Lone working Policy

The PCC of Asthall Swinbrook and Widford is committed to protecting the health, safety, safeguarding and wellbeing of all clergy, employees and volunteers who may work alone in the course of church activities.

This policy provides guidance for safe lone working in our rural parish where individuals may frequently work in isolated churches, churchyards, community buildings or private homes.

This policy is based on guidance from the Diocese of Oxford and relevant health and safety legislation.

Definition of Lone Working

Lone working includes any situation where a person works by themselves without close or direct supervision, including:

  • Opening or locking churches

  • Preparing churches for services

  • Cleaning or maintenance work

  • Lone organ practice

  • Home visits and pastoral visiting

  • Churchyard maintenance

 Responsibilities

The PCC will:

  • Assess foreseeable risks associated with lone working

  • Provide guidance and support for lone workers

  • Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed

  • Maintain emergency contact arrangements

  • Review incidents and concerns promptly

Clergy and volunteers must:

  • Take reasonable care for their own safety

  • Follow this policy and safeguarding guidance

  • Inform someone where they are working and expected return time

  • Report accidents, incidents or concerns immediately

  • Avoid unnecessary risks

Risk Assessment:

  • Risk assessments should be undertaken where appropriate, especially for:

  • Evening work

  • Asthall Swinbrook and Widford  as they are rural locations

  • Home visits

  • Contact with vulnerable individuals

  • Handling cash

  • Work involving ladders, tools or machinery

The PCC recognises that AWS churches have:

  • poor mobile phone signal,

  • isolated buildings,

  • limited lighting,

  • reduced public presence, which may increase risks.

Safe Working Procedures

Church Buildings

  • When working alone in church buildings:

  • Keep a mobile phone available where possible

  • Ensure someone knows your location and expected finish time

  • Lock doors where appropriate without compromising fire safety

  • Avoid working at height alone

  • Do not confront intruders or suspicious individuals

  • Leave immediately if feeling unsafe

Home Visits and Pastoral Work

  • Before visits:

  • Consider whether the visit should be undertaken alone

  • Record visit details where appropriate

  • Inform another person of the location and expected duration

  • During visits:

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Sit near an exit where possible

  • Leave immediately if behaviour becomes threatening or inappropriate

  • High-risk visits should be undertaken in pairs where necessary.

Safeguarding

  • All lone working must comply with Church of England safeguarding policies and safer working practices.

  • Particular care must be taken when visiting vulnerable adults,

  • undertaking pastoral counselling or support.

Emergencies

  • In an emergency:

  • Call 999 if immediate assistance is required

  • Report incidents to the Incumbent, Churchwarden or Parish Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible

  • Complete an accident or incident report where appropriate

  • Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately following diocesan safeguarding procedures.

Reporting Concerns

  • All accidents, near misses, threatening behaviour or safeguarding concerns involving lone working must be reported promptly to:

  • the Incumbent,

  • Churchwardens,

  • Health & Safety Officer, or

  • Parish Safeguarding Officer.

    Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually by the PCC or sooner if:

  • an incident occurs,

  • diocesan guidance changes,

  • parish activities significantly change.

    Policy Adoption

  • Adopted by: ASW PCC

  • Date: 27 July 2026

  • Review Date: __________