Certificates and Safeguarding

I have a folder containing my certificates. My first, from school, celebrates that in 1960 I could swim three lengths of our swimming pool; the most recent, from the ‘International Boatbuilding Training College, Lowestoft’, states that in 2020 I ‘successfully completed a course in woodworking machine regulations, and safe use of wood machines’.  

In between these two I have certificates reminding me of my mediocre achievements in music, and my academic journey through school and university – from ‘O-level Latin’ to more recent studies in ‘Applied Theology’.

One certificate shows that twenty-five years ago I went on ‘Child Protection’ course that highlighted the need for schools to be recognise and respond to child neglect or abuse. In more recent years these have become ‘Safeguarding’ courses. I’ve certificates for them too!

Today many organisations are required to have ‘Safeguarding Policies’ that focus on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. At our Seagull Theatre meeting last night we discussed safeguarding concerns; at church on Saturday there’s a safeguarding course…

It seems to me that safeguarding is fundamental to Christian faith – respecting the rights, dignity and worth of all, protecting the weak and vulnerable, recognising our ‘duty of care’ to those around us, demonstrating compassion and kindness…

This morning I read Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’. In particular: ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me…’

Insults, persecution and evil lies… sounds like it could be a safeguarding issue… perhaps mental or emotional abuse?

Jesus has called his disciples to follow him, living by different standards – demonstrating meekness and mercy, having a pure heart, being a peace-maker. Now he’s calling for his followers to have a strong commitment, a robust faith; their safety may be disregarded…

I don’t have a certificate in my folder for insults, persecution and slander. Jesus continues: ‘Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…’ Perhaps there will be certificates awarded to those who have earnt them…