SAFEGUARDING NEWS

SAFEGUARDING MATTERS NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2017

WELCOME to the third issue of this newsletter which brings the latest training news from the Safeguarding Team to all churches in the Diocese of Blackburn.

This newsletter brings a reminder about the Specialist Training Modules that the Diocese now offers. There is now a nationally agreed set of modules for Safeguarding training with a much higher training requirement than in the past. It is understood that paid workers and volunteers may have undertaken training on other roles, however, the training is not option.

NEW SPECIALIST MODULES:

Safer Recruitment (S1)

Safer recruitment training is for both clergy and recruiters involved in the safer recruitment process for paid staff and volunteers. Safer Recruitment, including the completion of a Confidential disclosure and DBS check, is an integral part of safeguarding within our churches. The course on Thursday 21st of September 6.30-9.00pm at the Diocesan Offices still has spaces available on it. Further dates are due to be scheduled and will be made available on the Diocesan web page. Given the challenges of this process it is important that all of those with responsibilities book on the training and are supported in their role.

Responding to Domestic Abuse (S3).

Domestic Abuse training is for clergy, Pastoral Visitors, Bishops’ Visitors, Spiritual Visitors, Leaders of Children’s Work, Parish/Cathedral Safeguarding Officers. Dates are on the Diocesan website.

C1 E-learning Module

The finalisation of the content and testing of the C1 e-learning foundation training module for anyone who has safeguarding responsibilities or who have contact with children, young people and/or adults who may be vulnerable is taking place – it is expected to be available in autumn 2017. We will notify you as soon as the National Safeguarding Team releases it and we will post the link on the new look, Diocesan website. Click Here

Training – What Do I Do Next?

1. If you are in leadership in a parish, lay or ordained, where your responsibilities involve implementing safeguarding practice, you need to have completed C1 and C2, within the last three years. Please book on if you haven't!

2. If you are on a rota working or volunteering with children or adults, but not in leadership, you need to have completed C1 within the last three years. Again - please book or complete the C1 e-learning module!

Our commitment is to make the training as useful, accessible and positive as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about the training, please ask. You can contact Julie Grimshaw, Safeguarding Administrator on 01254 503088 or Rachel Campion, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (Training) on 01254 503094

Public and Crowded Places

In the wake of this year’s terrorist attacks, including the one at Finsbury Park mosque, you may want to access New Crowded Places Guidance from the government, which can be found by clicking here
This is an interactive PDF with links throughout to the relevant pages for churches.
In addition, there is also the Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice for Places of Worship which the police launched last year available by clicking here Text here

Frequently Asked Questions

The Church of England has a list of DBS frequently asked questions and answers that can be found at:

http://www.blackburn.anglican.org/storage/general-files/shares/Safeguarding/DBS%20Checks/DBS_FAQ_February_2017.pdf

Currently, the most frequently asked question is ‘Do all PCC members need to be DBS checked?’

The answer is – PCC’s are charities and therefore PCC members are trustees. Where it sponsors and approves, in its own name, children’s work or work with vulnerable adults (e.g. a Youth Club, Sunday School, home visiting scheme for the housebound or a luncheon club for adults with special needs who require assistance with feeding or toileting) then this recommendation applies.

Further to this, the Charity Commission take the view that whenever there is a legal entitlement to obtain DBS check in respect of such a trustee, a check should be carried out.

Further information

Contact Sharon Hassall, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:

Sharon.hassall@blackburn.anglican.org

01254 503088