A brief summary of actions not covered in previous drop-ins can be read below:
Brief notes of discussions:
- Dog policies – some PCCs pass an agreement that animals are welcome in the church as long as they are well behaved. It could help with logistics if this includes where those with assistance dogs, considering aspects such as fires escapes, and possibly zones for dogs to allow for people with allergies or are concerned about proximity to dogs. All Saints Laleham has kindly shared their Dog Policy for information.
- If someone discloses to a member of clergy in a pastoral conversation that they have a previously unknown criminal conviction, this should still be referred into your DSA and they will assess whether anything needs to be put in place.
- Loan working, especially on visits. Ideally there are two people doing a visit, however often load visits are unavoidable. There is a good Lone Working policy on the Ecclesiastical Insurance website. Wording in the policy should encourage people to visit in pairs, but for the times when this is not possible include that it is our duty to tell someone if we do need to do a visit on your own and outline a process where those making visits will make sure someone is aware where they are visiting, and that they have returned from the visit.
- This declaration of suitability form can be used for those who do not meet the criteria for an enhanced DBS check.
- This is the Church of England Retention guidance.
General Updates:
Our sessions until the end of 2025 are as follows:
- Tuesday 4th Nov 2025, 1900-1940
- Friday 5th December 2025, 0930-1010
Please note the time change for the November meeting to the evening at 7pm in response to several requests.
National Safeguarding Team updates:
- You can sign up for Safeguarding Sunday on 16th November here.
There is an updated PSO Information Welcome Pack available along with other PSO resources at the bottom of this useful links page.