In this section of our website you will find a range of resources, policies and templates that support the work of Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) and other church officers.
How to start using dashboards
Safeguarding has changed considerably in recent years. New policies and procedures are making organisations safer, but they have also significantly increased the amount of administration for safeguarding officers. Safeguarding Dashboards make administration and governance simpler for everyone.
• takes you through all the safeguarding tasks that need to completed by a parish so that you know you have done all you need to do. The aim is to provide safeguarding officers with everything they need in one place, removing the need to have multiple handbooks, guides and manuals to hand.
• illustrates how the parish is progressing against the 'ideal' parish safeguarding standards set out in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. It has template documents and can produce an action plan for the PCC to identify what things need to be addressed most urgently
• Removes the need for safeguarding questions in the Articles of Enquiry and paper-based safeguarding audits as the archdeacons can see all of the parish dashboards in their archdeaconry
• works equally well on a computer or smartphone, and is intuitive to use – simply tick the answer that corresponds to safeguarding in your parish on a series of multiple choice questions, and that section of the Dashboard goes Green (you have reached or exceeded the required standard), Amber (you’re doing okay, but there are still some things you could consider) or Red (please take the action plan to your next PCC meeting, so that arrangements for safeguarding can be put into place).
Find out more about the dashboards and watch a demonstration.
Sign up for a dashboard by emailing ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org providing:
1. Your safeguarding email address - every PSO post should have a dedicated email address which is only used for safeguarding work. This ensures that that all communication records are retained.
2. Details of your parish/benefice/deanery and archdeaconry.
How to Guide: I'm a new Parish Safeguarding Officer, where do I start?
1. Wait! Before we start, have Safer Recruitment procedures been followed? Ensure all necessary steps of safe recruitment have been followed before you begin.
2. Meet with your incumbent and if possible retiring PSO to discuss any current safeguarding matters / individuals of concern within the church. Find out what process is in place for recording safeguarding data in your parish.
3. Notify Jack Lent, Safeguarding Co-ordinator that you have been appointed by the PCC and whether a previous PSO will be stepping down via DBS.Safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org attaching the Data Privacy Preference Form. If you will be involved in DBS ID checking you can also complete the New ID Checker Form to request to be set up to be a DBS checker for your Benefice and include it in the same email.
4. Complete your online training: Basic / Foundation / Awareness of Domestic Abuse and Safer Recruitment via the Church of England’s Safeguarding Portal.
5. Attend Safeguarding Leadership Training. Dates can be found on the diocesan website’s event calendar.
6. Sign up for Parish Safeguarding Officers Induction training course. Dates for these can also be found on the event calendar.
7. Sign up for the Safeguarding Dashboards
8. Keep an eye out for our monthly Safeguarding Newsletter.
9. Attend our Quarterly PSO Forums (dates and details are included in the newsletter).
10. Make a note of our contact details and don't forget, the Safeguarding Team is here to support you.
Clergy and church officer wellbeing
The Safeguarding team receives a large number of calls relating to the wellbeing of Clergy and other church officers. If ever you feel that wellbeing support is needed, either personally or for someone you know, you can access the relevant information and support below:
Suicide prevention support
Our Safeguarding guidance document has been compiled to offer helpful sources of support in relation to suicide - both the prevention of and for those who have bereaved as a result of suicide. Download the guidance document.
DBS and training guidance
Bath and Wells DBS and Training Matrix
DBS Eligibility Flow Chart - Adults
DBS Eligibility Flow Chart - Children
Church of England's Learning and Development Framework
How to Sign up for the Church of England's Safeguarding Portal
Recruitment
In the first instance please visit the Recruiting Staff pages of the website for more detailed information and guidance. These pages include sample application forms, Interview Questions and guidance on writing Role Descriptions and Person Specifications.
The Church of England offers an online guide which goes in to all aspects of Safer Recruitment. Both this and the Safer Recruitment and People Management training available via the portal are fantastic resources to aid in recruiting new employees and volunteers
Promoting a Safer Church resources and Safe Spaces posters
We have produced two new resources to help promote safeguarding in your context. Please do use them where appropriate and share any feedback on the new materials with the Safeguarding Team.
Promoting a safer church poster (PDF) - updated 13 2 23
Promoting a safer church business card (PDF) - updated 13 2 23
Useful guidance and documents
• We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and Church of England policy and practice.
• We support national policy from the Church of England including following the practice guidance Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse.
• Diocesan statement on domestic abuse
Below is a small selection of 'frequently requested' templates and resources. If there are any you would like to be included please let us know. More templates can be found on the Church of England website.
Model Consent Form - Photography and Recording
Model Equal Opportunities Policy
Model Parish Safeguarding Policy
Model Registration Form - Activities and Trips
Model Risk Assessment Template
Model Safeguarding Statement which can be included with church hire agreement
Who to contact
