As more of us are now using digital and video communications in our ministry, it is important that we are aware of the safeguarding implications and follow best practice.
Please ensure you are familiar with the following guidance and share it with those in your parish who organise online meetings or worship activity.
Using Zoom with young people
Social Media and Safeguarding
Please see below for advice on using social media to reach young people.
Safeguarding and photography/filming
Sharing photos or videos of your church services and activities online is a great way to communicate the life of your church with your community. However, this should be balanced with continuing to provide a safe and secure environment for all. Some members of our community may not feel comfortable appearing in a video, and for others, it may compromise their safety. Safeguarding, GDPR and creating safe places are all key factors before any recordings are made.
Consent for photography and filming
Those appearing in video or photographs will need to have given you their permission.
A photo release form can be signed by:
- The individual, if they are an adult.
- A parent or guardian if the child is aged 12 or under. (But it's also good practice to ask the child before you use their photograph).
- Both the parent or guardian and the child, if they are aged 13-16.
- The child themselves, if they are aged 17 (but inform the parent/guardian).
The form must include all the places where the photo or video may be used by the church.
The National Safeguarding Team have created guidance for non-religious activities involving children and vulnerable adults in the Safer Environments and Activities guidance, which is linked below.
Further advice can also be found on our 'Filming and photography' webpage.
Safer Environment and Activities Policy
Please see section 4. Social media and Mobile Communications in the link below, which provides guidance on digital safeguarding.
