Concerns, Complaints, Grievances and Whistleblowing
The Diocese of Lincoln’s Parish Support Office, the Bishop’s Office and all of our clergy and lay ministers are committed to providing excellent service and support to parish officers, clergy, lay ministers, employed members of staff and the general public. Sometimes, the actions or in-actions of others can cause us genuine concern, whether we are worried about a vulnerable person who may be at risk, an illegal or illicit activity which might cause someone or the Diocese as a whole harm, or a personal wrong that has been done to us.
We have gathered together the various guidance, policies and procedures for any type of concern whether you are lay or ordained, a volunteer or employed, or someone who simply uses our services.
It may be that your concern relates to numerous issues or people and you are therefore unsure of the appropriate procedure to follow. You can contact the Diocesan Secretary for confidential advice, or use what you believe to be the most suitable procedure which can then be re-directed as necessary. The Parish Support Office (the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance Ltd) and the Bishop’s Office are committed to working as one where possible to deal quickly and fairly with issues that cover multiple policies and areas of responsibility.
I am concerned about..
The conduct of a member of clergy, reader or authorised lay minister
The Diocesan Complaints Policy for clergy, readers and lay ministers (There is an informal, stage 1 and stage 2 process).
I am concerned about..
How I have been treated by the Parish Support Office
Does it relate to the exercise of your office (e.g MDRs, the interpretation of terms of service or your housing?
The Diocesan Complaints Policy for employees and volunteers (There is an informal, stage 1 and stage 2 process).
I am concerned about..
A safeguarding matter relating to the non compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures or a concern relating to a child or vulnerable adult being at risk of harm
The Diocesan Safeguarding page on the web-site, which includes “What to do if..?” guidance.
If anyone is at immediate risk of harm then you should contact the police.
I am concerned about..
Something which relates to how I have been treated personally at work, such as employment terms and conditions, work relations, bullying and harassment and working environment
Does it relate to illegal or illicit activities which may pose a threat to other members of staff or the organisation?
LDTBF Grievance Procedure (schedule 9 of the employee handbook on the staff Intranet)
See also the Bullying and Harassment Policy (schedule 4) for additional guidance
LDTBF Whistleblowing Policy (schedule 10 of the employee handbook)
I am concerned about..
Something I am aware of through my work which constitutes illegal or illicit activities or wrong doing that may be in the public interest
LDTBF Whistleblowing Policy (schedule 10 of the employee handbook)
I am concerned about..
A safeguarding matter relating to the non compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures or a concern relating to a child or vulnerable adult being at risk of harm
The Diocesan Safeguarding page on the web-site, which includes “What to do if..?” guidance.
If anyone is at immediate risk of harm then you should contact the police.
I am concerned about..
The conduct of an employee or volunteer of the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance, a member of clergy, reader, authorised lay minister or parish officer
The Diocesan Complaints Policy (There is an informal, stage 1 and stage process for both employees and ministers)
I am concerned about..
A safeguarding matter relating to the non compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures or a concern relating to a child or vulnerable adult being at risk of harm
The Diocesan Safeguarding page on the web-site, which includes “What to do if..?” guidance.
If anyone is at immediate risk of harm then you should contact the police.