Working Together: Safeguarding and Good Governance in Faith Communities – Faith in Partnership Week 2025
8th – 12th September 2025
In our first Faith in Partnership Week 2025 blog, we hear from the Disclosure and Barring Service about how faith groups can help strengthen safeguarding.
Faith in Partnership Week is an opportunity to celebrate the important ways faith groups and statutory bodies are working together to strengthen communities. Safeguarding is a vital part of this, and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is committed to supporting faith organisations to build safe and welcoming environments for all.
Many faith organisations already demonstrate strong governance, with safeguarding at the heart of their work. DBS checks are one important tool to help provide reassurance and protection for both communities and individuals.
As well as issuing DBS checks, DBS manages two Barred Lists, which are records of individuals who are prohibited from working with children or adults because they pose a risk of harm. There is a legal duty for organisations to refer certain safeguarding concerns to DBS so DBS can consider if someone should be added to these lists. DBS understands that such topics can feel complex, which is why DBS is working closely with faith groups to raise awareness and provide clear guidance. By understanding and carrying out their legal duty to refer, organisations can help ensure that people who may pose a risk of harm are prevented from moving unchecked between roles and communities.
To support this vital work, DBS has launched a new campaign in the South East of England, aimed at raising awareness of the legal duty to refer within faith organisations. This is part of our wider commitment to collaborate with communities, making safeguarding processes more accessible and better understood.
If you would like to know more about the activities and resources available as part of our new campaign, including DBS’ new pop-up safeguarding clinics, please contact DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for the South East, Kelly Matthews.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about DBS and safeguarding, registration for the DBS Annual Conference in October is now open. For information on the programme, speakers, and how to register, please visit the DBS Conference webpage.
DBS is inspired by the dedication faith groups continue to show in creating safe spaces and serving communities. By working in partnership, we can strengthen safeguarding together, ensuring that faith continues to be a source of trust, care, and hope for everyone.
8th – 12th September 2025
Faith in Partnership Week celebrates cross-sector work taking place in the UK at a local and national level and encourages its expansion.
