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The Prayer Book Society (PBS) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults with care and support needs who come into contact with our activities.
Most PBS events are adult-focused, but where children or vulnerable adults are involved, we take our responsibilities seriously and apply safeguarding measures that are proportionate, practical, and supportive.
Safeguarding is part of our Christian duty of care and underpins the trust placed in us by members, families, partners, and the wider Church.
We are committed to:
Safeguarding at PBS is designed to protect individuals and to support those who raise concerns.
Safeguarding at PBS is overseen by named trustees and staff:
Safeguarding Trustee (Board lead): Chair of the Board of Trustees Bradley Smith
National Safeguarding Lead: David Harvey, Interim Chief Executive
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Claire Baker
Phone: 0114 245882
If you have a safeguarding concern relating to PBS activities, please contact:
This mailbox is monitored by the Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Lead only. Messages are treated confidentially and shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.
If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult with care and support needs in connection with PBS:
Ensure immediate safety. Call emergency services if required.
Report the concern promptly to the PBS Safeguarding Lead or Deputy via
Do not investigate the matter yourself.
Simply record what you have seen or been told (dates, times, words used if possible) and pass this on.
You may also contact the police or local authority safeguarding services directly if you feel this is necessary.
PBS uses a tiered safeguarding approach, so safeguards are always appropriate to the nature of the activity.
Most branch events are adult-focused and operate with light-touch safeguarding.
Events where children or vulnerable adults may be present follow simple, proportionate precautions.
Events directly involving children, such as the Cranmer Awards, are led and overseen nationally by PBS with full safeguarding arrangements in place.
Branches and volunteers are not expected to manage safeguarding issues alone. The national safeguarding team provides advice, oversight, and escalation where needed.
PBS relies on volunteers across its branches. We are committed to ensuring that safeguarding expectations are:
Clear
Proportionate
Realistic for a volunteer-led organisation
All branch officers and volunteers are asked to:
PBS has a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy approved by the Board of Trustees.
This policy sets out:
The policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required.
The specific guidance for branches to make sure safeguarding is proportionate and effective at the branch level is also attached:
Branch Safeguarding Guidance (PDF)
Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Safeguarding is not about suspicion or bureaucracy. It is about care, attentiveness, and acting wisely when something does not seem right.
If in doubt, ask for advice. PBS is committed to responding responsibly and supportively.