The Diocese of Lichfield and the Church of England treats the duty of care it owes to children entrusted into our care very seriously.  The safety and security of children is of the utmost importance and these guidelines and policies are part of the processes we have adopted to ensure that all children taking part in activities in our churches may do so in a loving, caring and safe atmosphere. 

Clergy or church officials who suspect or who receive allegations of child abuse MUST report the matter immediately to their Area Bishop.  If you are unable to contact you Area Bishop then you must make contact with the Diocesan Bishop or a bishop from one of the other Episcopal Areas within the diocese.  Your role is to refer and not to investigate such cases.  Full information is given in the diocesan child protection manual Safeguarding Children and Young People.

The Diocese of Lichfield is registered with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) as an umbrella body, this means we can assist parishes in carrying out CRB checks.  It should be stressed that a CRB check in itself is not the only aspect required to protect children and young people, and is only part of a process which is detailed in the Safeguarding Children and Young People parish child protection manual.  

• For details about Safeguarding Children and Young People please click here
• For details about the diocesan CRB service, please click here