Young people in churches

Churches may take on young people as apprentices, for work experience, or as employees. Whatever the extent to which young people are involved in your church, you will need to take steps to make sure that they remain safe.

If you employ young people, you have a responsibility to ensure that they are not exposed to risk due to their:

• lack of experience
• being unaware of existing or potential risks
• lack of maturity

Beyond this, if someone is injured, you may need to show that you have met your duty of care. For example, if your church youth group is carrying out an activity you have organised, you need to make sure that it is done safely.

Typical precautions to protect young people can include:

• Appointing a person(s) to supervise young workers and monitor their progress
• Tailored training
• Considering if the work required of a young person is beyond their physical or psychological capacity
• Taking appropriate precautions when exposed to hazardous substances or noise, etc*

Safeguarding matters are not covered by health and safety law. You will need to refer to other resources for information and guidance on this.

*This list is not exhaustive

For more information, why not download our guide about young people?