Safeguarding of Vulnerable Individuals
Each parish in our diocese must commit to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults. Being loved and being kept safe go to the very core of the Church’s Ministry.
Safeguarding
Every human being has a value and dignity which we acknowledge comes directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people and therefore to support them and protect them from harm. In the Catholic Church this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse in the past; ministering to and managing those who have caused harm.
It is because of these varied ministries that we need to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their well-being. This includes carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and responding robustly where concerns arise.
All volunteers working with vulnerable groups must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s National Safeguarding Policies before they can be appointed.
Reporting Abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public please refer allegations directly to the police and also to our safeguarding co-ordinator, Becky Cawsey.
Becky Cawsey
Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children
Alexander House
Bristol
BS5 0TX
0117 954 0993
becky.cawsey@cliftondiocese.com
Parish Representatives
Sue Knight ( English Martyrs )
PSR.tuffley.englishmartyrs@cliftondiocese.com
Katherine Heffernan ( St. Augustines )
PSR.matson.staugustineofcanterbury@cliftondiocese.com
Safeguarding Representatives
The Parish Safeguarding Representative has special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults within the parish. The Parish Safeguarding Representative is the link between the parish and the diocese and as such is in regular contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
The Parish Safeguarding Representative attends training sessions and has a sound knowledge of the policies and procedures and also who to contact. The Parish Safeguarding Representative is involved in the recruitment of people to roles within the parish and has the responsibility for facilitating the Disclosure and Barring Service, (DBS – formerly known as CRB), pre-appointment vetting checks at parish level and ensuring that everybody who is required to go through the procedure does so.
Policies, Procedures
Our parishes recognise and follow the CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service) policies and procedures.
Our diocese’s safeguarding details can be found at:
https://cliftondiocese.com/departments/safeguarding/
Domestic Violence helpline numbers and Catholic Church Safeguarding Advice