| Came via a search engine? Click here for home page |
|
The Child Protection entry will shortly be rewritten to include a comprehensive procedural and good practice guide which we hope to agree with the four dioceses responsible for towers in Kent. This follows a recent decision by Canterbury Diocese to follow national advice as to which ringers should undertake CRB checks; this brought them in line with practice in the other dioceses.
The advice and the links provided in the December 2010 update, below, are still valid. Please note that tower captains especially are asked to refer to two key documents, and to contact your diocesan administrator or adviser, or the Association's lead on CP matters, Nigel Spencer, if you need further advice, or have concerns. In brief:
KCACR commends the advice provided by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers in their pamphlet Protecting Young Ringers. This focuses on the best approach to take in and out of the tower, with advice, for instance, on how to involve parents so they understand and support learning, and on transport arrangements. This advice can be accessed from the CCCBR website or by clicking on these links (it is presented on two pages): side A and side B. A model parental consent form can be accessed by clicking here.
KCACR commends the Church of England paper Protecting all God's Children, 4th edition, which, amongst other things, sets out procedures for PCC representatives to follow where there are concerns. Diocesan policies are based on this paper.
Appendix 1 of this paper states that CRB checks are required for: "All tower captains, ringing masters and adult ringers who train/teach children under 16". All four dioceses are now following this definition. Vice captains are taken as included in the definition of tower captains. Ringing masters should obtain a CRB check via the PCC rep in their home tower. Our view, shared by Central Council, is that these checks should be carried out as good practice in all towers, regardless of whether young people are being taught at the time of the check. Diocesan staff may take a different line — in this case checks should be requested if and when young learners join the tower.
If your parish PCC rep and priest are unavailable, you can directly contact your diocesan safeguarding administrator for procedural advice, especially regarding CRB checks, or your Diocesan CRB adviser to discuss specific concerns. Detail is on the diocesan websites, usually via a "safeguarding" link.
Administrator is Sheila Rooke 01227 459401
Advisers are Elaine Rose 01223 720930 and
Simon Tapp 01223 756314
Diocesan website
See website for email contacts
Adviser is Colin Perkins 01273 425792
Diocesan website
Administrator is Carol Martin 01634 560000
Adviser is Janice Keen 07787 445032
Diocesan website
Administrator is Linda Craven 020 7939 9402
Adviser is Jill Sandham 020 7939 9423
Diocesan website
KCACR CP lead is Nigel Spencer 01303 260524
Nigel Spencer
Child Protection Oficer, KCACR
February 2012
This page provides details of the Association's approach to Child Protection (CP), and its expectations of all ringers. It contains links to useful Central Council documents and forms, and summarises the present situation as regards new legislation which was due to come into force in late 2010 but has now been delayed. One important requirement has been in force since October 2009 (see entry in italics below).
KCACR firmly supports the need for good CP practice and expects all ringers to behave properly towards young and vulnerable ringers. Copies of the Central Council guidance Protecting Young Ringers should be displayed in all towers. It is also available as a PDF file on the CC website, where it is presented on two pages: side A and side B. This leaflet sets out simple ground rules for maintaining a safe environment, including advice on:
Tower captains are encouraged to seek their PCC CP representative's adoption of Protecting Young Ringers as the appropriate policy for ringing in their tower. This has happened in 80% of towers in Kent, with a limited number of ringers required to undertake CRB checks.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was due to be brought into force from the end of 2010. The Central Council Tower Stewardship Committee's Guidance Note No 3 provides comprehensive advice on the likely effects on ringing.
This legislation will reinforce the existing Central Council guidance, since CRB checks and registration with the ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority) will only be applicable to ringers regularly involved in or responsible for training young ringers. However, this will not now be just a matter of good practice but a legal requirement. Similarly, "blanket" checking, as practised by some PCCs now, will become illegal. Arrangements for the registration of those who are in scope, and who have already been CRB checked, will be advised when received.
Please note that ringers responsible for or regularly involved with training young ringers who have not had a CRB check must now, by law, have such a check. This can be arranged through the PCC rep.
The Government began a second review of this legislation in October 2010. This will report in the New Year. Meanwhile the requirement for ISA registration has been delayed but the requirement for those regularly involved with training young ringers to have a CRB check remains. Central Council advice is that "blanket" checks are still illegal, and this is consistent with an entry in the November 2010 version of the C of E document Protecting all God's Children, para 5.3.4.
KCACR is aiming to draw up a CP policy, and to agree this with the CP advisers in each diocese. This will be brought to District meetings in draft, and will need to be ratified by the County Committee. Child Protection issues are discussed regularly at County Committee meetings.
If assistance or information is required in relation to the following issues please contact:
If information is required on any other issue please contact any of the officers named on the officers page on the left.
Fortunately, the abuse of children and vulnerable people is rare in church groups, including ringers, but it has happened before. Ringers who have no previous history, and thus a clear CRB, can and have abused young ringers. It is important that all ringers are vigilant. Follow good practice and make sure your tower is a safe and welcoming one.
| Came via a search engine? Click here for home page |
|
