Protecting children and vulnerable adults

Safeguarding - an essential part of modern church life

The Chaplaincy considers Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults to be of utmost importance. Please contact the Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers with any Safeguarding concern, no matter how trivial the matter may seem: safeguarding@churchinaquitaine.org

Chaplaincy Safeguarding Information – 2025

(From ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement)

Safeguarding is a core priority within our Chaplaincy. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for everyone—especially children and vulnerable adults. Practicing good safeguarding is one way we respond faithfully to Christ’s command to love our neighbours as ourselves.
“The Church of England is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, with a particular regard for those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is affirmed, and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy.
Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.”

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns or information regarding a safeguarding issue in the Chaplaincy—whether someone may be at risk of serious harm or may pose a serious risk to others—it is vital to report it immediately.
You can do this by contacting:

Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers:

  • Dave Knight and Ainslie Green
    📧 Email: safeguarding@churchinaquitaine.org

Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
📧 Email: europe.safeguarding@churchofengland.org
☎️ Reporting Line: +44 (0)207 898 1163
🔗 Visit the Diocese in Europe Safeguarding Page (forms, contacts, and further information)

 

⚠️ In emergencies where someone is in immediate danger, call the Gendarmes or Police: 📞 17 or 112

Safeguarding Checks: Step-by-Step (2025)

Your role in the Chaplaincy may require safeguarding checks and training.

The Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers will guide you through the necessary steps:

Step 1: Confidential Declaration Form (CDF)

  • Download and complete the form here.
  • Sign and return it as a PDF via email to: safeguarding@churchinaquitaine.org
Download the CDF here

Step 2: Safeguarding Training

Depending on your responsibilities, you may need to complete one or more online training modules.

  • These courses take 45–60 minutes and include interactive questions.
  • Each Worship Centre has a Local Safeguarding Contact who can advise you on which course(s) to take.
  • You may also contact the Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers for guidance.
    Note: Training may be completed in groups, but each individual must receive their own certificate of completion.

Step 3: French Criminal Records Check (Casier Judiciaire National)

For some roles, a background check is required. This is free and typically processed within a couple of weeks.

To apply:

 

1. Prepare: Scan and save the photo ID page of your passport.


2. Visit the Casier Judiciaire National website.
Use the language selector (top right) to switch to English if preferred.
Follow the steps to apply online by clicking ‘Apply Online’ at the bottom of the page.


3. Receive and send: You will receive a BULLETIN NUMÉRO 3 (a white document with a black diagonal line if no criminal record exists).


Email a copy to safeguarding@churchinaquitaine.org

If you need help with any of the steps, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Local Safeguarding Contact or the Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers.

Why Safeguarding Matters

1. At the heart of our faith – God calls us to care for the weak and vulnerable. Safeguarding is for others and for God as well as ourselves.
2. Leaders set the tone – Those in leadership need to meet requirements, speak up for safeguarding, and lead by example.
3. Building safety nets – Checks, training, and open conversations all work together to protect people. Each layer makes us stronger.

4. Learning from failure – The Church of England has failed before. Stay alert, informed, and ready to act differently.
5. Nice is not the same as safe – Abusers can come over as nice, friendly and helpful in order to gain trust. Nice is not a reason to avoid safeguarding.
6. Addressing concerns – If you feel anxious or unsure about the impact of training on you, please get in touch with the Safeguarding Officers or the Chaplain. We are here to help.
7. No need to fear failure – Training is supportive, flexible, and can be repeated as needed. Your certificate is recorded – not your marks or number of attempts
8. Ongoing commitment – Safeguarding evolves. Training must be renewed to ensure we are all kept up to date.

… Good Safeguarding is about ensuring that we provide a safe and nurturing environment for everyone.

We are grateful for the service of our Chaplaincy Safeguarding Officers.

Safeguarding is a key way in which we can practically respond to Christ’s call

for us to love our neighbours as ourselves.