Whether you're a new PSO or a parish in need of one, this page is here to help.
Parish Safeguarding Officers are nominated by the PCC to work alongside them and the incumbent to advise within the Parish on all safeguarding matters. In most cases they will also be the verifier for DBS checks although this role can be taken on separately.
I am a new PSO
Firstly, many thanks for taking on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer. There are a few things that will be required over the coming months; we don’t want to overwhelm you but these will help equip you for the role going forward:
- Please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to introduce yourself, and so we can introduce ourselves to you. We will ask if you are happy to be added to our central Database so safeguarding mailings are received. You will also be invited to three or four Parish Safeguarding Network meetings a year (usually over Zoom) in which PSOs across the Diocese meet to discuss updates and hear from the team.
- An Enhanced DBS check for Child & Adult workforce will be required if not undertaken already; if this has not been sought at parish level, please email us for instructions.
- Relevant training should be undertaken as follows:
- 1. Safer Recruitment: This is an online training module which should be undertaken as soon as possible on the Safeguarding Training Portal.
- 2. DBS Training: The Diocese provide training for those administering DBS checks; sessions are planned as needed so please contact email us for the next date/s. Once this training is complete, you will be given access to an online account through which DBS checks can be initiated.
- 3. Leadership Safeguarding Training: Further information and dates can be found on the Diocesan website here.
- When you are ready to be added to the Parish Dashboard, please contact email us so we will be able to give you the link.
As you settle into the role, please feel welcome to get in touch at any point for help and support as needed – the Diocesan Safeguarding Team will be very happy to help. Contact details can be found here.
Thank you again for agreeing to take on the role, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
We are a parish needing a PSO
It can be difficult to find volunteers, so please be assured of the Diocese’s support if you don’t have a current Parish Safeguarding Officer. Please feel free to contact the Safeguarding Team using the details available here with any queries or concerns you may have. We hope the pointers below will also be helpful:
- If you have any safeguarding concerns regarding children or adults, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
- If you require DBS checks to be undertaken for parish workers or volunteers, please email us..
- Safeguarding resources for parishes can be found here.
- Safeguarding policy and practice documents can be found here, including the Parish Safeguarding Handbook.
- Safer Recruitment Guidance can be found here.
- Details about the different safeguarding training courses and relevant dates can be found here.
Once you have appointed a Parish Safeguarding Officer, please direct them to this page which outlines the necessary steps. A role description for PSOs can be found here, and they will need to be safely recruited including a DBS check for child and adult workforce at enhanced level.
Those who work with children, young people and/or adults who are vulnerable should have a commitment to:
- Treat individuals with respect
- Recognise and respect their abilities and potential for development
- Working in ways that meet and develop the personal, spiritual, social and pastoral needs
- Promote their rights to make their own decisions and choices, unless it is unsafe
- Ensure their welfare and safety
- The promotion of social justice, social responsibility and respect for others
- Confidentiality, never passing on personal information, except to the person you are responsible to, unless there are safeguarding issues of concern which must always be reported to the person named above or to the Police or Social Services in an emergency.
