Safeguarding considerations
The main safeguarding considerations centre around protecting the identity of children or adults at risk. This is where the deliberate or inadvertent disclosure of information by verbal or written means, or via photographs or live images, may put a person at risk of harm. Such circumstances, identified below, are rare but do happen. The risk can be reduced in the planning of live events and by ensuring that appropriate formal consents are in place.
In general, "adults at risk" means people who:
- May be unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests
- Are at risk of harm
- Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable than adults who are not so affected
Child or adult protection
A child, adult at risk, or a survivor of domestic abuse may need to be protected from another person and information about their wellbeing, location and who they are living with may be highly sensitive. Children may be present who are subject to legal child protection measures and who are potentially fleeing violence or are being ‘searched for' by others. Similar considerations may apply to children who are adopted or placed with families by local authority social work services; and to people and their children affected by domestic abuse who have separated from abusive partners.
Action: Get the formal consent of all children's parents/carers/guardians prior to broadcasting. If an adult at risk is not able to consent, speak with the people who provide care or support for them. For all other adults, let all members of the congregation know in advance when and where live streaming will occur so that they can opt in or out or sit in an area not covered by the broadcast.
Convicted sex offender attending worship
This may put the offender at risk of harm if recognised. Sex offenders worshipping within congregations are supported with Covenants of Responsibilities administered through the Safeguarding Panel.
Action: Let the Safeguarding Panel know about proposed live streaming.