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Safeguarding for Clergy

Information for Clergy in relation to their safeguarding responsibilities.

If any person, whether an adult or a child, is in immediate or serious danger, the police must be contacted without delay by calling 999 or 101.

Clergy must:

  • Complete mandatory safeguarding training
  • Comply with the House of Bishop’s safeguarding guidance (duty to comply)
  • Follow the national safeguarding guidance, e-manual, this includes
    • Safer recruitment and People management
    • Reporting Safeguarding concerns and allegations
    • Managing safeguarding concerns and allegations
  • Follow diocesan safeguarding policies
  • Maintain boundaries

Safeguarding

The Diocese of Peterborough is committed to ensuring that all people, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults, are protected and treated with dignity and respect.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of the Church’s life and mission, and all clergy, lay ministers, and volunteers share in this duty. The Diocese follows the safeguarding policy and practice guidance of the Church of England, as approved by the House of Bishops. These policies must be followed by all Church bodies and Officers where relevant.

Reporting Concerns

All concerns, disclosures, or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously and responded to promptly. The Diocese provides guidance to assist individuals in understanding how to make a disclosure and what steps to take when concerns arise. For safeguarding advice or to report a concern, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team by email at safeguarding@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or by telephone on 01733 887040 or 01733 887039. The safeguarding office is normally open Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

Safeguarding Support and Contacts

The Diocese provides access to safeguarding support, advice, and specialist guidance. A dedicated safeguarding team is available to respond to enquiries and concerns. General safeguarding enquiries should be directed to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and specific contact details are made available for safeguarding officers and training support. In addition to diocesan support, there are external agencies and helplines available to provide further guidance and assistance where needed.

Parish Safeguarding Responsibilities

Each parish is required to have a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), who plays a key role in promoting safer practice and ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed locally. The Diocese provides guidance and updates to support PSOs in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. Incumbents, PCCs, and parish officers share collective responsibility for ensuring that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of parish life.

Safeguarding Training

The Diocese provides a range of safeguarding training opportunities to ensure that clergy, lay ministers, and volunteers are appropriately equipped for their roles. Training is an essential component of safer practice and must be undertaken in accordance with national and diocesan requirements. Licences and Permissions will be suspended and may be revoked if Safeguarding Training and/or DBS become out of date. Failure to maintain Safeguarding Training is a disciplinary matter. The Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal provides access to the national online safeguarding learning required for clergy, lay ministers, parish officers, and volunteers. Users should create or access their account, complete the modules relevant to their role, and keep a record of completed training for diocesan and parish safeguarding records. The portal can be accessed at www.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org

Safeguarding Governance and Oversight

The Diocese maintains systems to support safeguarding accountability and good practice, including the use of safeguarding dashboards and audit processes. These tools enable authorised individuals, including incumbents and Parish Safeguarding Officers, to monitor compliance and ensure that safeguarding responsibilities are being met. Independent audits and reviews are also undertaken to ensure transparency, learning, and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice across the Diocese. The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) provides independent advice, scrutiny, and challenge in relation to safeguarding arrangements across the Diocese. It supports the development of a safer church culture by reviewing safeguarding practice, considering learning from casework, audits and national guidance, and advising senior diocesan leaders on priorities for improvement. The DSAP is an important part of diocesan governance, helping to ensure that safeguarding remains visible, accountable, and embedded in the life and mission of the Diocese.

Policy and Resources

All safeguarding activity within the Diocese is underpinned by the Church of England’s safeguarding policy and practice guidance. These documents provide the framework for safeguarding work and must be adhered to at all levels. A range of templates and resources is available to support parishes in implementing safeguarding policies effectively and consistently.

Summary

Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility shared across the Diocese of Peterborough. Through clear policies, training, support structures, and accountability processes, the Diocese seeks to ensure that all its communities are safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for all people.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces is an independent support service for anyone who has been affected by church-related abuse, whether this happened recently or in the past. It offers a confidential place to talk, be heard, and receive support, and is available to victims and survivors, as well as to family members and others impacted by abuse within church contexts. Clergy should be aware of Safe Spaces as an additional source of specialist support and signposting, alongside diocesan safeguarding arrangements. Further information is available at www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk