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Parish Safeguarding Officers

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Thank you so much for taking on the role as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), which is such an important function in our mission to create safer churches.

Parish Safeguarding Officer Role

The Parish Safeguarding Officer is responsible for ensuring the coordination of any concerns about a child, young person or vulnerable adult, or the behaviour of an adult working with vulnerable groups. Their role is to ensure that these are appropriately reported both to the statutory agencies and to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. They should attend the PCC at least twice a year and work with them to ensure the proper implementation of the safeguarding policy. A template role description is found here.


 I'm a new Parish Safeguarding Officer, where do I start?

STEP 1 Recruitment

  • A PSO should be safely recruited, and the appointment agreed by the PCC.


STEP 2 Local induction

  • Meet with your incumbent and, if possible, the previous PSO to discuss any current safeguarding matters / individuals of concern within the church.

  • Find out what process is in place for recording safeguarding data in your parish.

  • Read your local Parish policies, code of conduct for volunteers.


STEP 3 Administration

  • Ask your Parish CMS updater to add your details to CMS.

  • If you will be involved in DBS ID checking you should request to be set up as a lead recruiter, details of the form to complete and send to Diocese HR department are found here.

  • Sign up for your Parish Safeguarding Dashboard - email request to safeguarding@chester.anglican.org


    STEP 4 Training

  • Complete your online training: Basic / Foundation / Awareness of Domestic Abuse and Safer Recruitment via the Church of England’s Safeguarding Portal.

  • Book onto and attend Safeguarding Leadership Training more details found here

  • Sign up for Parish Safeguarding Officers Induction training course (held termly)


    STEP 5 Support

  • Attend our termly PSO Network meetings (dates and details below).

  • Make a note of our contact details and don't forget, the Safeguarding Team is here to support you.

  • Meet on a regular basis with your incumbent.


Parish Safeguarding Officer Network meetings and Drop-in sessions

The events provide:

  • A termly opportunity to meet and share with PSOs from other Parishes.

  • Information about developments in safeguarding in the Diocese, inc. Dashboards.

  • A forum to provide feedback regarding your concerns, challenges and the support you need as a PSO.

Upcoming dates and locations 

  • Mon 23 Feb at 12 noon til 1pm, Online Drop in by zoom

  • Tue 24 Feb 7-9pm at Holy Trinity, 197A Hurdsfield Road, Hurdsfield SK10 2PX (held in community hub next to church building)

  • Thu 12 Feb 7-9pm at Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park, Warring WA4 4GE

  • Thu 12 March 7-9pm at Upton St Marys 2 Church Road, Upton, Wirral, CH49 6JZ

  • Wed 18 March 7-9pm at St Luke's Church, Chester Road, Huntington CH3, 6BT

  • Wed 25th March 7 - 9pm at St Mary’s, Nantwich CW5 5NU

  • Tue 31 March 7-9pm at Romiley Life Centre, 3 Stockport Road, Romiley, Stockport SK6 4BN


If you wish to attend, you can book online via EventBrite here.

Any questions, please email: safeguarding@chester.anglican.org




Diocese of Chester

The Diocese of Chester is the Church of England primarily in Cheshire – but also covers some areas outside the county.
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (no. 00007826) and a registered charity (no. 248968)
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance. Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4GE. Telephone: 01928 718834

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Safeguarding    Contacts    Privacy Notice

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For media or communications enquiries email comms@chester.anglican.org

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