Safeguarding – An Introduction
Safeguarding is a fundamental aspect of life within the Church of England. It refers to the policies, procedures, and practices that protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and neglect. The importance of safeguarding in the Church cannot be overstated, as it underpins the Church’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The Church of England has a moral and legal responsibility to protect those who may be at risk of harm, including children, young people, and adults who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, or other circumstances. By implementing robust safeguarding measures, the Church seeks to prevent abuse and neglect, ensuring that everyone can participate in church life without fear or risk of harm.
Building Trust and Confidence
Trust is central to the relationship between the Church and its congregation. When safeguarding is prioritised, it demonstrates the Church’s dedication to the well-being of its members and the wider community. This transparency and commitment help to build and maintain trust, reassuring people that the Church is a safe place for worship, support, and community activities.
Learning from Past Failures
In recent years, the Church of England, like many other institutions, has faced scrutiny over its handling of safeguarding issues in the past. High-profile cases of abuse and inadequate responses have caused significant harm to victims and damaged the reputation of the Church. These failures have highlighted the need for continual vigilance, culture change, and the development of effective safeguarding practices to prevent further harm.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
The Church of England is subject to the same laws and regulations as any other organisation working with children and vulnerable adults. This includes compliance with national safeguarding legislation, guidance from statutory bodies, and the Church’s own safeguarding policies. Failing to meet these obligations can result in legal consequences and further erode public trust.
Promoting a Culture of Care
A strong safeguarding culture promotes respect, dignity, and care within the Church community. It empowers individuals to speak up about concerns, confident that they will be heard and supported. This culture of care not only protects the vulnerable but also enriches the spiritual and social fabric of the Church, making it a place where everyone can flourish.
Managing Safeguarding in our Parish
We manage our safeguarding responsibilities through the Parish Dashboard and the Parish Safeguarding Hub.
As an incumbent, I have to make sure that the DBS checks and safeguarding training are up to date for everyone involved in the life of the church. Failure to do so would result in disciplinary action.
Every PCC member needs to have a DBS check and complete Basic and Foundations Safeguarding Training. Every volunteer needs to complete a DBS check and Basic Safeguarding Training.
The dates of this training need to be recorded in the Parish Dashboard. Once you have completed this training, please send a copy of your certificate to me and Nicole. Over the next week, you will be receiving an email from me about your Safeguarding Training requirements.
The Diocese has set a deadline of December 2025 to get our Parish Dashboard and Hub up to date.
You can access Safeguarding training via the following link:
https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org
Conclusion
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is of paramount importance in the Church of England because it is essential for protecting the vulnerable, maintaining trust, learning from past mistakes, fulfilling legal and ethical responsibilities, and fostering a culture of care. By prioritising safeguarding, the Church demonstrates its commitment to upholding the values of compassion, justice, and integrity at the heart of its mission.
I hope you will support me in prioritizing Safeguarding in our Parishes and ensuring that everyone complies with the necessary DBS checks and safeguarding training.
Revd Hannah Moore