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Safeguarding resources

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.

What is Safeguarding?

What is Safeguarding?

Information Sheet - Abuse of Children

Information sheet - Abuse and neglect in adults

Information sheet - six key principles underpin adult safeguarding work

Safeguarding structures within the Catholic Church in England and Wales

Organisation structure and key roles

National safeguarding structure diagram

Local safeguarding structure diagram

Recruitment and Induction packs for Commission Members and Safeguarding Representatives

Model person specification and role description for Commission Chairs

Induction Pack – Commission members

The induction pack is aimed at new Commission Members. It provides information about the role of the Safeguarding Commission and the context within which it operates.

Induction Pack – Safeguarding Representatives

The Safeguarding Representative plays a pivotal role within the Catholic safeguarding structure and the Catholic Church is deeply grateful for those who give their time and expertise to promote safeguarding to secure the welfare of everyone in our midst, particularly the young and the vulnerable. 

There is an induction pack, developed for Safeguarding Representatives that are new to the role. The pack provides a brief overview of the role and explains some of the processes and terminology that Safeguarding Representatives might encounter.

Safer recruitment within the Church

Safer recruitment policy and procedure

Recruitment and appointment process planner

Safer recruitment of volunteers

DBS1 – volunteer registration form

DBS2 – volunteer reference form

DBS3a – Confirmation of identity – UK or EEA or volunteers

DBS3b – Confirmation of identity – outside of UK or EEA or paid workers

DBS 4 - Safeguarding Self Declaration

DBS 14 eBulk End User Agreement

DBS 17 Applicant consent for DBS processing

Form CASE 1 – Written Agreement for volunteers

Form CASE 9 – Declaration on Safeguarding Procedures

DBS

A range of other forms and information to assist with DBS processing can be found using this link.

Codes of conduct

Sample code of conduct for Leaders and Helpers

Sample code of conduct for children and young people involved in Church activities

Responding to allegations and concerns

Quick Guide – how to respond to concerns and allegations

Children – management of allegations

Adult – management of allegations

Form CM1 – for completion when an allegation is made or concerns are raised

Organising and running Church events involving children, young people and adults at risk

Creating a Safer Environment

Pilgrimages Guidance

Form Case 2 – Application for approval of events

Form Case 4 – Parental consent to activities

Form Case 5 – Session Recording Sheet

Form Case 6 – Incident Report Form

Form Photo 1 – Consent to the safe use of images

Toolkit – A brief guide to planning and organising parish events and groups

Guidance on accommodation at overnight events

Guidance on the safer use of technology

Policy and Procedure Writing Toolkit

Advisory line

CSAS can be contacted for advice relating to safeguarding within the Catholic Church, policy and procedures and DBS processing.

You can find contact details for Safeguarding Coordinators on their respective websites (links to Diocesan websites can also be found in useful links section).

The national safeguarding policies and procedures of the Catholic Church in England and Wales can be found at Procedures Manual