Safeguarding in parishes

"A robust theology of safeguarding is a gift to the church. Like an unbreakable compass in a storm, it keeps us travelling safely in the right direction without deviation or distraction.” 

- Krish Kandiah

We know from the testimonies of victims and survivors, and from research, that abuse damages an individual's life on many levels. It also causes damage to Christian communities and the Church as a whole, undermining its mission to the world. Levels of Church-related abuse can be reduced by individuals and Christian communities taking conscious preventative steps. Those who abuse will avoid Church communities where prevention is strong and target those where it is weak.

A passion for prevention should flow naturally from our values of love and compassion for people. The diocesan safeguarding team is keen to support parishes to make churches safer. We hope that information provided on these pages and the different resources will enable parishes to build cultures that prevent abuse from occurring.

Please consult the Safeguarding e-manual for national guidance on safeguarding in parishes. The National Safeguarding Team is in the process of producing a Parish Safeguarding Toolkit to replace the previously used Parish Safeguarding Handbook, it is expected to be released in January 2026.


In your area

The team are going to be trialling area drop-in sessions over the next few months. Each Area Safeguarding Advisor will be available on some Friday mornings for people to drop in online to discuss anything related to safeguarding. PSOs will receive more information from their (archdeaconry) Area Safeguarding Advisor with the details of sessions in their area.


In this section...

Information for Parish Safeguarding Officers

Everything you need to know to be a PSO.

Responding well to victims and survivors of abuse

Help and support in responding to victims and survivors.

Culture change

Helping you build a positive safeguarding culture.

Safeguarding Sunday

Resources for the national awareness day each November.

Resources for parishes and PSOs

A one-stop shop for parish safeguarding resources.

 

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Page last updated: Friday 27th June 2025 11:32 AM
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