Lone Working

‘Lone working’ from a safeguarding perspective includes:

An adult being on their own with one or more children (under 18). This might occur before, during or after a church activity (e.g. giving lifts home).

• An adult being on their own with one or more vulnerable adults (e.g. during home visits).

• The online equivalent of the above situations (e.g. a one-to-one online chat or direct messaging).

The Church of England’s safeguarding guidance regarding lone working are found in Safer Environment and Activities. Please especially see pages 8-9, 17, 18, 21, 23-24, 28 and 34.

Please note that the above guidance does not apply to someone who works on their own (e.g. a cleaner working alone in the church building). ‘Lone working’ from a health and safety perspective may still be of concern to the PCC, but it is not a safeguarding concern. Further information about lone working from a health and safety perspective can be found in the Parish Template Handbook  (page 33).