The Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers recognises the importance of caring for children and vulnerable adults and that we all have a duty of care whilst they are in our care. We commit to providing a safe and supportive environment where all children and vulnerable adults are treated with dignity and respect.
The activities of The Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers are defined as those organised by the Officers in the name of the Association, such as the workshops, training sessions, Association organised practices (for example 12 bell practice), Ringing Festival/Striking Competition, AGM, or any other event listed on our website as an Association Event. These are covered by our own Safeguarding Policy.
Any concerns should be raised with the Association’s Safeguarding Officer. In their absence, or if the concerns relate directly to the Safeguarding Officer, the matter should be raised with the President or Secretary.
Non-Association Ringing Guidance from the Diocese of Norwich Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding concerns regarding ringing events in Parish Churches (practices, service, or special occasion ringing, etc.), fall under the remit of the Diocese of Norwich. Below are some key principles from the Diocese Safeguarding Team:
- Each tower should liaise with their PCC Named Person for safeguarding and be familiar with the PCC safeguarding policy. Copies of this should be held by the Tower Captain and displayed in the ringing room.
- It is advised that all ringers should complete the Church of England online Safeguarding Basic Awareness course and the Safeguarding Foundations course, which are available online free of charge, and are accessible through The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Training Portal (https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/).
- All Tower Captains should be elected in to post, and their appointment should be recorded in the PCC minutes. Each tower should liaise with their PCC Named Person for safeguarding and be familiar with the PCC safeguarding policy.
- Any Tower Captain, or ringing teacher, who works regularly with children or vulnerable adults is required to hold a current, clear enhanced DBS check. This can be arranged through the Incumbent or the PCC Named Person for safeguarding.
- DBS checks are not required for anyone who is providing one-off teaching in the absence of the regular teacher, provided two adults are present.
Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the PCC Named Person for safeguarding or incumbent immediately.
If this is not possible issues should be referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
If there is concern about the immediate safety of a child or vulnerable adult, dial 999 for the Police.
Further Information & Resources
- A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18 and a vulnerable adult is someone who is 18 years of age or over who may need community care because of a disability, age, or illness and who may be unable to take care of themselves or cannot stop themselves being harmed or exploited.
- The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers Guide: “From Practice to Perfect – a short guide for clergy, PCCs and Safeguarding Advisors”
- Further information on the Diocese of Norwich Safeguarding Policies and how to obtain safeguarding training is available at www.dioceseofnorwich.org/safeguarding
- The Church of England’s safeguarding training portal can be accessed via: https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/
- The Association has also prepared a Permission to Ring Form