Safeguarding (Child Protection)

A Shared Commitment to Safeguarding (Child Protection)

Our desire is to preserve an atmosphere of trust, love, and care among the young people and families attending — and also to take responsible and transparent steps to protect everyone, especially the children (minors under the age of 18).

This isn’t about distrust — this is a practical step we are taking together for mutual care, clear boundaries, and wise service so that all the young people and families feel safe and supported.

Why are we asking for background checks this year?

This year, we are introducing an important step to help ensure a safe and secure environment for all attending the European Young People’s Conference and the European Family Conference. We are kindly asking that all adults from the UK, Ireland, Spain, and US provide a current background check (such as a DBS or equivalent) before attending either conference.

We realise that this may be new, especially for those who have attended in previous years.

Why this change?

As part of the European Young People’s Conference, all adults are serving either in practical roles or as shepherds, and as part of the European Family Conference, all adults will have the opportunity to serve in some way during the week, such as helping to lead a workshop, an activity, or other practical service. This means that any adult could be placed in a position of responsibility or trust even if only briefly and informally.

Because of this, and because we won’t know the final service rotas until closer to the conference, we want to ensure that all adults are cleared to serve safely in any role. Having background checks in place allows us to do this confidently and with integrity.

Who does this apply to?

We understand that each country has its own process for background checks. If you are already serving with children or young people locally, you may already have the required clearance.

This year, we are requiring background checks from all adults (18+) coming from:

United Kingdom
Ireland
Spain
United States

This requirement also applies to anyone registering as a Visitor (age 18+) and taking care of their own accommodation arrangements.

We plan to gradually extend this requirement to participants from other countries in future years, in accordance with each country’s processes and expectations.

What are we asking for this year (2026)?

UK or Irish adults: a valid Enhanced DBS Check (obtainable through the church in London).
Spanish adults: a current Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual or equivalent.
USA adults: a local/state background check as provided by SCYP.

If you are unsure of what is needed in your case or how to apply, we are happy to help guide you through it.

Registrants from the United Kingdom

UK and Eire Designated Safeguarding (Child Protection) Lead: Emmanuel Freeman, +44 7878 653775.

If you have any questions or concerns related to safeguarding (child protection) before, during, or after the conference, please contact Emmanuel.

Adults from the UK and Eire: If you are 18+ and applying for the European Young People’s Conference or European Family Conference and your application is approved, you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check. This requirement also applies to anyone registering as a Visitor (age 18+) and taking care of their own accommodation arrangements.

If you have not had a recent Enhanced DBS check, the church in London will contact you to arrange one once you begin your conference application.

Registrants from Spain

Spain Designated Safeguarding (Child Protection) Lead: David Linero, davi_195@gmail.com

If you have any questions or concerns related to safeguarding (child protection) before, during, or after the conference, please contact David.

Adults from Spain: If you are 18+ and applying for the European Young People’s Conference or European Family Conference and your application is approved, you will be required to have a background check (a current ‘Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual’). This requirement also applies to anyone registering as a Visitor (age 18+) and taking care of their own accommodation arrangements.

If you have not had a recent background check, you can apply for one at: sede.mjusticia.gob.es.

Registrants from the United States

USA Designated Safeguarding (Child Protection) Lead: SCYP, europe@scyp.com

If you have any questions or concerns related to safeguarding (child protection) before, during, or after the conference, please contact SCYP.

Adults from the USA: If you are 18+ and applying for the European Young People’s Conference or European Family Conference and your application is approved, you will be required to have a Background Check (this can be with your locality or from local YP conferences). This requirement also applies to anyone registering as a Visitor (age 18+) and taking care of their own accommodation arrangements.

If you have not had a recent Background Check, you can submit an application for one at: scyp.com/background-check.