The Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

Protecting Young Children and Vulnerable Adults

The following guidelines were agreed by the Guild Committee of LDGCBR, Simon Payne (Adviser for the diocese of Lincoln) and the Venerable Jane Sinclair, Ardeacon of Stow and Lindsey. Nov 2008

Child protection and the protection of vulnerable adults
(These arrangements are likely to change and be simplified once the new Independent Safeguarding Authority arrangements start in October 2009)

a) When a tower has young people (under 18) or vulnerable adults* as bell ringers or trainee bell ringers, the Tower Captain and any adult trainers should, with agreement of the Priest or PCC, fill out a confidential declaration form to self declare that there is no reason why they should not work with Children or Vulnerable Adults, provide two references, and complete a Criminal Record Bureau check (CRB). If all these checks are in order the Tower Captain and Adult trainers should finally be approved by the Priest or PCC

b) A ringer organising/leading a bell ringing outing/visit or a visiting ringing trainer on a single or series of events should have carried out the checks listed in a) and state this on a permission to participate form to be completed by parents of children taking part in the outing.

c) It is important to note that a CRB check on its own is of very little value as a protection measure, hence the need for self declaration and references. Most importantly two adults must be present whenever young people are taking part in ringing or being transported to or from ringing events.

d) It is good practice for an attendance register to be kept, including the names of any visitors.

e) Parents of new recruits should sign a consent form and should be encouraged to come to an early session to see what is involved.

f) Concerns about issues relating to the protection of young people and vulnerable adults should be reported to the incumbent or the PCC's child protection representative. Further advice can be obtained from the Diocese of Lincoln Adviser simon.payne@lincoln.anglican.org 01673 863280

Further guidance can be found on the Central Council or this website.

*A Vulnerable adult is defined as: "Any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself, or to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation"

Useful Links

- Confidential Declaration Form
- Sample Permission to Ring Form (Tower Outing)
- CCCBR Permission to ring form (New Starter)
- Reference Letter
- How to obtain a CRB check
- Central Council of Church Bell Ringers - Protecting Young Ringers
- Central Council of Church Bell Ringers - Guidelines

These guidelines for Parochial Church Councils will periodically be reviewed by the Archdeacon and the Guild Committee of the LDGCBR and amended where necessary.