PCC Safeguarding

Charity Commission Expectations on Safeguarding

For PCC Members, Incumbents, Churchwardens and Parish Safeguarding Officers

Why This Matters

The Charity Commission has clarified that safeguarding responsibilities extend beyond the Church’s existing safeguarding definitions and apply to everyone who comes into contact with the charity through its activities.

As trustees of the parish charity, PCC members have a legal responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect people from harm and that concerns are responded to appropriately.

Key Messages for PCCs

1. Safeguarding Applies More Widely Than the Church’s Current Definition

The Charity Commission expects charities to take reasonable steps to protect all people who come into contact with the charity, not only children and adults who meet the Church’s formal safeguarding definitions.

Where concerns arise, PCCs must ensure there is an appropriate response. This may involve:

• Safeguarding procedures
• Complaints procedures
• Disciplinary processes
• Employment or HR procedures
• Referral to statutory agencies such as the police or local authority

The important point is that every concern must be managed through the correct process and that risks are appropriately addressed.

2. PCCs Must Protect Everyone Engaged in Parish Life

Trustees are expected to consider risks to:

• Children and young people
• Adults who may be vulnerable to harm
• Members of the congregation
• Visitors and beneficiaries
• Employees and clergy
• Volunteers
• Participants in church groups, projects and events

This responsibility extends to activities carried out on behalf of the parish, even where others are delivering them.

3. Delegation Does Not Remove Accountability

PCCs can delegate day-to-day safeguarding responsibilities to:

• Clergy
• Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs)
• Diocesan safeguarding professionals

However, trustees remain ultimately accountable for safeguarding arrangements within the parish.

PCCs should therefore ensure they receive regular assurance that:

• Concerns are being managed appropriately
• Referrals are being made when necessary
• Risks are identified and monitored
• Safeguarding policies and procedures are being followed

4. Oversight Without Breaching Confidentiality

Trustees do not need access to detailed personal information in order to fulfil their responsibilities.

Instead, PCCs should receive sufficient information to understand:

• That a safeguarding concern has arisen
• That appropriate action is being taken
• That statutory agencies have been involved where required
• That risks are being managed

Confidential information should only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis.

5. Serious Incident Reporting

The Charity Commission expects trustees to consider whether a safeguarding concern should be reported as a Serious Incident.

Reports should be made promptly. Trustees should not wait until all facts are known before making an initial report where the matter appears serious.

An initial report can simply explain that:

• A serious incident has occurred or may have occurred
• Enquiries are ongoing
• Relevant referrals have been made
• Further information will follow

Actions for PCCs

The PCC is encouraged to:

☐ Review its understanding of safeguarding trustee responsibilities.

☐ Ensure safeguarding is a standing item within PCC governance arrangements.

☐ Consider appointing or confirming a named Safeguarding Trustee.

☐ Receive regular safeguarding updates and assurances.

☐ Review parish procedures for managing concerns, complaints and allegations.

☐ Ensure serious incident reporting is considered where appropriate.

☐ Continue to work closely with the Parish Safeguarding Officer and diocesan safeguarding team.

Questions for PCC Discussion

1. Are we confident that parish safeguarding arrangements are effective?
2. How does the PCC receive safeguarding assurance and oversight?
3. Do trustees understand their responsibilities regarding serious incidents?
4. Are reporting routes clear for clergy, staff and volunteers?
5. Do we have appropriate arrangements for managing concerns involving anyone connected with parish activities?

Key Takeaway

Safeguarding is a governance responsibility as well as an operational one. Whilst PCCs delegate day-to-day safeguarding work, accountability remains with trustees. PCCs should be confident that appropriate systems are in place to protect all those who come into contact with the parish and that safeguarding concerns are managed promptly, proportionately and effectively.