This glossary explains safeguarding words, roles, and processes relevant to church, charity and statutory (government) systems.
A
Abuse
Actions or behaviours that cause harm. Includes: emotional, financial, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse.
Adult at Risk / Vulnerable Adult
An adult who may be more likely to experience harm because of disability, illness, trauma, mental health challenges or social circumstances.
Allegation
A report that someone may have harmed or abused another person.
B
Barred List
A government list of people legally banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Blue File (Clergy File)
A confidential file held by the diocese containing records about a member of clergy, including safeguarding information.
C
Case (Safeguarding Case)
A safeguarding concern that is being investigated or managed.
Caseworker (Safeguarding Caseworker)
A trained professional who supports survivors, manages cases, and advises on risk.
Criminal Record Check (DBS)
A government check to ensure a person is safe to work with children or vulnerable adults.
D
Disclosure
When someone shares that they have been harmed or abused. It should always be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA)
A trained, qualified safeguarding professional responsible for safeguarding in a diocese.
H
Harm
Any action that negatively affects someone’s physical, emotional, mental or spiritual well-being.
I
Independent Chair
A person not employed by the church who leads a panel, review or inquiry to ensure fairness and independence.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
A specialist who supports survivors of sexual violence emotionally and practically, including through police and court processes.
Investigation
A formal process of gathering information to understand what happened and what action is needed.
L
Learning Lessons Review / Safeguarding Case Review
An independent review of how a safeguarding concern was handled, to improve practice and accountability.
Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP)
A multi-agency body responsible for protecting children in a local area.
M
Mandatory Reporting
The requirement (in some contexts legal, in others policy-based) that safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.
Misconduct
Behaviour that breaks safeguarding policies or professional standards.
N
National Safeguarding Team (NST)
The Church of England’s central safeguarding team oversees policy, training, reviews, and complex cases. They currently cover allegations against bishops and deans. They also work on cases that involve multiple dioceses.
P
Panel Members (Safeguarding Panels)
Individuals (including lay and professional members) who sit on safeguarding panels to assess cases, review risk, and advise on action.
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)
A trained volunteer responsible for safeguarding at the parish level.
Past Case Review (PCR)
A systematic review of historical safeguarding files to identify past failures or unaddressed concerns.
Perpetrator / Respondent
The person who is alleged to have caused harm.
R
Redaction
The removal of identifying details from a document to protect privacy.
Referral
Passing a safeguarding concern to the police, social services or another appropriate authority.
Risk Assessment
A structured process to identify possible risks and determine actions needed to keep people safe.
S
Safeguarding
The actions, policies, and systems used to prevent harm and protect children and adults.
Safeguarding Case Management Groups
A formal group of safeguarding professionals, clergy, legal advisors, and members who make decisions on safeguarding cases.
Safeguarding Panel
A group that reviews cases, assesses risk, and recommends actions.
Sexting / Online Abuse
Abuse that occurs online, including coercion, sharing sexual images, or grooming.
Sexual Offences Liaison Officer (SOLO)
A police officer or police staff member who supports survivors within a police investigation. Sometimes used interchangeably with Sexual Offences Investigation Trained (SOIT).
Spiritual Abuse
Using faith, belief or religious authority to manipulate, control or harm someone.
Survivor
A person who has experienced harm, abuse or misconduct.
T
Trauma-Informed Practice
An approach that recognises the impact of trauma on people’s experiences and emphasises safety, empowerment, and compassion.
W
Whistle-blower
Someone who raises concerns about unsafe practice, wrongdoing or abuse. They should be protected from retaliation.