Safeguarding Trust – The Church of Ireland Child Safeguarding Policy (NI)
Approved by the Standing Committee of the Church of Ireland (2018)
Download the full Safeguarding Trust Policy (PDF)
This page provides a clear, accessible overview of the Church of Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Policy as it applies in Northern Ireland.
The downloadable PDF above remains the definitive and complete policy document.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
“It is the policy of the Church of Ireland to safeguard all children sharing in its ministry and to protect them from all forms of harm and abuse.”
The Church of Ireland is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for all children and young people. Safeguarding Trust sets out the principles, responsibilities, procedures and standards of behaviour required for anyone involved in ministry with children.
The welfare of the child is paramount.
Policy Purpose
Safeguarding Trust exists to:
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Promote the welfare and protection of children
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Prevent harm and abuse
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Support safe, healthy participation in church life
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Provide clear guidance for responding to concerns or allegations
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Protect both children and those who work with them
This policy applies to all clergy, staff, volunteers, parish panels and church bodies.
Legal & Policy Context (Northern Ireland)
Safeguarding Trust operates in line with:
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Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
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Safeguarding Board Act (NI) 2011
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Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007
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Sexual Offences (NI) Order 2008
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UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
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Relevant safeguarding guidance and legislation
Key Principles
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Every child has the right to be safe
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All children deserve equal protection
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Some children are more vulnerable and need additional support
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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
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Partnership with parents/guardians is essential
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Concerns must always be taken seriously and acted upon
Areas of Responsibility
Central Church Bodies
Overall responsibility rests with the Standing Committee, supported by the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Board.
Bishops & Diocesan Councils
Ensure Safeguarding Trust is implemented across dioceses, parishes and activities, including training and compliance audits.
Incumbent & Select Vestry
Responsible for:
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Appointing a trained Parish Safeguarding Panel
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Ensuring policies are implemented
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Providing safe premises and insurance
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Reviewing safeguarding regularly
Parish Safeguarding Panel
Acts collectively as the Designated Officer, responsible for:
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Receiving and reporting concerns
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Maintaining safeguarding records
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Supporting staff and volunteers
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Liaising with statutory authorities
Recruitment, Selection & Management
All clergy, staff and volunteers working with children must undergo:
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Clear role definition
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Application and declaration process
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Interview and references
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AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure
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Ongoing training and supervision
No one may begin working with children without appropriate clearance.
Code of Behaviour
All clergy, staff and volunteers must:
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Treat children with dignity and respect
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Maintain appropriate boundaries
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Avoid one-to-one situations wherever possible
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Never engage in inappropriate behaviour or communication
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Follow health & safety guidance at all times
Breaches of the Code are taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.
Working Safely With Children
Includes guidance on:
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Supervision ratios
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Private meetings
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Physical contact
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Health & safety risk assessments
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Accidents and incidents
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Photography and media use
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Social and digital communication
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Trips, outings and residentials
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Transport and insurance
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Inclusion and additional needs
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns, disclosures or allegations must never be ignored.
All concerns should be reported promptly to:
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The Parish Safeguarding Panel
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Gateway Services (NI) or PSNI where required
The policy outlines:
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What constitutes a concern or disclosure
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How to respond appropriately
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Reporting procedures
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Support for all involved
Information Sharing & Record Keeping
Safeguarding records are:
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Kept securely
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Accessed only by authorised persons
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Managed in line with GDPR and safeguarding guidance
Information is shared only where necessary to protect children.
Whistleblowing & Complaints
The Church of Ireland supports anyone who raises safeguarding concerns in good faith.
Concerns may be raised:
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Through the Parish Panel
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Via the Child Protection Officer (NI)
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Directly to statutory authorities if necessary