IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM - Information from the Church of England: Safeguarding and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Deprivation of Liberty Guidance: from Department of Health and Lincolnshire County Council. Briefing from St John Ambulance 06/07/2020: Modern Slavery / Human Trafficking & Covid-19
Contacting the safeguarding team:
As some of our churches are beginning to open their doors, we want to reassure you that the team are still here to support you. We are in the main working remotely but you can be contacted us as shown below.
This is a time of great uncertainty for everyone and the impact from Covid-19 related lockdown has been significant. It is a time where we need to come together more than ever to create safe spaces. I ask you to please remember how important safeguarding everyone is and continue to ensure safeguarding as integral to all the work we do. Remember, there may be individuals who pose a risk and who are on agreements wanting to re-join our parishes / churches. Where they are unable to seek sanctuary in their own parish, they may look for an alternative. Please be vigilant, be aware and most of all be prepared to contact the team so we can ensure they are able to worship in a safe way until their church is open.
Archdeacon Gavin Kirk: 07590 950041
Archdeacon Justine Allain Chapman: 07715 077993
Archdeacon Mark Steadman: 07870 266553
A specialist national helpline (Tel 0800 80 20 20) has been set up to operate independently of the church. The Helpline is operated by the NSPCC . Anyone can use the helpline to provide information or to raise concerns regarding abuse within the Church of England context; whether they are reporting issues relating to children, adults or seeking to whistle blow about poor safeguarding practice.
If you, or someone you know, are survivors of abuse from within the church, please find information about further support here. Read more
The telephone number for the diocesan safeguarding team is 07432 522 412. In this section you will find flow charts and contact details that will assist you in making contact with both statutory and voluntary organisations that can assist in safeguarding both children and adults. We have also compiled information about sources of support. Read more
In 2007, the Church of England commissioned the 'Past Cases Review' of the handling by the church of child protection cases over many years. As a result all diocese have been asked to review their personnel files in two main phases. You can read more about this in this section. Read more
Church of England safeguarding policy and practice guidance has all been approved by the House of Bishops and must be followed by all Church Bodies and Church Officers. Up to date versions of all House of Bishops policy and practice guidance can be accessed via the Church of England's main website via the link in this page. Also included in this page are all the local church based safeguarding resources for your parish or church setting. Read more
Details of upcoming training and the mandatory, national CofE training requirements can be found in this section. Read more
The purpose of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel is to provide independent scrutiny of safeguarding practice and policy within the Diocese of Lincoln. It provides strategic support and guidance to the diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and the Bishop’s senior staff regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults across the diocese. Read more
All the policy and practice guidance required for safeguarding within the Church of England context has been approved by the House of Bishops and must be followed by all Church Bodies and Church Officers. Read more
This page contains theological material with reference to safeguarding. Read more
The Diocese of Lincoln aims to promote the safety and well-being of all involved in ministry. Sometimes those involved in pastoral ministry are involved in situations that they may find difficult or distressing. While it is expected that all involved in ministry will exercise good care for themselves, it is also important that all PCCs and other governing bodies take an active interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of all those serving in their parishes or areas. Read more
The Safer Living Foundation aims to keep communities safe and support ex-offenders to resettle and lead an offence-free, productive life. Read more
Stop It Now! is a sexual abuse prevention campaign and helpline which exists to provide help and support to people who are struggling with, or who are frightened by, their own behaviours or temptations. Read more
DBS checks are mandatory for certain roles within the Church. The roles that require DBS checking are set out in the Church of England’s Safeguarding Guidelines for Safer Recruitment. Read more