Information for parishes

Here you will find national and local practice guidance and useful resources.

Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) play a vital role in ensuring our churches are safe and welcoming for all. They act as the key link between the parish and the diocese on safeguarding matters, championing a culture of safety and embedding best practice into parish life. PSOs oversee compliance with safeguarding policies, DBS checks, and training requirements, while supporting clergy, PCCs who are legally accountable for safeguarding. Their work reflects the church’s commitment to building a safer church and diocese, making safeguarding a shared responsibility at the heart of parish ministry.

Promoting a safer church

National Safeguarding E-Manual

National Safeguarding Standards

Additional courses and events

Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction

To book on to a PSO induction course contact liam.mccormack@coventry.anglican.org

Parish Safeguarding Officer Forums

Wednesday 9th September 7:15-8:30pm

Thursday 19th November 7:15-8:30pm

PSO Conference

Saturday 20th June - for details contact liam.mccormack@coventry.anglican.org

Information for parishes

Useful Information

Recruitment/New PSO information

Information and welcome pack

PSO Checklist

Safeguarding in your parish whos who

Model parish safeguarding checklist

PSO role description

Recruitment template for PSOs

Recognise, Respond, record, Report

4Rs Quick Reference Guide - Quick guide links to the Reporting Safeguarding Concerns and Allegations Code of Practice which can be found on the Church of England E-Manual

Safeguarding Referral Form

National Safeguarding Standards

Church of England National Safeguarding Standards Information & Resources

National Safeguarding Standards Parish Poster

National Safeguarding Standards resource links

Posters

Promoting a Safer Church Poster

Safe Spaces Poster Female

Safe Spaces Poster Male

Church of England Safeguarding Awareness Posters

Church of England Simple Definition Safeguarding Awareness Posters

Parish dashboards and Safeguarding hub

Parish dashboard - Every parish should be using the parish dashboard to support safeguarding

Worksheets - Resources to discuss the National safeguarding standards with your parish

Safeguarding Hub

A parish can use their Safeguarding Hub:

to record DBS & training records for volunteers and employees
for 3 year renewal DBS & training reminders for volunteers and employees
for role outlines - with DBS eligibility guidance
to track the safer recruitment process for new volunteers and employees
for safer recruitment forms and template

For more information contact Karen.Wright@Coventry.Anglican.org

Safer environments

Guidance when working with children and young people

Safer environment & activities guidance

Guidelines for children & youth ministry in homes

Working and volunteering safely with children and young people

Code of safer working practice

Example Safer Activity Risk Assessments

Model activity risk assessment

Model Childrens Activity Risk Assessment

Model Youth Activity Risk Assessment

Model Pastoral Visiting Risk Assessment

Model personal risk assessment

Model activity risk assessment home visiting

Other Forms

Model registration form for activities

Model volunteer driver agreement

Model hire agreement church premises

Model consent form transport

Safer Recruitment & People Management

Safer recruitment is a vital part of creating a safe and positive environment and making a commitment to keep all the church community safe from harm. Failure to apply these principles and practices exposes children and vulnerable adults to greater risk of abuse by people who will target and exploit inadequate safeguards.

DBS checks are important but are only part of safer recruitment, many individuals who have or will abuse do not have a criminal record, this is why the other steps are as important.

There are also helpful resources through the Diocese HR Support Service

Safer Recruitment and People Management Code of Practice

Safer Recruitment and People Management checklist to follow the revised SRPM June 2026 - To help navigate the revised SRPM Code of Practice

Policy Statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders

Example templates

Volunteer Role Description

Volunteer Application Form

Confidential declaration form To be used with every new DBS application and renewal (any level of DBS check)

Volunteer Reference Request Form

Example Interview Questions

SRPM assessment tool

Example Volunteer Agreement

Example Volunteer Appointment Letter

Example volunteer induction checklist

Example SRPM record keeping document

Data Protection

Safeguarding record retention table

DBS information

We process our DBS checks through Thirtyone Eight - disclosure@thirtyoneeight.org

A Parish can access this resource once onboarded to Thirtyone:Eight and the DBS administrator has registered to become a member through the above link.

A suite of DBS resources including DBS eligibility tool and role guide.

DBS checks for working with children in faith settings

CofE DBS eligibility guidance

DBS video - Guide

Update DBS Service Guidance & Form

For further support with DBS please contact Karen.Wright@Coventry.Anglican.org

Additional resources

Safeguarding Partnership Resources

Coventry Safeguarding Children Partnership resource

Coventry Safeguarding Adult Partnership resource

Warwickshire Safeguarding Children & Adult resources

Theology Resources