Safeguarding in the Church of England could be broadened to include anyone harmed or at risk of harm in a church context, after the C of E\u2019s National Safeguarding Team (NST) launched a consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fresh approach is a result of recommendations from the Charity Commission, which has pointed out that the \u201cChurch does not treat allegations of abuse from an adult not assessed to be \u2018vulnerable\u2019 as a safeguarding allegation\u201d. Its own guidance says that trustees \u201cmust take reasonable steps to protect from harm all people who come into contact with their charity\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The consultation, What is Safeguarding?, focuses on the code of practice S<\/em>afeguarding in the Church<\/em>, the subject of a consultation in April and May. Until now, it has been referred to as Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults<\/em>. The change of title follows recommendations from the Commission that the NST review definitions of safeguarding and vulnerable adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is very important to note that this document is in the very early stages of thinking,\u201d the NST says in a preface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> Church of England\u2019s definition of safeguarding could be broadened https:\/\/t.co\/rheEMJAw4y<\/a><\/p>— Simon Sarmiento (@simonsarmiento) June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>