This document has been prepared in response to government guidance No Secrets and Safeguarding Adults and recommendations from the CTBI report Time for Action. It is the first time the House of Bishops has published a policy which seeks to give a framework for safeguarding adults in the Church. It includes:

• a policy for the Church of England on safeguarding adults;
• examples of good practice for those in positions of trust and those working with vulnerable adults;
• procedures to follow if abuse is suspected or occurs.

The House of Bishops wishes to:

• encourage the safe pastoral care for all adults;
• raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable adults;
• promote good practice for those in positions of trust.

This policy has been endorsed by the House of Bishops as the minimum requirement for all those involved in work with adults who may be vulnerable in the Church of England.