DBS requirements.
Due to changes in national legislation and Policy and requirements notified by the national church to the diocese, it is now expected that those standing for election or re-election as Church Wardens undertake an enhanced DBS check to work with adults and children. This is because the Warden’s role is considered to contain leadership and management duties that will likely bring them into contact with children and vulnerable adults.
As the time between election and commencement of duties for Wardens is often only a matter of days, the decision has been taken that all those intending to stand for Warden should make arrangements to apply for a DBS check, using the job title of ‘Candidate Warden’. In the description of your role all the duties that would be associated should you be successful in election to this post, should be listed. This applies to wardens applying for re-election as well as new candidates.
Those who already have a church acquired and date valid enhanced DBS certificate (covering activity with children and adults) will not be required to obtain a new DBS check. Any certificate issued by the church in this respect within the last 3 years remains valid..
If successful in election to the post of Warden you will be required to provide your DBS certificate number to your Archdeacon using the paperwork provided for the Visitation, in order to be admitted to the post at the Visitation. We would recommend that those standing for the post of Warden, commence the process of obtaining a DBS check if appropriate as soon as possible.
Safeguarding training requirements for wardens.
Wardens are often the first point of contact to those making safeguarding disclosures. For this reason, it is considered essential by both the Diocese and the National Safeguarding team, that wardens complete Basic Awareness and Foundations modules of the safeguarding training programme (both online courses). You must commit to undertaking this as quickly as possible upon appointment as a Warden.
Basic Awareness and Foundations are church specific foundation modules that are completed online. You may access these by visiting the National Church’s training portal at https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/.
Church wardens who are managing a parish in interregnum will also be required to complete the National Church’s Leadership Safeguarding Training Module. This is a face to face module over two sessions delivered via Zoom.
Safeguarding requirements in vacancy
It is a requirement that church wardens also complete the Safeguarding Leadership module if their church is in interregnum.