Safeguarding Resources
You can download the latest edition of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook here. To request a hard copy of the handbook, contact Church House Publishing.
Parish Resources can be accessed on the Church of England website.
Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Resources
Parish Complaints Policy
You may not get many complaints, and most of those that you do receive can be settled informally. However, it is essential that you have a complaints policy so that people know how to complain if they wish to do so. A regulator, such as the Charity Commission or the Fundraising Regulator, will expect PCC to have a complaints policy. If someone complains to them about your church, they will expect that complainant to have first followed the process set out in your policy. Our sample policy can help you create your policy, and it also clarifies the differences between formal complaints about clergy and readers and about other matters to do with the church
Parish Whistleblowing Policy
Download a generic Parish Whistleblowing Policy, which can be adapted for your own parish.
Safe Spaces Posters
Guidance
Responding to a safeguarding concern or allegation
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Guidance
Guidance on genuine occupational requirements
Lone Working Risk Assessment Form
Diocesan Whistleblowing Policy
Church Officers subject to safeguarding investigations
Information for Complainants Under Review
Bell Towers and Young People Guidance
It is good practice for all churches to have statements publicly available to all, stating how bell towers are run. If you have an active bell tower, please display this document on a visible notice board: Good practice on maintaining a safe environment in the belfry for young people (added 6 June 2023).
Safeguarding Virtual Library
The Safeguarding Virtual library can be found on the National Training Portal. The library contains a range of publications, literature, and other resources, both academic and practical, broadly captured into the following categories: Literature; Podcasts; Video; Research; External Organisations (with links); Infographics; Webinars.
Risk Assessment Examples
This section is currently under review. For more detailed advice on risk assessments within your parish, you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team directly. A model risk assessment template is available from the Church of England website.