Safeguarding Guidance
for Independent Spiritual Directors

Spiritual directors trained by Sustainable Faith Global (SFG) practise independently and are responsible for the safeguarding arrangements, policies and legal requirements applicable to their own practice. The following guidance is intended to help directors respond appropriately when a safeguarding concern arises, including during online spiritual direction.

1. If someone is in immediate danger

If you believe a directee or another person is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services in the location where that person is physically present. If you are meeting online, use the directee's current location to identify the appropriate emergency service. Do not delay urgent action while seeking advice from SFG.

2. If you have a safeguarding concern

If a directee discloses abuse, neglect, exploitation, or another safeguarding concern, listen calmly and take what they say seriously. Do not investigate the concern yourself or promise to keep information confidential in all circumstances.

Seek advice from the safeguarding lead of your church or organisation, where appropriate, and/or contact Thirtyone:Eight for safeguarding advice. You should also contact the relevant statutory safeguarding service or authorities where required.

Thirtyone safeguarding helpline:

• UK: 0303 003 1111

• Outside the UK: +44 (0)1322 517817

• Email: helpline@thirtyoneeight.org

3. Online spiritual direction

Before online sessions, directors should establish the directee's current location and have appropriate contact details available in case of an emergency or loss of connection during a crisis. Directors should consider in advance how they would respond if they became concerned about a directee's immediate safety, particularly when the directee is in another country.

4. Recording and reporting a concern

Make a timely, factual record of the concern, including what was disclosed or observed, the date and time, any action taken, and the advice received. Store this information securely and share it only with those who need it for safeguarding purposes, in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

5. Informing Sustainable Faith Global (not a requirement)

After taking any necessary immediate action and seeking appropriate safeguarding advice, you may feel it appropriate to notify SFG safeguarding point of contact at sara@sustainablefaith.co.uk, copying helenhicks@sustainablefaith.co.uk. This is not a requirement.

You may initially raise the concern without identifying the directee, where appropriate. However, anonymity should not prevent necessary safeguarding action or the sharing of information required to protect someone from harm.

Please keep these contact details with your safeguarding training materials so they are readily available when needed.