Everyone in The Boys’ Brigade, whether a volunteer or in a paid role, has a responsibility for safeguarding children and young people and must respond to any safeguarding concerns or allegations.

As children and young people build trust with their leaders, they may feel able to disclose safeguarding concerns involving a leader, another adult or a young person. Concerns may also be raised by parents/carers, another leader, church officials or someone else. It is essential that all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon, regardless of whether the leader receiving the information believes them to be true.

One of our greatest strengths in The Boys’ Brigade are the friendships and relationships we build. However, when a safeguarding concern involves another leader, staff member, parent, or church official, these relationships can become a barrier. Such barriers may cause hesitation, or in some cases, a failure to report concerns. It is vital we recognise these barriers and ensure they never prevent safeguarding action.

Barriers to reporting may include the following, though this is not an exhaustive list.

• “I can deal with this myself, after all, they came to me”
• “I wasn’t really listening to the child; they complain a lot”
• “I don’t believe the child”
• “I am friends with the person being accused”
• “This could reflect badly on our Company or church”
• “I am worried as the alleged abuser is in a senior position in the Church or Community”
• “I’m not sure who to report it to – the Company Captain/Correspondent is away”
• “I’m worried that involving police or social services may make things worse”
• “I don’t want the hassle of reporting this”
• “We might lose leaders if this is reported”
• “This involves me – I’m not going to tell anyone”
• “The child’s family is already struggling. I don’t want to add to their difficulties”
• “We are all in the same friendship group – This could disrupt everything”

None of these reasons justifies failing to report a safeguarding concern. All concerns must be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and reported in line with safeguarding procedures.

If you have searched this section of the Safeguarding Hub and are still unsure what to do, you can seek advice from the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager at safeguarding@boys-brigade.org.uk. If you require urgent advice regarding a safeguarding concern or allegation, please call 0300 303 4454.