Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What Do I Do if I'm Worried About the Safety or Welfare of a Child or an Adult at Risk?
If you’re concerned that a child or adult may be at risk of harm, it’s important to act promptly and with care. You don’t need to have all the details or be certain – raising a concern is about ensuring someone’s safety, not making a judgement.
Here’s what you can do:
- Speak up: Share your concern with your Religious Life Group’s Safeguarding Lead or designated person as soon as possible. If you’re unsure who that is, ask a senior member of your community or contact the RLSS for guidance.
- Record what you know: Make a clear, factual note of what you’ve seen, heard, or been told. Include dates, times, and any direct quotes if possible.
- Avoid investigating: Your role is to report, not to verify. Leave any follow-up or assessment to trained safeguarding professionals.
- In an emergency: If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services by dialling 999.
You are not alone in this. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and your concern could be the first step in protecting someone from harm. If you need support or advice, please reach out to us – we’re here to help.
Can a Safeguarding Concern be Kept Confidential?
We understand that raising a safeguarding concern can feel daunting, and you may worry about the impact on others or your community. While we treat all concerns with sensitivity and care, safeguarding cannot always be kept completely confidential.
When someone is at risk of harm, we have a duty to share relevant information with those who can help protect them. This may include safeguarding professionals, statutory agencies, or designated individuals within your Religious community. We only share what is necessary – and always with the aim of keeping people safe.
What you share will be handled respectfully and appropriately. You won’t be left alone in the process. If you’re unsure about what to do, or need support in raising a concern, please reach out to your Safeguarding Lead or contact the Religious Life Safeguarding Service. We’re here to listen, guide, and walk alongside you.
Does My Religious Life Group Still Need a Safeguarding Lead?
Yes – having a Safeguarding Lead remains essential.
Every Religious Life Group, regardless of size or setting, shares a responsibility to create a safe and protective environment for all. A designated Safeguarding Lead ensures that this commitment is not only upheld but actively lived out in daily practice.
Even in closed or contemplative communities, safeguarding concerns can arise. Having someone who is trained, accessible, and trusted to respond appropriately makes a real difference – especially for those who may feel vulnerable or unsure about speaking up.
The role of a Safeguarding Lead includes:
- Being a point of contact for concerns or disclosures
- Supporting the community in understanding safeguarding responsibilities
- Liaising with the RLSS and external safeguarding professionals when needed
- Helping embed a culture of safety, compassion, and accountability
Will the RLSS Supply Insurance or Legal Advice?
We understand that safeguarding concerns can sometimes raise questions about legal responsibilities or insurance cover. While the RLSS is here to offer guidance, support, and clarity around safeguarding practice, we do not provide insurance or legal advice.
What we can do is:
- Help you understand your safeguarding duties and best practice
- Signpost you to relevant professional bodies or legal advisors
- Support you in navigating complex safeguarding situations with compassion and care
If you’re unsure where to turn for legal or insurance matters, we’re happy to help you find the right place to start. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility – and you don’t have to face it alone.
Who Does the Religious Life Safeguarding Service Work With?
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) serves Religious Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, their members, and the ministries they undertake in England and Wales.
How Do I Sign Up to the RLSS?
We will send you the following documents:
1. Contract
2. Data sharing agreement
3. Information for invoicing
Your service will start from the date these documents are returned to us. You will then have 30 days to pay the invoice or apply to the Common Fund to cover the cost of these services.
What is the RLSS Common Fund?
How Do We Invoice?
Are There Any Extra Charges?
All core services are included in your membership fee. The only additional cost is for DBS checks, which are charged per application paid directly using U-check.
This approach keeps things fair, as some Religious Life Groups may only need a few checks each year while others may require many. For that reason, DBS charges are kept separate from the subscription fee.
What are Your Terms and Conditions?
Confidentiality
All information is held confidentially between the two organisations and this confidentiality should continue even if the contract is terminated.
Your Obligations
We need a suitable point of contact in order to manage our cases and we need to be able to reach this person easily.
Termination
You can cancel at year 3 or at any other time but must give 6 months’ notice.
Data Retention
We adhere to the CSSA’s retention schedule
Reporting Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns
If you have experienced abuse or have any safeguarding concerns, we encourage you to reach out through our Make Contact With Us link below. All reports are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and care.