Child Protection & Safeguarding

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community.

Read the recent reviews in Chichester Diocese and a letter from the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

Children and Young People Safeguarding
1995 House of Bishops produced first child protection policy document (in response to the Home Office's 1993 document Safe from Harm).
1999 and 2004 - policy revised
2010 - Latest policy Protecting All God's Children
The policy is in place to protect not only children and young people, but also those adults who are committed to working with and for them.

Responding Well to those who have been sexually abused
July 2011
House of Bishops approved policy and guidance for dioceses and parishes
Order a printed copy of Responding Well from Church House Publishing

Adult Safeguarding
The Church of England is committed to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.
Read the Church of England's full Adult Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safe Church

Safer recruitment
Best practice is highlighted in Safeguarding Guidelines as an interim policy until current uncertainties around the Independent Safeguarding Authority are clarified by the Government.

Domestic Abuse
In 2006, the Archbishops Council published 'Responding to Domestic Abuse: Guidelines for those with pastoral responsibility'.

Review
During 2008 and 2009, each Church of England diocese conducted a comprehensive review of personnel and clergy files to assess the handling of any past concerns about child protection.
News release February 2010
Protocol used to guide the review (PDF file size 248kb, may take some time to download on slow connections, Rich Text File version available at 315kb).

Contacts
If you represent a parish church and would like further advice contact your Diocesan Child Protection Officer via your Diocesan Office or Elizabeth Hall National Safeguarding Officer 0207 467 5189, or  safeguarding@methodistchurch.org.uk