Safeguarding
The Safer Recruitment Practice and People Management Guidance 2021 sets out the Church of England’s policy and guidance for safer recruitment practices for people working or volunteering with children and adults. The guidance addresses two key areas:
  • the recruitment process and
  • criminal record checks (DBS).

The guidance outlines who should undertake a criminal record check in accordance with their role with the Church of England and provides helpful templates for use within parishes and benefices.

Safer Recruitment and People Management

Useful DBS support for parishes

Helpful templates for use within parishes and benefices.

Level of DBS required DBS information for parishes Recruitment of ex-offenders policy

DBS Checks

Further helpful information and guidance.

DBS Changes September 2026 What to do when a DBS contains information

Guidelines for Safer Working Practices

These Guidelines for Safer Working Practices express our commitment to demonstrating God’s love by placing the highest priority on the safety of those to
whom we minister. It sets out what we expect from anyone who performs any role in our churches or church bodies, whether ordained or lay, paid or voluntary roles, and is one of the ways we ensure high standards of safeguarding in all we do. Creating environments in which everyone is safe and can thrive is essential to our purpose as God’s Church.

Safer Working Practices