I'm a New Parish Safeguarding Officer
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding team by emailing safeguarding@chichester.anglican.org to inform them
- Make sure your 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.
- Make sure you have the correct DBS for this role (contact the diocese who can help you with this)
- Take time to have a read some of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policies and Guidance. In particular the e-manual and Church of England Safeguarding policy "Promoting a Safer Church"
- Keep in touch with your Diocesan Safeguarding team if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help and support you! Also take advantage of our regular zoom drop in sessions for PSOs - details will be sent out regularly.
Thank you for your willingness to serve your parish in this important role!