Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
Our Parish is fully committed to safeguarding in the Church in order to ensure that we maintain peaceful, loving and safe Christian Community in which everybody, particularly young and vulnerable members, can confidently participate. More details can be found on the Diocese www.rcdea.org.uk/safeguarding. There you will find helpful information including an outline of roles and responsibilities, e-learning and downloads of the Church safeguarding policies and DBS forms.
If you would like to speak to someone about safeguarding, please speak to Father Philip or the Safeguarding Representative who has special responisibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk throughout our Christian Community.
Our Safeguarding Representative is:
Monty Keuneman – 07796958237
The Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator can be contacted on – 07429215344
Bishop Alan Hopes, has recorded a short video message about the importance placed on safeguarding within the Diocese of East Anglia.
“The Diocese firmly believes that we are all a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and protection from harm,” says Bishop Alan.
“We will not tolerate abuse by any Church personnel or others involved in our ministries and services. We are committed to protecting all who are involved in ministries and services, and promoting the well-being and best interests of children and vulnerable adults.
“Our Safeguarding Strategy has an over-arching principle – Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – for me as the diocesan bishop, for our clergy and religious, and for all our volunteers who are doing such wonderful work in our communities.
“This principle serves as the foundation for all safeguarding within the Diocese. It requires all who work in the Diocese, regardless of their position, to embrace and promote safeguarding and fulfil their duty to care for others and to protect them from abuse or harm, especially children and vulnerable adults,” said Bishop Alan.
You can watch the video below or by clicking here
The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission, set up in the UK by the Bishops’ Conference and the Conference of Religious provides advice on all safeguarding matters. The work of safeguarding people needs to become part of the fabric of the mission of the Church and as such the NCSC is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Church’s Safeguarding policy for Children and Vulnerable adults, and for monitoring compliance. Visit NCSC website for further information.
Safeguarding and the Catholic Church in England and Wales
All allegations of abuse reported to the Church in England and Wales are immediately passed on to the police. The Church works closely and cooperatively with the statutory authorities as these allegations are investigated. Following this investigation, which follows UK law, the Church conducts its own internal investigation, following Canon Law.
The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is at the heart of the Church’s mission. There is no place in the Church, or indeed society, for abuse – a grievous crime which can affect people for their entire lives.
Victims come first. This has not always been the case. The Church deeply regrets all instances of sexual abuse and the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, and accepts that grave mistakes were made in the past.
