A brief summary of actions not covered in previous drop-ins can be read below:
Brief notes of discussions:
- Safeguarding training should be completed by all in relevant roles, regardless of training received through other routes as the Church of England includes a faith aspect.
- There was some conversation around encouraging PCC members to take safeguarding training and apply for a DBS. A person cannot be removed from the PCC but some parishes require potential PCC members to complete training prior to the APCM. Others also create an expectation that new PCC members will be asked to complete a DBS application at the end of the APCM, so they should bring the required forms of ID to the APCM.
- If someone wants to offer a service such as acupuncture during a church event, ensure it is clear that this is at participants own risk and is not endorsed by the church. Parishes should ask to see public liability insurance and safeguarding policy. Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse and Basic safeguarding training are recommended. If the activity could be considered medical, some kind of medical insurance should also be in place.
General updates:
The DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London, has offered to deliver some sessions to explain the purpose of the DBS, the services and products it provides and the part it plays in safer recruitment. These training sessions will be specifically for the parish context.
She will be delivering two different sessions online:
1. Disclosure and Eligibility:
- 3 March 1.30-3pm
- 18 March 1900-10.30am–12:30pm
- 19th March 10-11.30am
Agenda:
- Outlining the role of the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- What might be disclosed when a DBS check is made.
- Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce
- How “regulated activity” with adults and children is defined and what this means in practice.
- Practical exercises about applying eligibility for relevant roles
NOTE: Each of the above sessions will be the same, so you only need to attend one date.
2. Barring and Legal Duty to Refer
- 22 April 10-1130am
Agenda:
- The three different referral routes
- When a DBS Barring referral should be made, including when the legal duty is met
- How “regulated activity “is defined and what this means in practice.
- Relevant Conduct and Risk of Harm
- How to make a barring referral to DBS
Please register for any of these sessions via this DBS training request form. Once a session is full, the option will be removed from the registration form.
You will receive a Teams link a week before the session.