In November 2023 the Church of England published the National Safeguarding Standards a copy of which can be downloaded here.
How Good is our Safeguarding Activity?
The Standards are essential for us to understand the quality and, most importantly, the impact of our safeguarding activity. At parish level, safeguarding is the joint responsibility of each PCC.
All activities, at all levels across the Church, will relate to at least one Standard. The Standards provide a means of connecting and integrating activities and enable us to better communicate our commitment to safeguarding.
The Five Standards are:
- Culture, Leadership and Capacity
- Prevention
- Recognising, Assessing and Managing Risk
- Victims and Survivors
- Learning, Supervision and Support
Resources and Support
The Church of England provides a parish poster which you may wish to use to promote the Safeguarding Standards.
The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard has been upgraded to reflect the Safeguarding Standards.
Following a series of National Safeguarding Information Sessions held across the Diocese in October and November, the full Safeguarding Standards upgrade is now available on the Dashboard.
Access to the Dashboard and functionality remains unchanged and the progress you have made on the Dashboard actions will be reflected in progress against the Safeguarding Standards.
You are encouraged to focus initially on reviewing and consolidating your progress on Standards 3 and 5 on the Dashboard. Following a six month review period, further guidance will be issued for focussing on the additional Standards.
Please contact Wendy Hopkins, Safeguarding Support Officer, if you need support in using your Dashboard.
Queries on the Safeguarding Standards can be directed to Beth Miller, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser or Wendy Hopkins, Safeguarding Support Officer.