Safeguarding

As a Parish we take Safeguarding matters extremely seriously. We are fully in line with all policies and decisions regarding Safeguarding that the Diocese of Portsmouth sets out, alongside those of the CSAS. The Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service is responsible for driving and supporting improvements in practice throughout the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Its primary role is one of co-ordination, advice and support in respect of safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk across the Church.

I have a safeguarding concern.

Safeguarding Contacts

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Ruth Attfield
Contact:
safeguarding@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer

Anna Smyllie
Contact:
safeguarding@southamptoncitycentrecatholics.org

FAQs

What should I do if I think a vulnerable person is at risk or is being abused?

NEVER discuss this with the person who you think is the abuser. If you have witnessed abuse or received an allegation of abuse where a child is in immediate danger you must inform the Statutory Authorities (Police/Social Services). You should then inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator/Officer that you have done this. If you think there is no immediate danger you must report the allegation to the Co-ordinator/Officer immediately, who will then inform the Statutory Authorities.

If you think that someone is being groomed, discuss the issue with the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator or Officer who will agree with you what action to take. “Grooming” is a process undertaken by those seeking to perpetrate sexual abuse. This can take months, sometimes years, and will almost inevitably involve grooming of parents/carers. In its early stages, grooming may be misinterpreted as kindness or helpfulness, while latterly it tends to become increasingly coercive and manipulative.

Who is responsible for safeguarding in the Catholic Church?

Everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable people. In England & Wales overall responsibility sits with the Bishops Conference and the Conference of Religious.

How does that work across the country?

Following the release of “Safeguarding with Confidence,” the report of the Cumberlege Commission in 2007, a National Catholic Safeguarding Commission was established. This reports directly to the Conference of Bishops and the Conference of Religious.

The Commission also oversees and manages the work of the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service. This (CSAS) is the National Office with responsibility for developing and supporting the implementation of National Policies and Procedures. It has a primary role in supporting and advising Diocesan Safeguarding arrangements. The National Office meets regularly with Safeguarding Co-ordinators and Officers from the Dioceses in order to improve consistency of practice and identify learning and development needs.

How does it work in the Diocese?

The Bishop is responsible for safeguarding issues in his Diocese. He delegates responsibility via the Trustees to the Safeguarding Commission. The Safeguarding Commission, together with the Bishop, appoint a Safeguarding Co-ordinator, and Safeguarding Officer. The Commission is accountable to the Bishop and advise him on policy implementation and best practice. The Co-ordinator and Officer report to the Commission and are accountable to the Bishop via the Commission.

What is the Safeguarding Commission?

It is a group of independent professional people, appointed by the Bishop, to oversee the implementation of Safeguarding Policies. The membership is made up of people with specific experience and expertise in safeguarding issues and includes representatives from the Police, Safeguarding Organisations, Social Work, the Probation Service and the clergy. The Commission meets regularly to discuss policies and procedures, receive reports from the Co-ordinator and Officer and when necessary to discuss investigations and other case work and prepare reports for the Bishop.

What does the Safeguarding Co-ordinator do?

The Co-ordinator manages the safeguarding function within the Diocese. This includes management of the Safeguarding Officer. In smaller Dioceses there may not be a Safeguarding Officer in which case the Co-ordinator carries out the responsibilities listed for them.

What does the Safeguarding Officer do?

The Officer carries out the routine administration of the Safeguarding Office which includes the maintenance of Parish files, identity verification and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks for all employees and volunteers within the Diocese who may have contact with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults. They keep a database for the Diocese and also maintain information on the National Database which is held by CSAS. They are also responsible for training Parish Representatives in the procedures they must follow when volunteers are appointed in the Parish, in best practice in dealing with situations where children and vulnerable adults are present and in what to do if they are concerned about a particular situation or person. They are responsible for referring all abuse allegations to the Statutory Authority (Police) and for working closely with them on such cases to ensure the safety of the public. They report to the Diocesan Safeguarding Commission which then makes recommendations to the Bishop.

What does a Parish Safeguarding Representative do?

The Parish Safeguarding Representative is responsible for: making sure the Parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults; promoting good and safe practice, including what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; with their Parish Priest and the Safeguarding Co-ordinator/Officer decide how to administer the National Safeguarding Policies and Procedures within the Parish.

What should I do if I want to become a Volunteer?

There is a wide range of “volunteer” roles within the parish, including Parish Safeguarding Representative, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Youth Group Leader, Catechist, Drama Group Leader, Altar Server, Driver etc. You should speak to your Parish Safeguarding Representative and Parish Priest. You will have to complete a number of forms and discuss the reasons for wanting to be a volunteer. You will not be able to commence voluntary work until you have completed the application procedures and received a letter of appointment.