The Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016imposes a legal duty on all authorised clergy, licensed readers and lay workers, churchwardens and PCCs (parochial church councils) to have 'due regard'to safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (this will include both policy and practice guidance). We will seek to protect those who are at risk of being abused and respond well to those who have been abused. These resources will help parishes, and anyone involved in Church life understand and promote good safeguarding. Adopting The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Safeguarding is at the heart of our Christian faith. We are all made unique and in the image of God. Jesus came that we might have life and have it in abundance (see John 10.10).

Church Bodies includes PCCs, diocesan bodies, cathedrals, religious communities, theological training institutions and the National Church Institutions. This policy will apply to the whole of the provinces of Canterbury and York (including the Diocese in Europe subject to local variations/modifications). There is also an expectation that the policy will apply to the Channel Islands and Sodor and Man unless there is specific local legislation in a jurisdiction that would prevent adoption. Incumbents, PCCs and parish safeguarding officers have a broad range of safeguarding responsibilities. Your PCC needs to adopt this every year at the first PCC meeting after your APCM and send a statement confirming this into the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Parish Safeguarding Handbook Protecting All God's Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010)In the Diocese of Chelmsford we have adopted the suite ofPolicy and Practice Guidance provided by the National Safeguarding Team for the Church of England. The Parish Safeguarding Handbook

Follow the Parish Safeguarding Handbook link below for CofE policies, guidance and model templates. Obviously, these Network Meeting are not taking place at present, however we will resume these when able to meet safely. Government Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for parents and carers to keep children safe online(2021) A failure by a member of the clergy to comply with the duty to have due regard to House of Bishops safeguarding guidance is misconduct under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 (‘CDM’). For templates and resourcesrelating to safeguarding policy and practice guidance, including those referenced in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook and Safer Working Practice, please see here .Videos containing children may be used by the church if consent has been given by their parent or guardian. This needs to be signed consent and should include the places which the photo or video may be used by the church. If permission has not been given, it can be helpful to identify these children by using a simple paper wristband, or by asking them to sit in a photo and video free zone. Practically, seeking permission may need a few extra helpers on the day, working from a safe social distance. Alternatively, prepare ahead by sending out the forms to your church newsletter list to avoid queues on the day. Please go to the e-manual for the revised Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework Regulations We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks. Guidance on safer working practice, called Safer Environment and Activities, which provides highly practical advice for parishes, helping them to run their day-to-day activities as safely as possible, was published in November 2019 and can also be found on the Parish Safeguarding Handbook link below. 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.

What to do if... Responding to Safeguarding Concerns or Allegations that relate to Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults practice guidance (2018)As more of us are now using digital and video communications in our ministry it is important that we are aware of the safeguarding implications and following best practice. Please ensure you are familiar with the following guidance and share it with those in your parish who organise online meetings or worship activity. Those appearing in video or photographs will need to have given you their permission. A photo release form can be signed by adults. The form must include all the places that the photo or video may be used by the church. Go to www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church/policy-practice-guidance/templates-resources for: