The Church commits to safely recruiting and supporting all workers and volunteers who have any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend Church activities.
In July 2021 The Church agreed new Safer Recruitment & People Management Guidance which must be fully implemented by all church settings from January 2022 for all new appointments where there is substantial contact with children, young people and / or vulnerable adults. Failure to apply these principles and practices exposes children and vulnerable adults to greater risk of abuse by people who will target and exploit inadequate safeguards.
Where the church setting works ecumenically or with partners or charities they must assure themselves that the Requirements detailed in the guidance are being followed by these organisations.
To use the online Disclosure & Barring Service application system, a church must appoint a Parish Identity Verifier and complete the registration form here.
Anyone involved in the recruitment, appointment and management/supervision of roles that have substantial contact with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults must complete online Safer Recruitment & People Management training here and read our induction to following the procedures in The Church of England – Birmingham here
Safer Recruitment Process Summary
+ Full details of the safer recruitment process
Prepare & Apply
• Volunteer Role Description template
• Person Specification template
Application Form for Volunteers template
Church of England Confidential Declaration Form
Church of England Privacy Notice for use Confidential Declaration Form
Apply
Application Form for Volunteers template
• Church of England Confidential Declaration Form
Church of England Privacy Notice for use with Confidential Declaration Form
Pre-Start Checks
• Reference Request Form for Volunteer Positions
Church of England DBS Role Eligibility Guidance
How to complete the DBS form for applicants
Invitation to complete a DBS check template
Identity verification documents
Disclosure and Barring Service Update Procedures
At Start of Role
• Appointment Letter for Volunteers template
Code of Safer Working Practice
Volunteer Support Meeting Agenda template
Safer Practice Leaflet - Types and Signs of Abuse
Safer Practice Leaflet - Domestic Abuse
Safer Practice Leaflet - Safeguarding Under 18s
Safer Practice Leaflet - Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Safer Practice Leaflet - Safguarding Ourselves