Child Safeguarding Policy
Latest Guidance Updates
- May 2026 – New policy launched
The safeguarding policy is structured under three key standards:
- Protecting
- Responding
- Complying
Each standard contains a series of indicators that are required to meet the standard. To assist with implementation the policy this page also contains guidance which will be updated in line with new safeguarding situations, changes in practice or legislation. The box at the top of this page called ‘Latest Updates to the Guidance’ will list the changes made to the guidance as they happen, to assist with updating procedures at diocesan and parish level.
You can view all of the guidance below which has been sorted by Standard.
Over the coming weeks we will update the functionality of this page to make it easier to navigate and find the relevant guidance by role.
Standard 1
PROTECTING
Dioceses, parishes and relevant church organisations provide an environment for children which is welcoming and safe. Adults who work with children are appropriately recruited and trained to protect children from harm and safeguarding risks are managed.
Templates in Word and PDF
1.1A Template 1 – Sample Application Form
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1.1A Template 2 – Declaration Form
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1.1A Template 3 – Sample Interview Questions
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1.1A Template 4 – Reference Request Form
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1.1A Template 5 – Worker from Abroad Form
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1.1A Template 6 – Annual Review of Volunteer or Staff Member
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1.1E Template 1 – Church of Ireland Clergy Current Status Letter
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1.1F Template 1 – Self-Declaration Form for Members of the Clergy or Others
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1.1F Template 2 – Reference to be completed by Bishop or Equivalent
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1.2B Template 1 – Sample Code of Behaviour for Children
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1.3A Template 1 – Local Safeguarding Rick Assessment Template
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1.3B Template 1 – Tusla Child Safeguarding Statement
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1.3C Template 1- Sample Consent Form
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1.3C Template 2- Checklist for Parish/Diocesan Panels – Safety of Activities for Children
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1.3C Template 3- Checklist for Select Vestries
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1.3E Template 1- Anti Bullying Policy Template
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1.3J Template 1- Accident/Incident Report
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1.3K Template 1- Sample Consent for Photographs or Recorded Images
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1.3L Template 1- Consent Form for Social Media
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1.4A Template 1- Complaints Form for Staff Member or Volunteer
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1.5A Template 1- Declaration of Acceptance of the Child Safeguarding Policy
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1.5C-Template 1- Diocesan Training Strategy Template
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1.6A Template 1- Safeguarding Information Poster
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1.6A Template 2- Children’s Poster
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1.6A Template 3- Child Safeguarding Policy Summary Leaflet
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1.6B Template 1- Template Working in Partnership with Parents/Carers Policy
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1.7A Template 1- External Groups Form to be completed by External Organisation
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Standard 2
RESPONDING
Dioceses, parishes and relevant church organisations have clear and robust procedures to report child safeguarding suspicions, concerns, knowledge or allegations which meet the threshold for reporting in line with statutory obligations, and include measures to support complainants and manage risk.
Standard 3
COMPLYING
Dioceses, parishes and relevant church organisations have in place procedures to review and ensure compliance with these standards and the requirements of the safeguarding policy.