OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which every person is treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and care.
We seek to foster a culture in which safeguarding is understood as a shared responsibility, concerns are taken seriously, abuse is never tolerated, and every person can participate in the life of the fellowship in a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.
Contents
Part I – Safeguarding Foundations
- Scope
- Our Commitment
- Safeguarding Principles
- Who We Seek to Protect
- Shared Responsibility
- Background Screening
Part II – Responsibilities
- Responsibilities
- Responsibilities of the Lead Pastor
- Responsibilities of the Leadership Team
- Responsibilities of House Fellowship Leaders
- Responsibilities of Volunteers
- Responsibilities of Members
- Responsibilities of the Supervisory Board
Part III – Recognising Abuse and Maintaining Safe Boundaries
- Recognising Abuse
- Possible Indicators of Abuse
- Forms of Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Abuse
- Neglect
- Spiritual Abuse
- Abuse of Authority
- Healthy Boundaries
- Personal and Professional Boundaries
- Appropriate Use of Influence
- Physical Contact
- One-to-One Meetings
- Gifts and Personal Favouritism
- Safe Pastoral Care
- Listening Well
- Respecting Personal Choice
- Confidentiality During Pastoral Care
- Working with Children and Young People
- Online Safeguarding
Part IV – Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
- Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
- If Someone Raises a Concern
- Immediate Risk
- Internal Reporting
- Initial Response
- Reporting Criminal Matters
- Responding to Allegations
- Confidentiality
- Record Keeping
- Support for Those Affected
- Protection from Retaliation
- False or Malicious Allegations
Part V – Governance Framework
Introduction
OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which every person is treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and care.
Safeguarding is fundamental to our mission and reflects our commitment to protect the wellbeing, safety, and freedom of everyone who participates in the life of the fellowship.
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to establish the safeguarding principles, responsibilities, and procedures that help protect children, young people, vulnerable adults, members, volunteers, leaders, visitors, and anyone participating in activities organised by OpenCenter Fellowship.
This policy seeks to promote a culture in which concerns are taken seriously, people feel safe to speak up, appropriate action is taken without unnecessary delay, and safeguarding responsibilities are understood by everyone.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Every person associated with OpenCenter Fellowship is expected to contribute to a culture in which safeguarding is understood, practised, and continuously strengthened.
Part I – Safeguarding Foundations
1. Scope
This policy applies to all activities organised or authorised by OpenCenter Fellowship, including:
- Worship services.
- House Fellowships.
- Bible studies.
- Prayer meetings.
- Pastoral care.
- Home visits.
- Community outreach.
- Social activities.
- Online meetings.
- Video conferencing.
- Digital communication.
- Activities carried out on behalf of OpenCenter Fellowship.
- Any other activity conducted under the name of OpenCenter Fellowship.
This policy applies to:
- The Lead Pastor.
- Members of the Leadership Team.
- House Fellowship Leaders.
- Volunteers.
- Members.
- Individuals serving in pastoral, volunteer, or leadership roles.
- Anyone acting on behalf of OpenCenter Fellowship.
Visitors are also entitled to the protection provided by this policy while participating in fellowship activities.
This policy applies equally to activities conducted in person, online, and through any other form of communication or activity organised by OpenCenter Fellowship.
2. Our Commitment
OpenCenter Fellowship believes that every person has inherent dignity and should be able to participate in the life of the fellowship in an environment that is safe, welcoming, respectful, and free from abuse.
We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of everyone who comes into contact with OpenCenter Fellowship.
We are committed to responding to safeguarding concerns promptly, fairly, compassionately, and in accordance with this policy and applicable law.
We reject every form of:
- physical abuse;
- emotional abuse;
- psychological abuse;
- spiritual abuse;
- sexual abuse;
- financial abuse;
- neglect;
- exploitation;
- coercive or controlling behaviour;
- harassment;
- bullying;
- discrimination;
- abuse of authority.
Safeguarding is not simply about responding to abuse after it occurs. It also involves creating healthy environments that reduce risk, encourage accountability, establish appropriate boundaries, and promote the wellbeing of every individual.
3. Safeguarding Principles
OpenCenter Fellowship seeks to apply the following safeguarding principles throughout all aspects of its life and work.
Every Person Matters
Every individual should be treated with dignity, compassion, fairness, and respect.
Prevention
Creating a safe environment is always preferable to responding after harm has occurred.
We therefore seek to promote healthy leadership, appropriate boundaries, responsible governance, and clear behavioural expectations.
Listening
People who raise concerns should be listened to carefully and treated respectfully.
Concerns should never be dismissed simply because they appear uncomfortable, inconvenient, or involve respected individuals.
Early Action
Safeguarding concerns should be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken before situations become more serious.
Delays may increase risk to individuals.
Accountability
Everyone shares responsibility for safeguarding.
Leaders have additional responsibilities because of the trust placed in them, but safeguarding is never the responsibility of leaders alone.
Fairness
Safeguarding concerns should be handled fairly, impartially, and without prejudice.
Those raising concerns should be treated respectfully.
Those who are the subject of concerns should also be treated fairly while appropriate enquiries are undertaken.
Confidentiality
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know.
However, confidentiality must never prevent appropriate reporting where someone may be at risk of harm.
Cooperation
OpenCenter Fellowship will cooperate fully with police, safeguarding agencies, social services, regulatory authorities, insurers where appropriate, and other statutory organisations in accordance with applicable law.
Internal church procedures never replace the responsibilities of the civil authorities.
4. Who We Seek to Protect
Although safeguarding responsibilities extend to everyone, some individuals may be at greater risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or coercion because of their age, circumstances, health, dependency, or other vulnerabilities.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- children;
- young people;
- vulnerable adults;
- elderly individuals;
- people experiencing illness or disability;
- those receiving pastoral care;
- individuals experiencing emotional distress;
- people facing financial hardship;
- newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the fellowship;
- anyone whose circumstances may place them at increased risk of abuse or exploitation.
Safeguarding decisions should always seek to reduce risk while preserving the dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing of those involved.
5. Shared Responsibility
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the whole fellowship.
Every person is expected to contribute to creating an environment where:
- people feel safe;
- concerns can be raised without fear;
- healthy boundaries are respected;
- abuse is never ignored;
- individuals are treated with dignity;
- accountability is welcomed;
- appropriate action is taken when concerns arise.
No individual, regardless of position or seniority, is exempt from the safeguarding expectations described in this policy.
No concern should be ignored because of a person’s status, leadership position, length of service, reputation, or perceived spiritual authority.
6. Background Screening
The following is required:
- A criminal background check is required for individuals serving in positions of trust, including pastors, elders, youth workers, children’s workers, pastoral carers, safeguarding officers, and others designated by the Fellowship.
- In the Netherlands, this requirement is normally met through a “Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)“.
- Individuals serving from other countries must provide the recognised equivalent criminal record or background clearance from their country of residence.
- Background checks should normally be completed before the individual begins serving.
- The Fellowship may require renewed background checks periodically or when considered appropriate.
- Where a background check cannot reasonably be obtained, leadership will conduct a documented safeguarding risk assessment before approving service.
- All information obtained through background screening will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
- The Fellowship may refuse, suspend, or withdraw appointments where safeguarding concerns or background screening indicate that a person is not suitable for a position of trust.
Part II – Responsibilities
7. Responsibilities
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility throughout OpenCenter Fellowship. While leaders carry additional responsibilities because of their roles, every person participating in the life of the fellowship has a responsibility to help create and maintain a safe environment.
8. Responsibilities of the Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor provides overall leadership in promoting a culture where safeguarding is recognised as a fundamental responsibility of the fellowship.
The Lead Pastor is expected to:
- Promote a culture in which safeguarding is understood, valued, and practised throughout the fellowship.
- Model healthy leadership, integrity, humility, and appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
- Ensure that safeguarding remains an important consideration in all aspects of the fellowship’s life and work.
- Support leaders and volunteers in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.
- Ensure that safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
- Cooperate fully with safeguarding reviews, investigations, and recommendations.
- Respect the independence of the Supervisory Board where concerns involve senior leadership.
The Lead Pastor does not have authority to prevent or discourage the reporting of safeguarding concerns to the appropriate civil authorities.
9. Responsibilities of the Leadership Team
The Leadership Team shares responsibility for promoting a safe, respectful, and accountable culture throughout OpenCenter Fellowship.
Members of the Leadership Team are expected to:
- Support the implementation of this Safeguarding Policy.
- Encourage safeguarding awareness throughout the fellowship.
- Promote healthy leadership and ethical decision-making.
- Ensure that safeguarding concerns are responded to promptly and appropriately.
- Cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations and reviews.
- Encourage transparency, accountability, and good governance.
- Undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their responsibilities.
Leadership Team members should never ignore, minimise, or attempt to conceal safeguarding concerns.
10. Responsibilities of House Fellowship Leaders
House Fellowship Leaders often have the closest pastoral relationships within the fellowship and therefore carry particular safeguarding responsibilities.
They are expected to:
- Create welcoming and safe local communities.
- Be attentive to the wellbeing of those attending House Fellowships.
- Maintain healthy pastoral and personal boundaries.
- Listen respectfully when concerns are raised.
- Report safeguarding concerns promptly through the appropriate procedures.
- Cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations.
- Encourage a culture of kindness, respect, and accountability within their local fellowship.
House Fellowship Leaders should not attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves. Their responsibility is to respond appropriately, protect those involved, and ensure concerns are reported without unnecessary delay.
11. Responsibilities of Volunteers
Volunteers contribute significantly to the life and work of OpenCenter Fellowship and share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.
Volunteers are expected to:
- Comply with this Safeguarding Policy.
- Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
- Treat every individual with dignity, respect, and compassion.
- Raise safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
- Cooperate honestly with safeguarding procedures and investigations.
- Participate in safeguarding training where required for their role.
12. Responsibilities of Members
Every member contributes to the safeguarding culture of OpenCenter Fellowship.
Members are encouraged to:
- Care for one another with kindness and respect.
- Promote healthy relationships throughout the fellowship.
- Report concerns where someone may be at risk of harm.
- Avoid behaviour that could place others at unnecessary risk.
- Support those affected by safeguarding concerns with compassion and sensitivity.
Safeguarding is not solely the responsibility of leaders. Every member has a role in helping create a safe and caring Christian community.
13. Responsibilities of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board provides independent oversight of safeguarding across OpenCenter Fellowship.
Its safeguarding responsibilities include:
- Promoting accountability in safeguarding governance.
- Reviewing significant safeguarding matters where appropriate.
- Providing independent oversight where safeguarding concerns involve the Lead Pastor or members of the Leadership Team.
- Monitoring whether safeguarding policies are being implemented effectively.
- Recommending improvements to safeguarding practice where necessary.
- Helping ensure that safeguarding concerns are managed fairly, independently, and in accordance with this policy.
The Supervisory Board does not replace the role of the police, social services, or other statutory authorities. Its role is to provide independent governance and oversight within the fellowship while supporting appropriate cooperation with external authorities where required.
Part III – Recognising Abuse and Maintaining Safe Boundaries
14. Recognising Abuse
Abuse can occur in many different forms and may affect people of any age, background, or circumstance. It can be carried out by strangers, acquaintances, family members, friends, volunteers, leaders, or other trusted individuals.
Safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously, even where the available information is incomplete or uncertainty exists.
A safeguarding concern may arise from:
- something a person says;
- changes in a person’s behaviour;
- something that is observed directly;
- information received from another individual or organisation;
- a pattern of events that causes concern;
- behaviour that places someone at risk of harm.
It is not necessary to be certain that abuse has occurred before raising a safeguarding concern.
Where there is a reasonable concern that someone may be at risk of harm, the concern should be reported promptly through the appropriate safeguarding procedures.
Individuals should not attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves unless they have been specifically authorised to do so as part of their responsibilities.
Early reporting helps protect individuals, preserves evidence where necessary, and allows appropriate agencies to determine the most suitable course of action.
15. Possible Indicators of Abuse
The presence of one or more indicators does not necessarily mean that abuse has occurred. However, such indicators should never be ignored, particularly where several concerns arise together or where behaviour changes significantly.
Possible indicators may include:
- unexplained injuries;
- sudden changes in behaviour or personality;
- fearfulness, anxiety, or withdrawal;
- reluctance to be with certain individuals;
- unusually controlling relationships;
- signs of intimidation or coercion;
- unexplained financial difficulties or loss of possessions;
- repeated humiliation or degradation;
- inappropriate sexual behaviour or comments;
- neglect of basic care or wellbeing;
- disclosures made directly or indirectly by the individual concerned;
- any situation that gives reasonable cause for concern about a person’s safety or wellbeing.
Where immediate danger exists, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
16. Forms of Abuse
OpenCenter Fellowship recognises that abuse may occur in many different forms. The following descriptions are intended to provide guidance and are not exhaustive.
17. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves the intentional use of physical force that results in, or is likely to result in, injury, pain, suffering, intimidation, or unlawful restraint.
Examples may include assault, inappropriate physical punishment, rough handling, or the unnecessary use of force.
18. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse involves persistent behaviour that harms a person’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, dignity, or mental health.
Examples may include:
- intimidation;
- humiliation;
- threats;
- persistent criticism;
- manipulation;
- controlling behaviour;
- isolation from others;
- verbal abuse;
- deliberate attempts to undermine a person’s confidence or self-worth.
19. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity, contact, harassment, exploitation, or behaviour that occurs without free and informed consent or involves a person who lacks the capacity to give valid consent.
Sexual abuse may include unwanted touching, sexual coercion, grooming, exploitation, indecent exposure, or other forms of sexual misconduct.
OpenCenter Fellowship has zero tolerance for sexual abuse or sexual exploitation.
Where criminal conduct is suspected, the appropriate civil authorities will always be informed.
20. Financial Abuse
Financial abuse involves the dishonest, improper, or exploitative use of another person’s money, property, possessions, or financial resources.
Examples may include:
- pressuring someone to make donations;
- misuse of charitable funds;
- theft;
- fraud;
- financial manipulation;
- unauthorised use of another person’s finances;
- exploiting a person’s financial vulnerability.
Financial stewardship within OpenCenter Fellowship must always be transparent, accountable, and free from personal gain.
21. Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to provide appropriate care, support, supervision, or assistance where there is a responsibility to do so, resulting in actual or potential harm.
Neglect may involve failing to respond appropriately to an individual’s physical, emotional, pastoral, or safeguarding needs.
22. Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual abuse occurs when religious belief, spiritual authority, Scripture, prayer, teaching, or leadership is used to manipulate, control, intimidate, exploit, or harm another person.
Examples may include:
- claiming unquestionable spiritual authority;
- demanding unquestioning obedience;
- using fear, guilt, or shame to control behaviour;
- discouraging legitimate questions or respectful disagreement;
- manipulating individuals through claims of divine approval or judgement;
- using religious teaching to justify abusive or controlling behaviour;
- isolating individuals from family, friends, or independent sources of support;
- exploiting trust for personal influence, financial gain, or emotional dependence.
OpenCenter Fellowship rejects every form of spiritual abuse.
Leadership exists to serve others with humility rather than to control them.
Healthy spiritual leadership encourages freedom of conscience, personal responsibility, respectful dialogue, and individual spiritual growth.
23. Abuse of Authority
People serving in positions of leadership, pastoral care, or other volunteer responsibilities are entrusted with influence that must always be exercised responsibly.
Abuse of authority occurs when a position of trust or leadership is used for personal benefit, inappropriate influence, intimidation, manipulation, or exploitation.
Such behaviour is incompatible with the values of OpenCenter Fellowship and may also constitute spiritual abuse, misconduct, or criminal behaviour depending on the circumstances.
All leaders are expected to exercise authority with humility, accountability, transparency, and respect for the dignity and freedom of every person.
24. Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential for creating safe, respectful, and trustworthy relationships throughout OpenCenter Fellowship.
Appropriate boundaries help protect everyone involved in the life of the fellowship, including members, visitors, volunteers, and leaders. They also help prevent misunderstandings, misuse of authority, and situations that may place individuals at risk.
Every person should respect the personal dignity, privacy, autonomy, and freedom of others.
Leaders and volunteers carry additional responsibility because their positions naturally involve trust and influence.
25. Personal and Professional Boundaries
Everyone serving in a leadership, pastoral, or volunteer role is expected to maintain appropriate boundaries in all relationships.
This includes:
- treating every individual with dignity and respect;
- recognising the limits of one’s role and responsibilities;
- avoiding relationships that create dependency or inappropriate influence;
- respecting personal privacy;
- avoiding favouritism;
- exercising good judgement in all interactions.
Leaders should avoid situations that could reasonably give rise to misunderstandings, allegations of misconduct, or actual harm.
26. Appropriate Use of Influence
Leadership within OpenCenter Fellowship exists to serve rather than to control.
Leaders must never misuse their position to obtain personal, financial, emotional, sexual, or spiritual advantage.
Examples of inappropriate use of influence include:
- pressuring individuals into decisions against their wishes;
- demanding unquestioning loyalty or obedience;
- manipulating people through fear, guilt, or spiritual authority;
- exploiting confidential information for personal advantage;
- encouraging unhealthy emotional dependence;
- using leadership status to pursue inappropriate personal relationships.
Healthy leadership encourages personal responsibility, informed decision-making, and freedom of conscience.
No leader should seek to control another person’s conscience, personal relationships, or legitimate decisions through spiritual authority or pastoral influence.
27. Physical Contact
Appropriate physical contact may sometimes occur naturally within a caring Christian community, such as a handshake or other culturally appropriate greeting.
However, all physical contact should be:
- respectful;
- appropriate to the situation;
- welcomed by the other person;
- mindful of personal boundaries and cultural differences.
Unwanted, unnecessary, or inappropriate physical contact should always be avoided.
Where there is uncertainty, the wishes and comfort of the other person should always take priority.
28. One-to-One Meetings
Pastoral conversations and private meetings are often an important part of the life of OpenCenter Fellowship.
Where practical, meetings should take place:
- in suitable locations;
- at reasonable times;
- in environments that promote both privacy and safety;
- in ways that protect both the individual receiving support and the person providing it.
Where appropriate, another trusted leader should be aware that a meeting is taking place, or should be present.
Good safeguarding practice protects everyone involved.
29. Gifts and Personal Favouritism
Leaders should exercise wisdom when giving or receiving personal gifts.
Gifts should never create expectations, obligations, dependence, or unequal treatment.
Repeated personal gifts, financial assistance, or special treatment directed towards one individual should be approached carefully and transparently.
Where financial assistance is provided through the fellowship, appropriate accountability should always be maintained.
30. Safe Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is an important expression of Christian service.
It should always be offered with compassion, humility, respect, and appropriate professional judgement.
Those providing pastoral care should recognise the limits of their knowledge and competence.
Pastoral care should never replace appropriate medical, psychological, legal, financial, or safeguarding support where specialist assistance is needed.
Individuals should be encouraged to seek appropriate professional help whenever circumstances require it.
31. Listening Well
People seeking pastoral care should be listened to respectfully and without judgement.
Leaders should avoid making assumptions or offering advice before fully understanding the situation.
Individuals should never feel pressured to disclose more than they are comfortable sharing.
32. Respecting Personal Choice
Pastoral care should encourage informed and responsible decision-making rather than directing or controlling another person’s life.
Where different options exist, individuals should be supported in making their own decisions.
Leaders should avoid creating dependence or presenting themselves as the sole source of guidance.
33. Confidentiality During Pastoral Care
Information shared during pastoral conversations should normally remain confidential.
However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where:
- someone may be at risk of harm;
- safeguarding concerns arise;
- criminal conduct is disclosed or suspected;
- disclosure is required by law.
Where possible, individuals should be informed if confidential information needs to be shared in order to protect someone or comply with legal responsibilities.
34. Working with Children and Young People
OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to providing a safe environment for children and young people participating in fellowship activities.
Leaders and volunteers working with children or young people are expected to exercise particular care and vigilance.
Where activities specifically involve children or young people, appropriate safeguarding measures should be implemented having regard to applicable legal requirements and recognised safeguarding guidance in the country concerned.
Children and young people should always be treated with dignity, respect, patience, and kindness.
Their welfare must remain the primary consideration in all decisions affecting them.
35. Online Safeguarding
Safeguarding responsibilities apply equally to online fellowship activities and digital communication.
Whether interacting through video conferencing, email, messaging applications, social media, online teaching, or other digital platforms, everyone is expected to maintain the same standards of conduct required for in-person activities.
Leaders and volunteers should communicate respectfully, maintain appropriate boundaries, and avoid private online behaviour that could place themselves or others at unnecessary risk.
Digital communication should never be used to:
- harass or intimidate others;
- exploit vulnerable individuals;
- engage in inappropriate personal relationships;
- share confidential information without proper authority;
- manipulate, threaten, or control another person.
Where online safeguarding concerns arise, they should be reported and managed in the same manner as concerns arising during in-person activities.
Part IV – Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
36. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to responding to safeguarding concerns promptly, responsibly, fairly, and compassionately.
Every safeguarding concern should be taken seriously, regardless of the position, reputation, or length of service of the person involved.
The primary consideration in every safeguarding response is the safety and wellbeing of those who may be at risk.
37. If Someone Raises a Concern
When a person shares a safeguarding concern, leaders and volunteers should:
- listen carefully and respectfully;
- remain calm and avoid expressing shock or disbelief;
- allow the individual to speak freely without interruption where possible;
- avoid asking leading or investigative questions;
- avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality;
- explain that information may need to be shared in order to protect people;
- reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by speaking up;
- make an accurate written record of the information provided as soon as reasonably practicable;
- report the concern through the appropriate safeguarding procedures without unnecessary delay.
Individuals receiving a safeguarding disclosure should not attempt to determine whether the allegation is true. Their responsibility is to respond appropriately and ensure that the concern is reported.
38. Immediate Risk
Where there is reason to believe that a person is in immediate danger of significant harm, emergency services or the appropriate civil authorities should be contacted without delay.
Protecting life and preventing further harm always takes priority.
Internal reporting procedures should never delay emergency action where immediate protection is required.
39. Internal Reporting
Safeguarding concerns should normally be reported to an appropriate leader as soon as reasonably practicable.
Where a concern involves:
- the Lead Pastor;
- a member of the Leadership Team;
- a House Fellowship Leader; or
- another person in a position of leadership,
the concern may be reported directly to the Supervisory Board to ensure independent oversight.
No individual should be required to report concerns to the person about whom the concern has been raised.
40. Initial Response
Following the receipt of a safeguarding concern, OpenCenter Fellowship will seek to:
- consider whether anyone remains at immediate risk;
- ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are implemented where necessary;
- determine whether the matter requires referral to the appropriate civil authorities;
- preserve appropriate confidentiality;
- document actions taken;
- cooperate with external agencies where required.
The fellowship will seek to respond proportionately while recognising that the safety and wellbeing of individuals always takes priority.
41. Reporting Criminal Matters
OpenCenter Fellowship recognises that some safeguarding concerns may involve criminal conduct.
Where there is reasonable suspicion that a criminal offence may have occurred, or where reporting is required by applicable law, the appropriate civil authorities will be informed without unnecessary delay.
Examples may include allegations involving:
- physical abuse;
- sexual abuse;
- sexual exploitation;
- child abuse;
- serious neglect;
- assault;
- financial fraud;
- coercive control where recognised by law;
- other conduct that may constitute a criminal offence.
Internal fellowship procedures do not replace the responsibilities of the police, safeguarding agencies, prosecutors, social services, or other statutory authorities.
OpenCenter Fellowship will cooperate fully with lawful investigations undertaken by the relevant authorities.
No leader has authority to suppress, conceal, discourage, or prevent the reporting of suspected criminal conduct.
42. Responding to Allegations
Every safeguarding concern should be considered carefully, fairly, and without prejudice.
OpenCenter Fellowship recognises that individuals raising concerns deserve to be treated respectfully and that those who are the subject of concerns should also be treated fairly while appropriate enquiries are undertaken.
Where appropriate, temporary safeguarding measures may be implemented while concerns are being considered.
Such measures are precautionary and should not be interpreted as a finding that misconduct has occurred.
Where concerns involve leaders, independent oversight by the Supervisory Board will normally be sought.
43. Confidentiality
Safeguarding information will be handled with appropriate care and sensitivity.
Information should be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know in order to:
- protect individuals;
- fulfil safeguarding responsibilities;
- comply with legal obligations;
- support appropriate governance;
- cooperate with statutory authorities.
OpenCenter Fellowship seeks to respect personal privacy while recognising that confidentiality cannot override safeguarding responsibilities or legal requirements.
Individuals should never be asked to keep safeguarding concerns secret.
Similarly, leaders should never promise absolute confidentiality before understanding the nature of a concern.
44. Record Keeping
Accurate records are an important part of effective safeguarding.
Where safeguarding concerns are reported, appropriate written records should be maintained.
Records should be:
- factual;
- objective;
- dated;
- signed or otherwise attributable to the person making the record;
- stored securely;
- retained in accordance with applicable legal requirements and the fellowship’s data protection arrangements.
Records should distinguish clearly between:
- factual observations;
- information provided by others;
- actions taken;
- professional opinions where appropriate.
Safeguarding records should be accessible only to individuals with legitimate safeguarding or governance responsibilities.
Maintaining accurate records helps ensure continuity, accountability, fairness, and effective safeguarding.
45. Support for Those Affected
OpenCenter Fellowship recognises that safeguarding concerns can have a significant impact on everyone involved.
Where appropriate, the fellowship will seek to provide pastoral care, practical support, and appropriate signposting to external professional services for individuals affected by safeguarding concerns.
Support should be offered with compassion, dignity, sensitivity, and respect for the wishes and wellbeing of those involved.
Where appropriate, support may also be offered to family members or others significantly affected by the circumstances.
Providing pastoral support does not replace the need for appropriate safeguarding action, professional intervention, or legal processes where these are required.
46. Protection from Retaliation
OpenCenter Fellowship encourages people to raise genuine safeguarding concerns without fear of intimidation or adverse consequences.
No person should suffer retaliation because they have, in good faith:
- reported a safeguarding concern;
- requested safeguarding advice;
- supported someone making a disclosure;
- provided information during a safeguarding investigation;
- cooperated with statutory authorities or internal safeguarding procedures.
Retaliation may include intimidation, threats, bullying, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, or any action intended to discourage a person from raising concerns.
Any act of retaliation will itself be treated as a serious breach of the fellowship’s Code of Conduct.
47. False or Malicious Allegations
OpenCenter Fellowship recognises that safeguarding concerns must always be taken seriously.
At the same time, fairness requires that allegations are considered carefully, impartially, and without prejudice.
The fact that an allegation cannot be substantiated does not necessarily mean that it was false or made in bad faith.
However, where it is established that an allegation was knowingly false, deliberately misleading, or maliciously made with the intention of causing harm, appropriate action may be taken.
This principle exists to protect both those who raise genuine concerns and those who may be unfairly accused.
Part V – Governance Framework
48. Learning and Continuous Improvement
Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time obligation.
OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to continually strengthening its safeguarding culture through regular review, learning, training, reflection, and the adoption of recognised good practice.
Where appropriate, lessons learned from safeguarding concerns, governance reviews, complaints, changes in legislation, or developments in recognised safeguarding practice will be used to improve policies, procedures, leadership development, and organisational practice.
We recognise that healthy safeguarding depends upon humility, accountability, openness to learning, and a willingness to improve.
49. Review of this Policy
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed periodically by the Leadership Team and the Supervisory Board to ensure that it remains effective, reflects recognised safeguarding and governance practice, and continues to support the mission and values of OpenCenter Fellowship.
Reviews may take account of:
- developments in safeguarding practice;
- changes in applicable legislation;
- organisational growth;
- practical experience;
- recommendations arising from safeguarding reviews or investigations.
Where improvements are identified, this policy will be updated accordingly.
50. Related Documents
This page forms part of the governance framework of OpenCenter Fellowship and should be read alongside the following documents:
Public Governance Documents
- Our Beliefs
- Leadership & Governance
- Governance
- Code of Conduct
- Safeguarding Policy
- Complaints & Reporting Procedure
- Statutes of OpenCenter Fellowship
Internal Governance Documents
- Constitution of OpenCenter Fellowship
- Financial Management & Internal Controls Policy
Legal & Website Documents
Together, these documents establish the governance and legal framework of OpenCenter Fellowship and support our commitment to ethical leadership, responsible stewardship, safeguarding, accountability, transparency, and respect for the dignity of every person.
51. Our Commitment
OpenCenter Fellowship is committed to fostering a community in which every person is welcomed, respected, valued, and protected.
Safeguarding is not simply a policy; it is an expression of our commitment to love our neighbour, respect the dignity of every individual, and exercise leadership with humility, integrity, wisdom, and compassion.
We believe that creating a safe environment requires vigilance, accountability, healthy relationships, responsible leadership, and a willingness to act whenever someone may be at risk.
Every person who participates in the life of OpenCenter Fellowship shares responsibility for helping to create a community in which people can explore the Christian faith, flourish as individuals, and experience care, respect, and safety.
Where concerns arise, we are committed to responding promptly, fairly, transparently, and in accordance with this policy and applicable law.
By working together, we seek to build a fellowship that reflects the love of Jesus Christ through both our words and our actions, ensuring that safeguarding remains central to the life and work of OpenCenter Fellowship.
Document Information
Document: Safeguarding Policy
Approved by: Leadership team
Version: 1.1
Effective date: 6 July 2026
Last reviewed: 15 July 2026
Next scheduled review: July 2027
© 2026 OpenCenter Fellowship. All rights reserved.
This document forms part of the governance framework of OpenCenter Fellowship and should be read together with the other applicable governance documents of the fellowship.
The official Dutch version of this document is legally authoritative. This English version is provided for the convenience of international readers. In the event of any difference in interpretation, the official Dutch version shall prevail.