Some of the questions we are commonly asked with regard to safeguarding. You can use our 'Contact Us' page should you need further information.
Safeguarding means protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, or neglect. It also includes creating safe environments where all can participate in the life of the Church with dignity, respect, and care.
Safeguarding applies to everyone in the Church, including clergy, religious, employees, volunteers, parishioners, and visitors. Special attention is given to children, young people, and adults at risk.
You are expected to:
Each parish has a designated Parish Safeguarding Representative who is trained to:
Immediate danger: Call 999.
Other concerns: Contact your Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR), the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS), Religious Life Group (RLG) safeguarding lead or the diocesan safeguarding office.
Staff and volunteers must not investigate concerns themselves; report them promptly to the Parish Safeguarding Representative.
The same reporting rules apply. Allegations must be reported immediately to the appropriate safeguarding lead and statutory authorities. The Church’s policy is to always report allegations, regardless of the person’s role, whether the abuse is recent or non-recent, or if the person is living or deceased.
Yes. You can report anonymously to your Parish Safeguarding Representative, diocesan safeguarding office, or to the statutory authorities. However, providing your contact information may help authorities or the Church to follow up effectively.
Concern: Something that makes you worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing (e.g., inappropriate behaviour, repeated boundary breaches).
Allegation: A formal claim that abuse or harm has occurred. All concerns should be reported, even if you are unsure.
All clergy, staff, and volunteers working with children or adults at risk must complete mandatory safeguarding training every three years. Refresher additional training may be offered for leadership roles, recruitment, or specific ministries.
