SAFEGUARDING

SAFEGUARDING

Parish Safeguarding Rep: Elizabeth White 01723 360358
Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Jacqui Drysdale 01642 850505
Diocesan Safeguarding information page:
Diocesan Safeguarding E-learning programme: https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/safeguarding-e-learning-programme/
Safe Spaces Victim Support: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our-work/safeguarding/safe-spaces-project/

Catholics recognise that every individual has intrinsic value and dignity, as it comes directly from God, who created all human beings in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26f). Scarborough Parishes therefore must be a place of welcome, where each person is respected, cherished and guarded. Parishes must be communities where we support and protect one another and take special care of those who may be vulnerable because of age, illness or disability or because of current or past-life experiences.

  • What should I do if I think a vulnerable person is unsafe or at risk of harm? Listen. Observe. Reassure. Don’t make judgements about the truth of a person’s concern. If there is an immediate risk of further harm contact police, ambulance, social services, or other relevant organisation, directly. Inform your Parish Safeguarding Representative, your Parish Priest or contact Safeguarding Office directly. Be as accurate as you can about what you know – Who? What? Where? When? Do not talk to anyone who might be involved in the abuse, or to anyone else that the matter should not concern.
  • What happens after I have reported a concern? Your Safeguarding Rep/Parish Priest will consult the Safeguarding Office and any other statutory agencies to decide upon investigation and consider appropriate safeguarding or support plans for those affected by the allegation.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about promoting and ensuring the dignity, wellbeing and safety of those who participate in any activity organised in or by the Church. Church activities must therefore:

  • be well planned in order to minimise risks and ensure sufficient support
  • ensure all who work in Church ministries are carefully selected and are supported in their role

Safeguarding is about responding when there are concerns that someone may not be safe or secure by:

  • responding confidently and proportionately when concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a vulnerable member of our Church are raised
  • involving other organisations, when necessary, to ensure our response to concerns is robust
  • caring for those hurt by abuse in the past
  • managing those who have caused harm

Who’s Who in Safeguarding?

✔ Every member of the Catholic community!  We must all look out for one another, especially the more vulnerable members of our community
✔ Local Safeguarding Representatives (‘Parish Reps’). Every parish should have at least one (see top of page). Safeguarding Representatives will:

  • help maintain a safeguarding awareness at all times
  • maintain confidentiality
  • understand who to contact in specific circumstances
  • promote safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults,
  • liaise with the parish priest, those in specific ministries within a parish, and the diocesan Safeguarding Office

Middlesbrough Safeguarding Commission

The Safeguarding Commission is appointed by The Bishop and has advisory, support and monitoring responsibilities in relation to safeguarding people within the diocese. The Commission is accountable to The Bishop and The Trustees who hold overall responsibility for safeguarding within the Diocese. The Commission follows National Catholic Policies & Procedures by:

  • overseeing the work undertaken by the Diocesan Safeguarding Office
    • promoting a safeguarding throughout the diocese.
    • ensuring timely and appropriate responses to allegations and concerns, and working with statutory agencies as necessary
    • ensuring that the voice of complainants, victims and survivors are heard and responded to
    • making recommendations to manage risks

Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS)

The CSAS has overall responsibility for driving and supporting improvements in national safeguarding practice. Its primary role is one of co-ordination, advice and support and it links with various national bodies eg. government agencies, other Churches, and organisations concerned with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. CSAS is responsible for the co-ordination of the DBS checking system and maintaining records in conformity with national requirements.

National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC)

The NCSC is responsible for setting directing the Church’s safeguarding policy and monitoring its compliance.  Its place in the organisation of the Church, mandated by the Conference of Bishops and Conference of Religious, and with accountability across Dioceses and Religious Congregations, is to ensure that standards are met, and policies are implemented.

Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

The Commission’s task is to propose the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults, in order that we may do everything possible to ensure that crimes such as those which have occurred are no longer repeated in the Church.

The Commission is to promote local responsibility in the particular Churches, uniting their efforts to those of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the protection of all children and vulnerable adults.