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Parish Safeguarding Officers

The role of a Parish Safeguarding Officer

The Parish Safeguarding Officer is a vital role in building a strong safeguarding culture within our parishes and we are grateful for all those  within the Diocese who step forward to take on this responsibility.  They are the key link between the Diocese and parishes concerning safeguarding matters.  They will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policy. 

Appointing a New Parish Safeguarding Officer

When appointing a new Parish Safeguarding Officer the following Safer Recruitment Process should be followed:

  • Provide them with the role description which they should read and understand.  For details of the tasks involved in the role of the PSO please read the PSO's role description. 
  • Complete a confidential-declaration form
  • Complete an application form and provide two references which should be requested and verified
  • If eligible obtain an enhanched dbs check, see the following guidance  - DBS checks for Parish Safeguarding Officers to help you decide if your PSO is eligible for a DBS check.
  • Have their appointment approved by PCC - this should be recorded in the minutes

Information for New Parish Safeguarding Officers

If you are new to the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer then thank you for volunteering for this essential role.  As the Diocesan Safeguarding Team we are here to provide you with support and answer any questions you may have.

As a new in Post Parish Safeguarding Officer ensure that you complete the following steps:

  1. Contact Debbie Doran, tel 0151 705 2124, email with details of your name, address, telephone number, email address and which church you will be serving in this role, this will ensure that in future you will recieve correspondence relevant to your role
  2. Ensure you have read and understand the tasks involved in the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer and have completed the safer recruitment process applicable to the role of the PSO. 
  3. Attend a Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction Session as soon as possible after commencing your role, these sessions will  give you an understanding of what a Parish Safeguarding Officer does and as a result of attending the training you will be  equipped with all the tools you need to carry out this role successfully.  The next available Induction sessions will be held on:  Tuesday 27th June at St Cleopas Church, 400 Mill St, Dingle, Liverpool L8 4RF 7-9.00pm - click to book via eventbrite 
  4. Complete the relevant level of Safeguarding Training - see training requirements section for details.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Parish Safeguarding Officer Forums

Join us at our Parish Safeguarding Officer Forums which will give you a chance to meet with other PSO's and members of the Safeguarding Team.  It will be your opportunity to catch up on current guidance, share good practice, ask questions, network and in addition at each forum, we will focus on a specialist topic. PSO’s can attend as many sessions as they want however places are limited.  Please see details below for dates and booking links: 

Wednesday 15th March 2023 from 1.30-3.00pm at St John’s Church, 708 Liverpool Road, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3QE– specialist focus will be Modern Day Slavery - click to book via eventbrite

Tuesday 16th May 2023 from 1.30-3.00pm at St James’ House, 20 St James Road, Liverpool, L1 7BY – specialist focus will be Mental Health - click to book via eventbrite

Wednesday 19th July 2023 from 7-8.30pm at St Paul’s Church, 75 Chain Lane, Blackbrook, St Helens, WA11 9QF – specialist focus will be Supporting Refugees Safely - click to book via eventbrite

Safeguarding Training requirements for a Parish Safeguarding Officer

As a Parish Safeguarding Officer you are required to complete the following sessions of Safeguarding Training

  1. Induction Session which gives you an understanding of what a Parish Safeguarding Officer does and as a result of attending the training you will be equipped with all the tools you need to carry out this role successfully.   The next induction session will be available on:  Tuesday 27th June 2023, 7.00-9.00pm at St Cleopas Church, 400 Mill Street, Dingle, Liverpool L8 4RF – click for Eventbrite booking link
  2. Basic and Foundation Training which can be completed online via the Church of England Safeguarding portal - Safeguarding Training Portal (cofeportal.org) 
  3. Leadership Training - Leadership for Parish Safeguarding Oficers will be available on the following date: Monday 5th and 12th June from 7.00-8.30pm at St Luke's Church, 71 Liverpool Road, Crosby, England, L23 5SE - click for Eventbrite booking link
  4. Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse which can be completed online via the Church of England Safeguarding Portal - Safeguarding Training Portal (cofeportal.org) 
  5. Safer Recruitment and People Management which can be completed online via the Church of England Safeguarding Portal - Safeguarding Training Portal (cofeportal.org).  Face to face sessions of this training will also be available details will be posted once the dates have been finalised.

DBS Requirments for Parish Safeguarding Officers

For guidance on the DBS requirments for a Parish Safeguarding Officer use the following link - DBS checks for Parish Safeguarding Officers

Continued Support for you

We know that those who take on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer are volunteers, often balancing these responsibilities with other work and commitments.  It can be hugely demanding and therefore the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is always here to help and support you.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any help or guidance.  The Safeguarding Team details are:

Andy Holmes, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - telephone 07940 378139 or email: andrew.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org

Mick Murphy, Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - telephone 07376 431466 or email: michael.murphy@liverpool.anglican.org

Karen Williams, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - telephone 07946 189061 or email: karen.williams@liverpool.anglican.org

Debbie Doran, Safeguarding Support - contact of issues relating to Safer Recruitment, DBS, Parish Safeguarding Officer Support, Lead and Additional Recruitment Information.  Hours of work - Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30 am-5.30 pm.  Tel 0151 705 2124 or email: deborah.doran@liverpool.anglican.org

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