CAPTION: The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard is free to all churches in the Diocese of Exeter
New online safeguarding tool for churches
The Church of England in Devon has signed up to a free online tool to make it easier for churches to manage their safeguarding requirements.
The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard will also enable the Diocese of Exeter Safeguarding Team to make sure that each parish is up to date with its safeguarding administration and help those which may be struggling.
Charlie Pitman, Safeguarding Advisor for Diocese of Exeter, said: “It should make life easier for churches.
“We recognise there have been a lot of demands on them to comply with safeguarding.
“The dashboard is simple to navigate and record information. It will help churches to implement the building blocks to make their churches safer.”
“It will also enable us as a diocese to have a view at a glance of the safeguarding picture across Devon and offer support where needed.”
Effective safeguarding is at the heart of the Church of England in Devon’s vision to grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said he believes that “the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults should be the highest priority of all parts of the Church.”
The online tool has been designed to display a clear and simple dashboard on a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
The home page allows the church safeguarding officer, vicar, curate, churchwardens and other authorised users to see the current status of compliance at a glance. A green light would mean all is well, amber would mean that action is needed and red would mean urgent action was needed.
Churches can sign up to the Parish Dashboard for free by contacting the diocese Safeguarding Team
If there is an immediate risk of harm to an individual you should dial 999 and report your concern to the police.
