New report highlights cross-cultural challenges of safeguarding

New report highlights cross-cultural challenges of safeguarding

A number of challenges face those implementing good safeguarding practice in the context of different cultures.

So found Thirtyone:eight and the University of Chester after conducting unique research into the challenges involved in safeguarding young people in international Christian work.

The exploratory study used a questionnaire to discover the experiences of agencies supporting people in the UK engaged in international Christian work, as well as the experiences of the individuals themselves engaged in this work.

The study also found that although there was much evidence of good practice, the findings did highlight distinct differences between the policy and processes in place versus the ‘challenging reality of implementing these in practices on the ground’. 

Participants in the study included representatives from 39 organisations and agencies working in an international context. Importantly, the researchers found that two in every five surveyed reported that they encountered child safeguarding issues that they had not been prepared for.

Dr Lisa Oakley and Professor Moira Lafferty from the University of Chester who conducted the study said: ‘It is pleasing to see positive examples of good practice in the data and important that we continue to work together to address areas that the research identified as needing further consideration. 

‘With little previous research in this area, we hope the findings will enable the further development of safeguarding policy in international Christian work and provide a foundation for organisations to work together to develop best practice.’

Our next exhibitions