The Church is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its ministry and mission, promoting a safer culture and the welfare of every child, young person and adult. As such, the Church has robust policies, procedures and guidelines in place, to ensure good practice throughout the central organisation, its 42 dioceses and other Church bodies.
The Church of England will:
- Promote a safer environment and culture
- Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church
- Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
- Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
- Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
- Respond to those that may pose a present risk to others
Helpful policies and practice guidance:
- Promoting a Safer Church
- A Code of Conduct for all
- Safeguarding Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Safer Environment and Activities
- Code of Safer Working Practice
- Recruitment of Ex Offenders Policy
- A Guide to Church Safety Plans (formerly known as Worship Agreements)
- Parish Safeguarding Principles Policy Adults 2026
Information Sharing and Safeguarding – What the 2026 Working Together Update Means for Church Volunteers
Key message: Information must be shared earlier and more confidently if it helps protect a child. Safeguarding is no longer about waiting until you are certain something is wrong. If something concerns you, it should be recorded and passed on.