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

In recent weeks high numbers of people have been displaced due to the war in Ukraine. Church communities across Europe are looking at ways to help support people affected and many will be providing help and some will be hosting refugees.

All those arriving from the Ukraine will be suffering a degree of trauma and may be very vulnerable. These people will be at a very high risk of exploitation, and it is incumbent on all of us to ensure their safety.

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Criminal record information may come to light at any stage of the safer recruitment process, as well as during the ongoing employment or volunteering relationship.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the government agency that provides information about an individual’s criminal record history.

Carrying out pre-appointment checks is important for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults as it helps a body to establish a more rounded picture of the candidate’s suitability to work with these groups.

An interview gives the opportunity to investigate the individual’s motivation for working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults as well as explore his/her past experience of working with the relevant group.

Advertisements/notices provide the first impression of a Church body. An important part of this message is to highlight that the Church body is fully committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Having clearly written documents enables a Church body to think through what they want from a role, whether paid or voluntary, and what sort of person would be suitable.