Everybody has the right to be safe no matter who they are or what their circumstances. Safeguarding is about protecting everyone from harm, abuse or neglect. We are all responsible for the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Our annual statement is read out around the time of the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels which falls on the 2nd of October. In echoing this spirit of guardianship, we would like to remind us all of our obligation to make our parish communities safe and welcoming places. This is, in part, how we live out the Gospel.

Archbishop Nolan wants to extend his thanks to everyone in the parish for taking part in this, with a particular mention to our Clergy, Parish Safeguarding Coordinator(s), group leaders, and volunteers; as we work together to ensure that our people, places and activities are safe.

As society’s understanding of safeguarding develops, so too do our procedures and practices, which are designed to create a safe culture. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that volunteers only start their ministry once a series of suitability checks have been completed, including a Protection of Vulnerable Groups, or PVG, check if appropriate.

We have reporting measures so that concerns can be passed on. Our Mandatory Reporting Policy is designed to ensure that any allegations of abuse are reported to the police.

Safeguarding training ensures that volunteers, group leaders and Parish Safeguarding Coordinators know what to do if a safeguarding situation arises.

Whilst statutory procedures such as PVG checks are an essential and a mandatory part of our protocols, adopting a culture of care is equally important – being vigilant, looking out for each other, and passing on any concerns.

Full details of safeguarding staff for the Archdiocese can be found on the safeguarding page of the website and there is a poster at the back of all churches with the name and contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator.

Please contact the Parish Priest, the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator or Caterina O’Connor, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, if you have any concerns about a safeguarding matter.

Thank you.