Volunteers are the lifeblood of safeguarding within faith communities, bringing unique perspectives and fostering trust while facing distinct challenges that require careful management.

In this episode, safeguarding consultant Isabelle King from the Safeguarding Collective, gives us an extended and comprehensive look into ensuring teams, internal and external, employed and volunteering, are well-versed in creating safe spaces for all. Host Madison takes Isabelle through the following:

• Volunteers must be supported as integral team members with proper onboarding, supervision and emotional support
• Three foundational principles: volunteers should be supported, informed, and respected
• Training must include basic safeguarding awareness, maintaining professional boundaries, and reporting procedures
• Secondary trauma affects volunteers as much as paid staff—organizations have a duty of care to provide proper support
• Faith communities face special challenges with boundaries as personal connections often overlap with volunteer roles
• Volunteer engagement has evolved from informal helpers to formalized roles with clear expectations and proper integration
• Clear safeguarding structures are essential in faith settings to prevent blurred lines and ensure proper reporting

Connect with Isabelle King on LinkedIn

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