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1.1.2 Responding to safeguarding concerns or allegations that do not involve church officers or individuals

Where a safeguarding allegation is made against someone who is not a church officer, safeguarding officers must
make every effort to signpost, refer or enable access to appropriate support for the person raising the allegation and the complainant. Sometimes, this might be done by a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or a different designated safeguarding volunteer or member of staff. However, PSOs and other designated roles should consult with safeguarding officers, record the advice that they are given, and the actions that they subsequently take.This should not replace the need to act without delay where there is an immediate risk of harm and refer matters to emergency services.

The support that can be offered in these cases includes:

  • supporting the complainant to identify the services which may be relevant for them and that may be able to address any allegations;
  • helping the complainant to identify the services that may be able to provide them with practical, emotional and other support during this time;
  • sharing with the complainant information and contact details for such services;
  • supporting the complainant to get in touch with those services, including making initial contact with those services on behalf of the complainant, with their knowledge and agreement; and/or
  • potentially maintaining contact with the complainant, if they express that preference, whilst they are waiting to hear back from those services, to ensure that any deterioration in their circumstances that may give rise to an immediate risk of harm to them or those close to them (e.g.their children or someone they care for) can be reported to the relevant statutory authorities.

It is important to note that the requirements around reporting to statutory services still apply, even if a concern
is not related to a church officer. However, the safeguarding officer’s involvement following a referral in such
circumstances, will likely be limited.

Allegations about collective decision-making by a corporate body such as a PCC, DBF or all other trustee bodies,
are outside the scope of this code. This is because the purpose of this code is to assess and manage individuals
who pose a risk.The appropriate route for dealing with a collective decision made by a charity is through the
Charity Commission, or through the body’s own complaints procedure if they are not a charity. 

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