The Diocese of Chelmsford is committed, as part of the Christian Church living in the spirit of the Gospel, to protect and care for everyone and we aim to be a beacon of best practice in safeguarding. Looking the other way is not an option.
- Ensuring that its volunteers, clergy, advisers and lay people achieve the standards laid down in the Safeguarding Policies of the Church of England.
- Working with individuals who have criminal convictions, or where other safeguarding risks are identified, to ensure that they, and all members of the church community are safeguarded.
- Holding to account all persons responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults in the Diocese.
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.
To contact your local police station to report a non-emergency crime please call 101.
Please click on the below links to be taken to the relevant Safeguarding page:
- DBS Checks, DBS Update Service & Overseas Criminal Record Checks
- Contact Information for Safeguarding Organisations/Charities
- Diocesan Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Safeguarding and Digital Communications
As more of us are now using digital and video communications in our ministry it is important that we are aware of the safeguarding implications and following best practice. Please ensure you are familiar with the following guidance and share it with those in your parish who organise online meetings or worship activity.
- Advice on Safeguarding during the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Advice for using video conferencing for youth work during Covid-19
- Using Zoom for video meetings with young people
- Keeping children safe online
GDPR and permissions for adults
Those appearing in video or photographs will need to have given you their permission. A photo release form can be signed by adults. The form must include all the places that the photo or video may be used by the church.
The template photo release form can be downloaded here.
GDPR and permissions for children
Videos containing children may be used by the church if consent has been given by their parent or guardian. This needs to be signed consent and should include the places which the photo or video may be used by the church. If permission has not been given, it can be helpful to identify these children by using a simple paper wristband, or by asking them to sit in a photo and video free zone. Practically, seeking permission may need a few extra helpers on the day, working from a safe social distance. Alternatively, prepare ahead by sending out the forms to your church newsletter list to avoid queues on the day.
More information can be found under the 'Video and Livestreaming' section
If you cannot find the information that you are looking for please contact the DST (Diocesan Safeguarding Team) by emailing safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org or calling 01245 294490.
We are currently running a skeleton service in our offices at the moment, due to Covid-19, therefore it is recommended that you email us with any general queries, unless you have an urgent Safeguarding Concern or Allegation to report and all advice regarding this and other queries, including online training and enrolment keys can be found within the relevant sections of this website.
For any Safeguarding queries that have not been resolved within our website, please contact:
Lynda Saunders - Safeguarding Assistant
Tel: 01245 294490 (Weekdays, 9-5)
Email: safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org
Laura Tyler - Safeguarding Administrator
Tel: 01245 294438 (Tuesday 9:30am-3pm & Friday 9:30am-3pm)
Email: safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org
For more information please contact Laura Tyler / Lynda Saunders
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