We believe that every human being is made in the image of God.  It follows that we should honour everyone regardless of their age, capabilities, gender or ethnicity.  Jesus knew what it was to be vulnerable.  Protecting the vulnerable, whether adults or children, is a responsibility carried by all in Christian ministry; we cannot be satisfied until we are sure we have done all in our power to protect them from harm.  Our churches must be a safe haven.

The Diocese of Norwich issued the current guidelines on the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in November 2007, amended October 2008.

It is an essential document for:

• Clergy
• Readers
• Licenced Lay Workers
• Named Persons for the protection of children or vulnerable adults

It should also be held by, or easily available to, anyone whose work involves children, young people or vulnerable adults.  This includes:

• Youth & Children’s Workers
• PCC Secretaries
• Pastoral Teams
• Choir Leaders
• Bell Tower Captains

• Safe Haven: Full version (PDF)
  
  
• Safe Haven: Children & Young People (PDF)
  
  
• Safe Haven: Vulnerable Adults (PDF)
  
  
• Child Protection Policy (sample): (PDF / Word)
  PCCs may wish to make additional commitments or comments on their policy. See Safe Haven p9
  
  
• Confidential Declaration Form: (PDF / Word)
  This must be renewed every 3 years.  See Safe Haven p21
  
  
• Volunteers Agreement (sample): (PDF / Word)
  The agreement specifies the role and responsibilities undertaken, and support and resources provided. See Safe Haven p11
  
  
• Parental Consent Form (sample): (PDF / Word)
  It is good practice to obtain parental permission for activities both on and off site.  See Safe Haven p13
  
  
• OFSTED Letter (sample): (PDF / Word)
  To obtain exemption from registration under item 14, OFSTED must be informed at least 14 days before the event.  See Safe Haven p14

Contact Tricia Elson, Youth & Children’s Administrator.

Information on child protection procedures employed by the Diocese of Norwich, training and good practice, contact:

You may wish to contact the Diocesan Child Protection Officer:

Information on the procedures employed by the Diocese of Norwich for the protection of vulnerable adults, training and good practice, contact:

It is good practice to get parental permission to take and/or use images.  Identification of children should be avoided where images are used, addresses should never be given.  See good practice guidelines in Safe Haven p 13.

• Photo Consent Form - Annual: (PDF / Word)
  
  
• Photo Consent Form - Event: (PDF / Word)
  
  
• Photo Consent Form - Images taken: (PDF / Word)