Church activities may take place on church premises or in various other environments such as residential events, home visiting or trips out.
When Church activities are organised well and with regard to the safety and wellbeing of all, we reduce the risk of avoidable harm to all participants and create spaces of true welcome where relationships which are respectful and enriching can develop.
Within a parish, in conjunction with the Safeguarding Commission the Parish Priest has responsibility for the pastoral care of the community with special regard for those most vulnerable. The Priest is assisted in this responsibility by nominating a Parish Safeguarding Representative that is recruited in collaboration with the Safeguarding Coordinator.
This Resource Area is aimed at supporting the invaluable work of Parish Priests, religious, all Safeguarding Leads and Representatives, event leaders and volunteers in creating a safe environment within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Within this Resource Area you will find practical guidance on how to organise activities well with a view to promoting the dignity, safety and wellbeing of all concerned so that avoidable risks are anticipated and minimised and relationships with church representatives are positive, healthy and life affirming.
It is expected that Parish Priests, Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Religious Safeguarding Leads and those responsible for safeguarding in Catholic organisations will promote the principles and practicalities outlined in this resource area within parishes and other communities to ensure everyone understands what is expected of them.
This resource area is not exhaustive and Parish Priests, Religious Safeguarding Leads, Parish Safeguarding Representatives and leaders of groups may recognise that additional safeguards need to be considered for a particular group or activity.
In this event they should seek advice from their Safeguarding Office.
