We regularly receive questions from Parish Safeguarding Officers, Clergy, Cathedral colleagues, employees and volunteers about how safeguarding requirements work in practice. To send in your own questions, please contact the safeguarding team directly: safeguarding@liverpool.anglican.org
What do I need to have completed before attending Leadership safeguarding training?
You need to have completed Basic Awareness and Foundation, although these do not need to be up to date, and you must hold a current certificate in Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse. There is also pre-work for the Leadership course, which must be submitted no later than one week before the course start date.
Does every role that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults need an Enhanced DBS check?
No. A role being subject to safer recruitment does not automatically mean that it is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check. DBS eligibility depends on the specific duties and responsibilities of the role, so each role should be considered individually.
Someone is already well known to our church — do we still need to follow safer recruitment?
Yes. Where a role falls within the scope of safer recruitment requirements, knowing somebody well, or the fact that they have volunteered for many years, does not replace the need for the appropriate safer recruitment process. Recruitment should be role specific and proportionate to the responsibilities involved.
What should I do if someone tells me about a safeguarding concern or abuse?
Listen carefully, take what the person is telling you seriously, avoid investigating or asking unnecessary questions, make an accurate record and share the concern promptly through the appropriate safeguarding route. You are not expected to decide for yourself whether abuse has occurred.