Support for Parish Safeguarding Officers
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, but in line with the House of Bishops' policy, every parish must appoint a Parish Safeguarding Officer. This is a vital role and we are grateful for all those within the Diocese who step forward to take on this responsibility. If you are a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), this page aims to help you understand your role, signpost you to key resources, and highlight other support available to help you carry out your responsibilities. You will find sections on: Your role as a Parish Safeguarding Officer
Your role as a Parish Safeguarding OfficerThe Parish Safeguarding Officer is the key link between the diocese and the parish/s, concerning safeguarding matters. You will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policy. The role can be taken by one person or shared, for example with one person covering children the other, for vulnerable adults. The key tasks of the parish safeguarding officer are to:
Key Church of England and Diocesan guidance and resourcesListed below are links to the key guidance and resources you will need to access as PSO: House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy statement
Parish Safeguarding Handbook
The Parish Safeguarding Handbook - The handbook brings into one place the safeguarding responsibilities for parishes as outlined in the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
Safer Environments and Activities guidance
Safer Environment and Activities - This document, provides practical advice for parishes, and all those working on behalf of the Church engaging with children, young people and adults who may be considered vulnerable, with advice on how to conduct day-to-day ministries safely. It includes advice on risk management planning and specific advice for different situations, along with best practice for those leading activities for children and young people.
Church of England Templates and Resources
Church of England Templates and resources - All Church of England templates and resources relating to safeguarding policy and practice guidance, including those referenced in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook and Safer Working Practice.
Safeguarding Learning and Development Matrix
Safeguarding Learning and Development Matrix - A visual guide to the different safeguarding training available, and who should undertake which training.
Safer Church poster
Safer Church Poster - It is a requirement that churches clearly display their safeguarding policy and contacts within their building. This poster can be adapted to include the information relevant to your church. If you have a church website, your safeguarding information should be prominently displayed online too. For more help with this visit the Displaying safeguarding information well section of our main Safeguarding help for parishes page.
Model Safeguarding policy statement
A model Safeguarding Policy Statement which you can display in your church or on your website.
Alongside the guidance listed above, The Church of England is developing a Safeguarding e-manual, which we explain more about below.
Safeguarding E-manualThis Church of England's e-manual is a work in progress that aims to constitute in one place, all the House of Bishops Safeguarding guidance. As of June 2021, the e-manual contains the following Chapters listed below, with the remaining guidance available on the Church of England's website and will be transferred to the e-manual in due course. The chapters are:
Chapters are designed to be read online, but there is the option to download a PDF of specific sections or the entire guidance. Access the Safeguarding e-manual Parish Safeguarding DashboardThe Diocese has subscribed to the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard online tool to make it easier for our churches to manage their safeguarding requirements.
Parishes were initially contacted, inviting them to join. If you have not received an invite, or would now like to consider using the Dashboard in your parish, please contact Caroline Smith or Alison Jones. If you need technical assistance with your Safeguarding Dashboard, please visit: www.safeguardingdashboards.org.uk
Supporting youWe know that those who take on positions like Parish Safeguarding Officer are volunteers, often balancing these responsibilities with other work and commitments. It can be hugely demanding. Safeguarding can be particularly demanding. Thank you for all you do The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is here to help and support you. Please don't hesitate to contact them if you need any help or guidance. You can find their details below.
Key Contacts
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