The Diocese of London is committed to the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children in its care and the Diocesan Bishop's Advisers for Child Protection have drawn up guidelines to ensure that the church is a safe place for children. The guidelines are based on the House of Bishops Policy on Child Protection 1998, the Children Act 1989 and the Home Office document, Safe from Harm, (1993). Further information can be obtained from the Children's Adviser, Mary Hawes.
Organisations working with children who hire church property should be advised of their responsibility for the welfare and safety of children in their care. It is reasonable that PCCs should require such groups to have their own Child Protection policy and procedures, and for these to be checked by the PCC.
It is recommended that the statement included in Appendix 2 is included in all hiring agreements for organisations working with children and young people. (This would be in addition to any child protection policies operated by the organisation concerned.)
