Safeguarding
Caption: The Revd Charmian Beech RD
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 guidelines and policies are part of the processes that have been adopted to ensure that all children taking part in activities in our churches may do so in a loving, caring and safe atmosphere.
The Revd Charmian Beech RD is the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
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 your Area Bishop then you must make contact with the Diocesan Bishop or a bishop from one of the other Episcopal Areas within the diocese.
Rev Charmian Beech is available to parishes, both clergy and Parish Safeguarding Officers to give advice on day to day issues of concern. She is also responsible for advising on training matters.
There is a Diocesan Safeguarding Committee which meets quarterly, chaired by the Bishop of Stafford, which acts in a support role and ensures the Diocese complies with its legal responsibilities.
DBS (formerly CRB) - The Diocese of Lichfield is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as an umbrella body. This means it is able to assist parishes in carrying out DBS checks. It should be stressed that a DBS 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 “Protecting All God’s children”
Parishes can obtain DBS application forms from the DBS Administrator Kim Hodgkins (details below)
Individuals should in the first instance obtain forms from their parish church, usually through their Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Contact Details:
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer – Revd Charmian Beech RD
Tel: 01630 685491 or Email
PA to Revd Charmian Beech - Alison Reeve
Tel: 01630 685491 or Email
DBS Administrator – Kim Hodgkins
Tel: 01543 306099 or Email
St Mary’s House, The Close
Lichfield WS13 7LD
