The Parish Safeguarding Officer is the key link between the Diocese and the parish/s, concerning safeguarding matters.
They have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policy. The role can be taken by one person or the role shared, for example with one person covering children the other vulnerable adults.
The key tasks of the parish safeguarding officer are to:
- Have an overview of all church activities involving children and vulnerable adults and keep a record of these activities.
- Be familiar with diocesan safeguarding guidance and ensure that leaders of activities are fully aware of, and are implementing, this guidance.
- Liaise with the incumbent over safeguarding issues.
- Keep in touch with the leaders of all activities and offer them advice and support over safeguarding matters.
- Liaise as necessary with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers. Report all concerns or allegations against church officers to the DSA.
- Attend diocesan safeguarding training offered for PSOs.
- Assist with safeguarding training in the parish as appropriate.
- Attend a meeting of the church leadership (PCC) at least annually to ensure safeguarding issues are discussed and that the church leadership adopt the annual Church Safeguarding Policy.
- Ensure that the Church Safeguarding Policy and contact details is displayed in all Church premises.
- Keep good records of any safeguarding concerns that may arise, and ensure that others do the same.
- Promote inclusiveness in places of worship and within church activities.
- Keep the church leadership informed of good safeguarding practice.
- Undertake a regular parish safeguarding self-assessment in the format offered by the Diocese.
Further support to help you in your role as Parish Safeguarding Officer can be found within the Safeguarding pages on this website and by contacting the safeguarding team if you require further information.