If you have any concern that a child or adult, is in immediate danger either from another person or from self-harm, contact the police on 999, or if more appropriate the local authority social care services.
Safeguarding those involved in bell ringing activities from abuse is crucial, whether they are young people or vulnerable adults. All ringers are required to undertake basic Safeguarding training, available free for ringers on line via Parish Safeguarding Officers. (Each Parish has a PSO.)
If you have a safeguarding concern, even if you are not sure, it is essential you make contact as soon as possible with your Parish Safeguarding Officer or Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. Their contact details should be displayed in the church and also in the tower (Each parish should have an appointed Safeguarding Officer.)
The DSA can be contacted at [email protected] or (020) 7932 1224.
The Association’s Safeguarding Officer can be contacted for advice or consultation on [email protected].
In terms of specific guidance around ringing activities the Association has the following resources.
Starting to Ring – Welcome to Bell Ringing – this is an introduction for parents/guardians, providing information about what learning to ring bells involves. The leaflet is available by clicking on the heading.
Permission to Ring – this form should be completed before any teaching or ringing commences of persons under the age of 18. It records information about the new ringer including any medical conditions which may affect participation in ringing. Fundamentally, it records consent for ringing to commence by the parent/guardian. The form is available here. Completed forms should be stored in a safe place in the tower. The information may be useful in an emergency. Remember to keep these forms confidential – please don’t leave them out for all to see.
Association Guidelines on Safeguarding – the Association has written guidelines for teaching and ringing with children which should be followed. Laminated copies are available from District Secretaries and towers are strongly encouraged to display them on their notice boards.
Version 2.0 April 1st 2025