Safeguarding
Risk Register
Our risk register outlines key safeguarding and operational risks, the controls we maintain, and the review approach used to support a safe, caring, and accountable church environment.
How the register is used
The risk register helps church leaders identify areas of concern, record existing controls, assign oversight, and review actions regularly. It supports wise stewardship, safer ministry practice, and clear accountability across church life.
Identify
What we monitor
We review risks that may affect children, young people, adults at risk, volunteers, leaders, church activities, events, premises, and reporting pathways.
Control
How we respond
Each risk area should include practical controls such as clear reporting routes, safer working practices, role clarity, supervision, training, and regular review.
Review
How we improve
The register should be updated when circumstances change, incidents are reported, activities expand, or leadership identifies new concerns requiring action.
Core identification
- Risk ID – unique reference number
- Risk area/category – e.g. safeguarding, health and safety, finance, governance
- Risk description – brief, specific statement of the concern
Impact and exposure
- Who may be affected – children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, staff, visitors
- Potential impact – harm, legal consequences, reputational damage, financial loss
- Likelihood – low, medium, or high
- Impact severity – low, medium, or high
- Overall risk rating – combined score, including before controls if you want more detail
Controls and mitigation
- Existing controls – policies, training, and procedures already in place
- Control effectiveness – whether controls are working well, partially effective, or not yet tested
Management and actions
- Risk owner – person responsible for oversight
- Further actions required – clear, practical next steps
- Action owner – who will carry out the actions
- Target completion date
Monitoring and review
- Review date – when the risk will next be reassessed
- Status – open, in progress, or closed
- Notes / updates – brief log of changes or incidents
- Last incident / concern noted – for example, no incidents this quarter or concern raised in March and addressed