The Church of England's new Safer Recruitment and People Management Code of Practice was introduced in June 2026 and can be found as part of their Safeguarding e-manual.
We are currently updating this page in line with the new Code of Practice
Additionally, information on the Safer Recruitment and People Management online learning pathway can be found on the diocesan website.
The requirements detailed in the Code of Practice aim to help church bodies to:
- Attract the best possible individuals to all roles through inclusive, fair, consistent and transparent processes.
- Identify and reject individuals who are unsuitable by following a proportionate but thorough selection process.
- Ensure that robust induction, oversight and supervision processes are in place for those working and volunteering with children and vulnerable adults.
Reinforcing the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults throughout the recruitment process and beyond will help create and maintain a safe and positive environment that inspires trust, enabling them to thrive and grow and have the very best experience of Christian living through the work of the Church.
Church bodies are able to review and track how they are doing in relation to the safer recruitment and people management guidance by using the Assessment Tool or by using the streamlined version of the assessment tool within the Parish Dashboard.
PCCs who employ staff members need to refer to the Parish Toolkit on the HR page for information, guidance and resources.
Resources
The Safer Recruitment and People Management Toolkit provides the following template resources and examples, to assist with implementing the Safer Recruitment and People Management Process (2021):
- Volunteer role description
- Volunteer person specification
- Volunteer application form
- Example interview questions
- Reference request form
- DBS eligibility guidance
- Risk assessment form template
- Volunteer appointment letter template
- Induction checklist
- Volunteer support meeting template
Safer Recruitment and People Management FAQs
Confidential Declaration Form and Privacy Notice
Parish Volunteer Agreement Template (June 2022)
Template Role Descriptions (July 2022)
The Diocese of Oxford have also developed the Parish Toolkit which provides information to PCCs about employment and safeguarding issues and signposts useful resources. Topics include recruitment and selection, employing staff, working with volunteers and employment legislation.