Safeguarding Concerns, Whistleblowing and Complaints

In every area of ministry, Biblical Counselling UK is committed to maintaining the highest possible Biblical standards of integrity and accountability. We expect all those working for Biblical Counselling UK and everyone involved in volunteer roles to conduct themselves in keeping with these high standards and to treat others with dignity and respect. If you have any concerns about the behaviour of anyone connected with the work of Biblical Counselling UK we would, therefore, encourage you to report it.

Safeguarding

Biblical Counselling UK is committed to the care of, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry to both adults and children. We have a particular responsibility to protect and promote the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable; particularly to children, young people and adults at risk of abuse; ensuring they are safe while in our care and that we respond appropriately to disclosures or indicators that they are experiencing abuse or neglect while in our care or elsewhere.

Any allegation or concern regarding the abuse of a child or an adult at risk of abuse must be treated seriously and reported as soon as possible. A concern can arise when you observe or suspect abusive behaviour, when an allegation is made or disclosed, or where there are indicators (signs and symptoms) of suspected abuse on the victim.

There are two ways for you to report a safeguarding concern:

Allegations against staff or volunteers should be reported to Steve Midgley, Executive Director of BCUK on executive_director@biblicalcounselling.org.uk or 01223 750450.

If the allegation is against the Executive Director, it should be reported to Mike Warren, Chair of the Board of Trustees on chairoftrustees@biblicalcounselling.org.uk or 01892 530384.

All concerns raised will be investigated thoroughly and action taken in line with Biblical Counselling UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest practical extent. The main exceptions are when the law requires disclosure, or when someone is at risk.

Whistleblowing

Everyone who engages with Biblical Counselling UK has the right to be protected from any form of bullying or harassment, exploitation or abuse and we will seek to ensure that we provide a caring and nurturing environment that is open and transparent and that promotes the raising of concerns with senior leaders. If you have concerns about the culture or practice within Biblical Counselling UK we ask you to report it.

Legislation protects those who raise legitimate concerns. No one who makes a report in good faith will be victimised for doing so. Your concern could be about things that are happening now, have happened in the past, or are likely to happen in the future. It could be about one of the following (or something not included in this list):

  • A criminal offence
  • The breach of a legal obligation
  • A miscarriage of justice
  • A danger to the health and safety of any individual
  • Damage to the environment
  • Deliberate concealment of information related to any of the above.

To report a whistleblowing concern

Concerns should be raised initially with the Executive Director, Steve Midgley (executive_director@biblicalcounselling.org.uk or 01223 750450) or alternatively with the Chair of the Board of Trustees (chairoftrustees@biblicalcounselling.org.uk or 01892 530384)

Concerns can also be raised externally either with the Charity Commission or with the Christian Safeguarding Services advice line: Phone: 0333 303 4101; E-mail: info@thecss.co.uk.

Those who raise issues under this provision must have a reasonable belief that it is well founded. However, appropriate action will be taken if a malicious allegation is made. If an investigation is required, confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that this is appropriate and practical in the circumstances. The main exceptions are when the law requires disclosure, or when someone is at risk.

Issues will be investigated as soon as possible and action taken in line with our whistleblowing and disciplinary policies and procedures. The person raising a complaint or concern will be informed of the outcome subject to the normal rules on confidentiality of personal information.

Any other concerns

If you have any other concerns or questions about the work of Biblical Counselling UK that is not covered by the safeguarding or whistleblowing sections above, nor by our formal Complaints Procedure (see below), please let us know by emailing info@biblicalcounselling.org.uk.

We appreciate your help in bringing matters to our attention. Thank you.

Formal Complaints Policy and Procedure

The primary purpose of the Biblical Counselling UK Complaints Procedure is to provide a clear process for dealing with complaints relating to the decisions and actions taken by those involved in the ministry and activities of the charity, either in an employed, contracted or voluntary role.

Download Complaints Policy and Procedure