Those who pose a risk

Some organisations, especially churches and places of worship, are open to all.  These are places where children and adults can freely mix and join in activities together in close proximity. This can include people who may pose a known risk.  
 
A person who may pose a risk is someone whose past actions or current allegations—whether proven or not—suggest they could potentially harm others.

To keep everyone safe, this person may need a risk assessment, close monitoring, and clear behaviour agreements before joining your activities. 

Examples of situations that might apply include: 

• they’ve been accused of harmful behaviour (even if not proven).
• they’re under police investigation or out on bail.
• they’ve admitted guilt and received a police caution.
• they’ve been convicted of a crime.
• they’ve completed a sentence but are still under probation or supervision.
• they’ve told you about past harmful behaviour that wasn’t reported or prosecuted.

Things to consider

In order to create places that are safer for all, it is essential that organisations that have an 'open door' policy understand the risks that come with that. 

Organisations need to have a safeguarding policy that includes a safer recruitment process to limit access to vulnerable groups and other measures in place which make sure any ongoing risks are managed effectively and those who may pose a risk are appropriately supported.

If an allegation is made that suggests someone already in role may pose risk to others, we need to have clear and neutral procedures in place that allow us to keep everyone safer while those allegations are looked into. That might be through a criminal investigation by police, or where that threshold isn’t met, through a risk assessment by our organisation, or often, both. The individual should be stepped down while this process is ongoing. 

We also want to remember that harm and abuse can be perpetrated by children and be prepared to respond to instance of child-on-child abuse and those engaging in harmful sexual behaviours.  
 
Organisations that want to be truly open to all and allow those that may pose a risk to take part in their activities and be part of their community, can put processes and agreements in place that allow them to be managed and supported within the organisation without compromising the safety of others.