with your son. Let him know he doesn't have to face this alone.
How the Church Can Support You:
"PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer: Please inform our Safeguarding Team as soon as possible via the helpline (01224 460590). While self-harm isn't always a safeguarding concern in itself (unless there are other factors involved, like exploitation), our Safeguarding Officers are trained to provide sensitive support and signposting to relevant agencies. They can also ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered to your family.
Pastoral Support: Our pastoral team can offer confidential prayer, listening support, and guidance as you navigate this challenging time.
Community and Connection: Connecting with supportive groups or individuals within the church community can provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation for both you and your son.
Signposting: We can help signpost you to reputable external organisations in the UK that specialise in supporting young people with self-harm, such as YoungMinds, NSPCC, or Papyrus.
My child is being bullied, either within church activities or at school/online, and it's affecting their well-being. How can the church support us?
Bullying, whether in person or online (cyberbullying), can have a significant impact on a child's confidence and mental health. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where bullying is not tolerated.
What to do:
Listen to Your Child: Reassure them that it's not their fault and they've done the right thing by telling you.
Gather Information: Try to understand the specifics of the bullying (who, what, where, when, how often).
"PASS IT ON" to a Safeguarding Officer: If the bullying involves another child or adult from within Catalyst Vineyard Church activities or is impacting your child's engagement with church, please inform our Safeguarding Team immediately via the helpline (01224 460590) or email (safeguarding@catalyst.vin). We will handle the concern sensitively and take appropriate action in line with our safeguarding policy.
Contact School/Platform (if external): If the bullying is happening at school, contact the school directly to involve their anti-bullying procedures. For cyberbullying, report it to the relevant online platform.
How the Church Can Support You:
Pastoral Care: Our pastoral team can offer compassionate support and guidance for both you and your child.
Safe Environment: We are dedicated to ensuring our church activities are a safe haven for all children, free from bullying. So if this is happening within our community, please be assured that we will do our very best to address it thoroughly.
Signposting: We can direct you to external UK organisations that specialise in anti-bullying support and resources, such as Anti-Bullying Alliance, Kidscape, or YoungMinds, for further professional advice.
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