Parish Safeguarding Handbook

Product Information

A failure by a churchwarden or parochial church council to have due regard to House of Bishops safeguarding could result in an investigation being carried out by the Charity Commission and the churchwarden or PCC members being disqualified as charity trustees. Videos containing children may be used by the church if consent has been given by their parent or guardian. This needs to be signed consent and should include the places which the photo or video may be used by the church. If permission has not been given, it can be helpful to identify these children by using a simple paper wristband, or by asking them to sit in a photo and video free zone. Practically, seeking permission may need a few extra helpers on the day, working from a safe social distance. Alternatively, prepare ahead by sending out the forms to your church newsletter list to avoid queues on the day. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

Guidance on safer working practice, called Safer Environment and Activities, which provides highly practical advice for parishes, helping them to run their day-to-day activities as safely as possible, was published in November 2019 and can also be found on the Parish Safeguarding Handbook link below. Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010) Promoting a Safer Church’ sets out the safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults policy of the Church of England. It has been approved by the House of Bishops and applies to all Church Bodies and Church Officers. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns or Allegations that relate to Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adultspractice guidance(2018)

Incumbents, PCCs and parish safeguarding officers have a broad range of safeguarding responsibilities. Responding to, assessing and managing concerns or allegations against church officers practice guidance (2017)

For templates and resourcesrelating to safeguarding policy and practice guidance, including those referenced in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook and Safer Working Practice, please see here .Go to www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church/policy-practice-guidance/templates-resources for: The Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016imposes a legal duty on all authorised clergy, licensed readers and lay workers, churchwardens and PCCs (parochial church councils) to have 'due regard'to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (this will include both policy and practice guidance). A "Church Officer" is anyone appointed/elected by or on behalf of the Church to a post or role, whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid.