Real SafeGuard.org

RealSafeguard Public Rating System (1 to 5)

The final audit result is assigned a rating from 1 to 5, designed to be publicly comparable to standards like the UK Food Hygiene Rating scheme. This score is automatically determined by compliance across all Tier 1 and Tier 2 metrics.

RealSafeguard Public Rating System (1-5)

Score Status Required Action Description
5 Excellent Safeguard Endorsed. Continuous monitoring. Full compliance (UK/Welsh statutory guidance). Zero high-risk flags. Demonstrates proactive, independent culture. Passed all checks flawlessly.
4 Good Safeguard Endorsed. Minor remedial review needed. Substantial compliance. Minor policy issues noted but resolved. No major risk factors. Minor issues flagged in Tier 2 (e.g., low awareness).
3 General Compliance Warning Issued. Mandatory remote consultation. Meets minimum legal requirements. Tier 2 checks flagged systemic issues (e.g., conflicts of interest). Requires immediate, documented remedial action.
2 Improvement Required Tier 3 On-Site Audit Triggered. Public Warning. Significant non-compliance in Tier 1 OR failure on critical Tier 2 measures. Failure to engage Tier 3 results in Score 1.
1 Urgent Action / Failed Statutory Referral. Endorsement Withdrawn. Critical failure (e.g., no required vetting checks, active disclosure of harm). Immediate statutory referral and public withdrawal of endorsement.

Phase 1: Tier 1 – Remote Verification & Document Review

This phase establishes the foundational compliance of the organization, leveraging automated tools for efficiency.

  1. Identity & Vetting Confirmation (Mandatory):
    • Secure video calls verify the identity and role of all named safeguarding leads, trustees, and key staff.
    • Mandatory submission of current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or equivalent national vetting certificates for all staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults. Failure results in automatic Score 2.
  2. Statutory Document Review:
    • Institutions submit all policies (Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Complaints, Code of Conduct) and records (Training logs, Incident records, Governance documents).
    • Automated text analysis flags inconsistencies, outdated legal references (e.g., pre-2023 Welsh or English legislation), or generic language that lacks specific procedure.
  3. External Oversight Verification (Conflict Check):
    • Verification of the designated safeguarding officer’s (DSO) independence, qualifications, and impartiality.
    • CRITICAL CHECK: Confirmation that the DSO is not a current employee, trustee, or immediate family member, nor a pastor/leader who has exited the organization within the last 24 months, to proactively mitigate conflicts of interest.

Phase 2: Tier 2 – Deterrence & Real-World Culture Assessment

This phase uses randomization and anonymity to gather genuine insight into institutional culture and adherence.

  1. Confidential Climate Surveys:
    • Anonymous online surveys are distributed to staff, volunteers, current congregation members, and a randomly sampled cohort of ex-members.
    • Surveys specifically target questions on high-control behaviours (e.g., secrecy, shaming, hiding activities from family) and awareness of official reporting lines.
    • Data validation algorithms detect patterns of coordinated or unreliable responses.
  2. Secret Shopper & Activity Monitoring:
    • Trained, independent mystery auditors anonymously attend services or activities according to a random schedule.
    • Digital checklists focus on criteria such as: room visibility, ratio of adults to children, clear display of safeguarding contacts, and appropriate language use.
    • Livestream Transparency Requirement: Organizations must securely archive recordings of official services. Auditors use spot-checks and keyword analysis tools (e.g., flagging terms like “secret,” “don’t tell,” “loyalty oath”) to detect behavioural anomalies.
  3. Mandatory Group Declaration:
    • Requires the mandatory declaration and registration of all formal or informal/private groups (e.g., Bible studies, prayer groups, leadership gatherings) run by staff or volunteers to ensure no activities operate outside the sphere of oversight.

Phase 3: Intervention, Reporting & The Deterrent (Tier 3)

This section formalizes the consequences of failure and the reporting obligations.

Automated digital follow-up reminders and remote consultation sessions assist faith groups in embedding sustainable safeguarding cultures.

Immediate Risk Reporting:

A defined protocol for immediate reporting to statutory authorities (Police/Social Services) must be triggered by any survey or monitoring data that indicates an active or imminent risk of harm (e.g., disclosure of abuse, evidence of grooming, specific high-control manipulation).

Tier 3: Mandatory Full On-Site Audit Trigger:

The “threat” of an on-site audit is formalized as a non-negotiable consequence. A full, unannounced physical audit is automatically triggered if any of the following occur:

Failure of a core Tier 1 check (e.g., missing DBS).

Receipt of a substantiated complaint or legal challenge against the organization.

Multiple, high-risk flags or a low-score result from the Tier 2 Secret Shopper or Survey process.

Discovery of undeclared group activities.

Reporting and Follow-Up:

A comprehensive audit report is issued detailing strengths, weaknesses, risks, and prioritized recommendations aligned with statutory guidance.

The report includes a clear, written Action Plan that the institution must sign and adhere to.