Thank you for taking up this important role in your parish. Please know that your Diocesan Safeguarding Team are here to support you. Here are some things to look at as you get started and please get in touch if you have any questions.
- Firstly it is important to understand the role you have been given, what you are responsible for and also what you are not responsible for. Overall, the responsibility of Safeguarding in your parish is held by your Incumbent and your PCC. It might help to have a read of your roles and responsibilities as a Parish Safeguarding Officer
- Meet with your predecessor and/or church leader to make sure you have access to all the relevant records and information you need. Check with your incumbent or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to make sure there are no Attendance Agreements in place, and if there are, ask that this may be discussed with you.
- Download and fill out a Data Consent Form and email to emma.lambert@chichester.anglican.org so we can have your details on the Diocesan database.
- On 25th March 2026 we will be holding a PSO Induction Training Day at Church House, Hove. Register your interest here. There will be other dates and times in the future.
- Have a look at your Parish Dashboard that is your safeguarding compliance tool. If you don't have access, please contact emma.lambert@chichester.anglican.org
- Make sure you have access to the Parish Safeguarding email address and ensure that you are not the only person who has access to it. There should be at least one other person who can access it. Don’t use your personal email address for parish safeguarding purposes. Be sure to change the password regularly.
- Once your PCC has formally approved your appointment, make sure that your details are visible in the church and on your church website. This can be done via the Parish Safeguarding Policy notice and Promoting a Safer Church poster
- Make sure your safeguarding training is up to date. See here for for the training requirements for this role. Visit the Leadership Training page for upcoming dates to book on a course
- If you will become the DBS Administrator for your parish (Lead Recruiter), click here for more information and contact the diocese to make those arrangements.
- Keep an eye out for our quarterly newsletters and regular zoom drop in sessions for parish safeguarding officers.
