Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment

Ben Michael Ministries believes every young person should be able to grow in faith in a place that is safe. Their welfare comes first. We follow Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 and Data Protection Act 2023, and anyone who serves in the ministry’s online programmes is expected to follow this policy.

Who can take part

• 13 and over. Everyone gives their date of birth when they create an account. We do not create accounts for anyone under 13.
• 13 to 17: only with the agreement of a parent or guardian, confirmed when the account is created. They may also give us their parent’s or guardian’s email.
• Parents and guardians can ask us at any time to see, correct or delete their child’s information.

How we protect under-18s online

• We do not ask for their phone number.
• They are not invited to the Pastor BM WhatsApp platform, where members can see each other’s phone numbers.
• On challenge leaderboards, only their first name and the initial of their last name are shown.
• Their reports and quiz answers are seen only by the ministry’s administrators.
• We publish a young person’s testimony or photo only with their parent’s or guardian’s permission.
• Someone under 18 cannot be made an administrator.

How leaders communicate with young people

• Through the ministry’s official channels only, and about the programme. Where follow-up is needed, we contact the parent or guardian.
• No private one-to-one messages, calls or meetings with a young person, and no contact through personal social media accounts.
• Never asking a young person for personal photos, money, or to keep a secret.
• Treating every young person with respect, and never using language or behaviour that could harm them.

Raising a concern

If you are worried about a young person’s safety, or about how anyone connected with the ministry has behaved towards a young person, tell us straight away. Email [email protected] with “Safeguarding” in the subject. You do not need to be certain, and you can raise a concern about anyone, including a leader.

• The ministry’s safeguarding lead will reply within 48 hours, and treat what you say in confidence.
• We will act to protect the young person, which may include suspending accounts or roles while we look into it, and we will tell the relevant authorities when the law requires it or a child is at risk.
• If a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency number 112 or contact the police first.

Reviewing this policy

We review this policy at least once a year, and whenever we change how young people take part. Questions: [email protected].