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Dear Parish Safeguarding Officers, DBS Administrators, Incumbents and Parish Officers,
Welcome to the Summer 2026 safeguarding update from the Safeguarding Team, Diocese of Winchester.
In this update:
- Diocesan Safeguarding Team Updates
- Safeguarding Training
- Safeguarding Dashboards
- Safeguarding Hubs
- Parish Safeguarding Officer Monthly Drop-In Sessions
- DBS Updates
- Ineqe Safeguarding Audit
- Safeguarding Sunday
- Parish Safeguarding Officers' Conference
- Safer Recruitment and People Management Code of Practice
- Parish Safeguarding Toolkit
- Records Management Guides
- Safe Spaces
- Safeguarding Contacts
- Feedback and Suggestions Form
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Diocesan Safeguarding Team Updates |
For those who may not yet know her, Emma Duncan joined the Diocesan Safeguarding Team in May 2025 as Safeguarding Caseworker and Trainer. Emma works full days, Monday to Thursday and is responsible for both safeguarding casework and the delivery and development of safeguarding training across the Diocese.
As part of the team structure, Natasha Nield has stepped back from training to focus on safeguarding casework, alongside Andy Symes, supporting the Diocese in responding to safeguarding concerns and enquiries.
We also recently shared the news that Susan Beckett, our Safeguarding Director, stepped down at the end of February 2026.
Please send any safeguarding concerns or enquiries to the safeguarding email address – safeguarding@winchesterdiocese.org
To speak to a diocese safeguarding caseworker - telephone 01962 737317
For training enquiries or bookings, please email safeguardingtraining@winchesterdiocese.org |
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The Church of England Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework has been updated. The vast majority of the role requirements remain the same. However, there has been a widening of the criteria for those requiring 'Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse' training, to include anyone (volunteers and employees) who works with children, young people, or vulnerable adults irrespective of how infrequent the work might be. 'Children' are anyone under 18 years of age.
Local Leadership Training
We are trialling a shorter 2-hour version of Local Leadership training, replacing the previous 3-hour session. This has enabled us to offer more flexible options for those unable to attend during standard working hours.
- Twilight sessions are available from 6–8pm, alongside daytime sessions.
- Saturday morning sessions are offered in alternate months.
- Out-of-hours sessions are working well, although uptake has been lower than expected, so we will continue to monitor attendance and review evidenced need.
Leadership Pathway Training
The Leadership Pathway training has now moved to the National Training Portal. Delivery will remain on Zoom, but participants must enrol through the portal, where pre-course reading and preparatory work will also be completed.
Safeguarding Training Webpage
Our revamped safeguarding training webpage includes:
- Course dates
- Booking and enrolment links
- Helpful information and user guides
If you cannot find the information you need online, please contact safeguardingtraining@winchesterdiocese.org with any training-related enquiries. Please use this email address, rather than emailing individuals within the training team, to ensure it is picked up in their absence.
Training Feedback
Feedback is essential in helping us understand what is working well and where training could be improved. We are designing a new training feedback form, which will be rolled out soon, and we are really keen for people to complete it. Your feedback will help us ensure that training remains relevant, accessible and responsive to everyone’s needs.
Training Requirements Reminder
Safeguarding training requirements can change, including in response to updates to the National Learning Framework. Please use the latest Safeguarding Training Matrix on our training page, when checking requirements for volunteers, employees and clergy. For example, the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse training, is now advisory rather than mandatory for Churchwardens. The Training Matrix is available via the diocesan website's Safeguarding Training Page and the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard
For further information, please contact safeguardingtraining@winchesterdiocese.org |
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Thank you for regularly updating your Parish Safeguarding Dashboards
100% of parishes have registered for their Parish Safeguarding Dashboard! We have received very positive feedback from parishes, who have found the Dashboards helpful in keeping track of parish safeguarding arrangements.
Parish Safeguarding Action Plans can be created and downloaded from the 'Reports' section on the main page of your Dashboard. Parish Safeguarding Action Plans need to be reviewed and approved annually by your Parochial Church Council.
Invitations to become Owners of Parish Safeguarding Dashboards are sent to Parish Safeguarding Officers and Incumbents. If you are new to role and have not yet received an invitation – please contact Michelle Pride |
Following the success of the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard, the Diocese has purchased Safeguarding Hubs - a suite of tools to help a parish:
- To keep track of DBS checks and safeguarding training
- To create role descriptions and person specifications
- To track the safer recruitment of new volunteers
Safeguarding Hubs are not mandatory and are provided at no cost to your parish.
This Brochure gives an overview of the features in Safeguarding Hubs.
Tutorial videos are available.
If you would like to use the Hubs – you should find an invitation displayed on the homepage of your Safeguarding Dashboard. If another owner from your parish has already accepted an invitation, you will need to ask them to send you an invitation to be a Hub Owner too.
For more information, email Michelle Pride |
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Parish Safeguarding Officer Monthly Drop-In Sessions |
Need additional support with your Safeguarding Dashboard or Safeguarding Hub? Book onto one of our monthly drop-in sessions. These sessions are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 12:00 at Old Alresford Place, Old Alresford, SO24 9DH. Booking is essential. To reserve a place, please contact Michelle Pride |
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There have been some important updates to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) ID checking guidelines. To help you understand the updates, you can view the full new ID checking guidelines directly on the DBS website.
One of the most important changes is a new requirement to record and store details of the documents used to verify identities, for a minimum of two years.
Please read the new ID checking guidelines for the full details.
Online DBS Update
A company (Verifile) has been identified for online DBS checks. Further information will be sent out in the coming weeks and training will be provided. The option of continuing with paper DBS checks will still be available, in addition to the online checks through Verifile.
For further information, please contact Siona Jeffery
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In September 2027, the Ineqe Safeguarding Group will be carrying out an independent, external safeguarding audit on the Diocese of Winchester.
The Ineqe Safeguarding Group was appointed by the Archbishops' Council to carry out these external audits, to make sure dioceses and cathedrals are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe. Their reports on each of these dioceses can be read here
Getting involved - as we approach our audit date, anonymous online surveys will be circulated and we will be looking for discussion/focus groups to meet with the auditors. Further information will be published in due course.
Read the Ineqe Annual Report 2024
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Save the date! This year, Safeguarding Sunday is on the 15th November 2026
Last year over 5,000 churches across the UK took part. Nearer the date, Churches can register to take part and download a wealth of free resources, from SafeguardingSunday.org
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Parish Safeguarding Officers' Conference |
Save the date! A Parish Safeguarding Officers' conference will be held on the 28th October 2026 at 10:00-15:00, at St Paul's Church, St Paul's Hill, Winchester SO22 5AB
More details will be sent to Parish Safeguarding Officers shortly
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Safer Recruitment and People Management Code of Practice |
The House of Bishops' Safer Recruitment and People Management Code of Practice became live on the 1st June 2026. This Code replaces the older Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance.
The 2026 Code largely retains the core safer recruitment requirements from the 2021 guidance, and reorganises them into distinct pathways for:
- Clergy
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Elected Members
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Parish Safeguarding Toolkit |
The Church of England are developing a Parish Safeguarding Toolkit of useful "how to" information and resources for parishes. The Toolkit will replace the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, which has now been withdrawn.
The resources developed so far are available within the Church of England safeguarding e-manual and will be regularly updated.
House of Bishops Safeguarding Guidance and Codes of Practice can be found in the Church of England safeguarding e-manual
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Records Management Guides |
Read updated Records Retention Schedules from the Church of England below:
Further information is available on the Church of England website |
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Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, for adults who have been affected by church-related abuse. You do not need to be a current, active member of the Church in order to access support.
Telephone the national helpline on 0300 303 1056.
You can also email safespaces@firstlight.org.uk or use the webchat service available on the Safe Spaces website
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To register a safeguarding concern with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, or for safeguarding advice, please email: safeguarding@winchesterdiocese.org or telephone: 01962 737317
Safeguarding advice outside of normal working hours can be obtained via the numbers below:
Hampshire (Children and Adults) - 0300 555 1373
Southampton (Children and Adults) - 02380 233344
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (Children) - 01202 738256
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (Adults) - 0300 123 9895
Dorset (Children) - 01305 221000
Dorset (Adults) - 01305 221016 |
In a safeguarding emergency, ring 999. |
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We want our dedicated and committed Parish Safeguarding Officers, DBS Administrators, Incumbents and Parish Colleagues to continue to feel confident and fully supported. Please reach out to a member of our team, via our contact details below. |
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We'd love to hear from you |
Your Diocesan Safeguarding Team are here to support you and we are always keen to hear your concerns, views and suggestions. |
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Our thanks for everything you are doing, whatever role you have, to make our parishes safer places for all.
With best wishes from,
The Diocese of Winchester Safeguarding Team
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Copyright © 2025 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you are: an office holder in the Diocese of Winchester or a member of church staff in the diocese.
Our mailing address is:
Diocese of Winchester, Old Alresford Place, Alresford, SO24 9DH |
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