This is the heading of the second section of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. A complimentary printed copy will be coming out to all parishes very soon.
So what can you expect from the Diocese?
In my role of policy and training adviser, I am responsible for the delivery of the Safeguarding Training Programme and the implementation of policies and procedures across the Diocese.
Safeguarding Training
We currently offer a range of C1, C2, C3 and refresher training at central points across the Diocese. However, we are increasingly finding that parish sessions (or a few parishes local to each other grouping together) are proving more beneficial to the participants. Why?
In the front of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook Archbishop Justin Welby says, Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture in all our churches.
Training helps to equip participants to have the confidence and skills to begin to change the culture in their parish. Safeguarding isnt just the task of the incumbent or the PSO but everyone, and as with other areas of church life working together enables changes to happen.
Already this year we have delivered five parish sessions and 11 more are booked in. How about encouraging your parish or deanery to book a session?
Policy
National guidelines for parish roles and responsibilities are laid out in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook (first section).Parishes are required to assess their safeguarding arrangements, identify strengths and areas that need further work by using the Parish Safeguarding checklist.
In this Diocese this is the audit form that all parishes have been asked to complete, in addition the actions from the audit should then be transferred onto an action plan. A copy of the action plan along with the Parish Safeguarding Policy, which has been adopted at a PCC meeting, should be sent in to us. The action plan should be updated yearly and some people find the best time to do this is round about the APCM.
If you have not yet completed your audit and action plan and would like some help now is the time to do it.
If you would like to book a parish or deanery training session or would like some support with your audit and action plan please get in touch with Linda Hunter, training and policy adviser, on 01434 633742 or email lehunter@btinternet.com .