Safeguarding and CRB

A letter explaining the new car safety seat regulations which parishes can customize for their own use.

A brief guide which all church workers with children and young people should possess to help them in their work.

 (revised December 2007)

We are often asked whether adult members of mixed age activities such as choirs or bell ringing need Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures

This concerns the use of mobile phones, email, SMS (text) messages, MSN Messenger and other electronic communication methods.

Advice for PCCs

This procedure is suggested to PCCs and other employers who do not have a procedure of their own. If they do have their own procedure, that is the one that should be used.

This procedure is applicable both to paid staff and to volunteers. These are termed church officers in what follows. References to pay apply only to paid staff. The person taking responsibility for the action is termed line manager

  Appropriate arrangements for children who wish to have organ lessons using the church organ

Policy for safeguarding adults

Church of England Child Protection policy version 4 updated November 2010

Diocesan Child Protection policy.  Also available in PDF format.

Diocesan Child Protection policy. Also available in MS Word format.

Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People

The new legal duty to refer information to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)

See also: Vetting and Barring Scheme : Briefing Note

The Vetting and Barring Scheme aims to prevent unsuitable people from undertaking certain paid or volunteer work (‘regulated activity’) with children or 'vulnerable adults'. The definition of 'vulnerable adult' is a narrow one and is unlikely to cover church visiting schemes.

It will do this by requiring all those who wish to work with children or vulnerable adults (as defined) to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). ISA will maintain the register and also lists ('barred lists') of those whose criminal convictions or conduct has led them to be barred from such work. Any employer who has to remove someone from this work has a duty to make a referral to ISA.

The duty to register does not replace the need to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure, and in fact registration will be by way of completing an additional section in the Criminal Records Bureau disclosure application form. The new form will be available from 28 June.

How does one register with the ISA and when does it become necessary?
How does the scheme work?
Where can we go for more advice?
Your church, the Independent Safeguarding Agency (ISA) and the CRB...