The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. Within this we all have different roles and responsibilities.
The PCC and the Incumbent of a Church have a duty to display the following in and around their Church premises:
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A formal statement of adoption of the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement’. This should be signed on behalf of the PCC.
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Ensure information is displayed about how to contact the DSO, Parish Safeguarding Officer and how to get help outside the church with child and adult safeguarding issues (Promoting a Safer Church poster).
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Ensure that safeguarding arrangements are clearly visible on the front page of the parish website.
As a minimum completed and up to date “Promoting a Safer Church” posters should be visible both on external noticeboards and inside; you should consider where you place these and may want multiple copies across the Church in areas such as bathroom facilities, Bell Tower areas, kitchen facilities and church rooms (hireable).
Please do check regularly that other posters have not been placed on top of these notices! Can you also ensure that posters are amended to reflect that the DSO is now Victoria Kellett contactable on 01733 887040 and safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
The front page of the Church website should include clearly visible details of Safeguarding arrangements of the Church. Up to date names and contact details of the PSO and DSO should be included as a minimum. Can you please also check that this is reflected on the A Church Near You website.
Links to useful documents:
Parish Safeguarding Handbook (churchofengland.org)
Promoting a safer church (churchofengland.org)
Templates and resources | The Church of England (Posters, model documents, etc)