Helpful Advice for Clergy and Staff

Across the Church of England, many parishes are becoming more proactive about safeguarding — seeking not only compliance, but culture change. As this commitment deepens, clergy and PCCs increasingly ask the same question: “Are we actually allowed to use safeguarding consultants?” The answer is yes — but with important boundaries. Parishes can engage safeguarding consultants, provided the arrangement supports, rather than replaces, the Church’s diocesan safeguarding struct

safeguarding is not an “add-on.” It is an expression of pastoral care — rooted in the same common sense and compassion that shape all good leadership. When safeguarding is embraced as part of vocation rather than a burden, the church becomes a place where people can truly flourish.

Clergy often work alone for significant portions of their ministry. This includes home visits, pastoral care conversations, late-night calls to parishioners in distress, and time spent in church buildings that may be isolated or poorly secured. Unlike many other professions, clergy are rarely accompanied by colleagues, support staff, or security when carrying out their duties. This exposes them to risks...

The 5 R's of Safeguarding are a simple framework used to guide anyone who has a safeguarding concern, particularly around children or vulnerable adults.