The Beverley and District Ringing Society Safeguarding Statement
The umbrella organisation for child/vulnerable adult protection within the Society is the Diocese of York.
Tower captains should liaise with their church's safeguarding officer in the first instance as it is they who are responsible for ensuring that guidelines are adhered to and for keeping a record of DBS (formerly CRB) certificates.
York Diocese policy can be found at safeguarding. Your attention is particularly drawn to the requirement for safeguarding training.
Tower captains are expected to complete modules C0, C1 and C2. See: safeguarding training.
The online DBS system is now in place across the Diocese and this is the preferred method for applications. Parish safeguarding officers have the necessary passcodes to enable applicants to log on to the system. Certificates are portable provided strict conditions are met. Please refer to the information on safer recruitment in conjunction with your parish safeguarding officer. DBS certificates do not have a printed expiry date, but the Diocese has currently stipulated 5 years.
It is desirable for each tower to have a minimum of one but preferably at least two DBS checked ringers. This is imperative if under 18s and/or vulnerable adults are regular attenders.
In line with other church activities, tower captains should keep a register of attendance. This record must be kept in the church archives for 21 years.