Step 4: Meeting with the subject

The Safeguarding Officer will convene a meeting of the Safeguarding Panel and the subject. Where relevant, the police and/or social worker should also be invited and may wish to attend. Some circumstances may mean that this meeting is via video conferencing. This meeting will be chaired by the Safeguarding Officer, who will introduce the covenant to the subject.

If all is agreed the covenant should be signed with a date set for a review.

The subject may wish to have a friend or relative who is aware of their circumstances accompanying them. This can be positive for all parties.

This initial covenant is not negotiable. If the subject refuses to sign it, then, in essence, they are refusing to worship.

Remember, the overarching priority of the covenant is to protect everyone attending or associated with the Church.

A covenant review can be called at any time should it be required.