Ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe and know they are loved is at the very core of the Church’s ministry. The work of safeguarding has to be seen within the overall mission of the Church. As she seeks to protect the vulnerable and weak, the Church needs to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God’. (Micah 6:8). It is a ministry of love and healing and seeks justice for all.
It is the firm expectation of the Bishop, Trustees and Safeguarding Sub-Committee of Trustees that all those working with vulnerable groups including children, young people or adults at risk, undertake diocesan Safeguarding Awareness Training. This is not dependent on their role being eligible for a DBS check. Training can be achieved by individuals completing the relevant EduCare/Tes module(s) online.
The diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Comittee of Trustees fully expects all those engaged in this important ministry to complete the mandatory training. Completion of this training is required if individuals wish to continue working with vulnerable groups. You can find out more about training requirements here.
The Diocese is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Supported by and in compliance with the policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency in England and Wales, we are striving towards a culture of safeguarding where all are safe from harm and abuse and where everyone is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life In Jesus Christ through the prayerful, nurturing, supportive and protective endeavours of the Catholic Community, both individually and collectively.
The Diocese will ensure that any allegations of a safeguarding matter are responded to promptly and liaise openly with statutory authorities to support investigations, responding sensitively and compassionately to those in need, and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.
Safe Spaces is a free, national support service independently run by First Light. It provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.
Safe Spaces comprises a team of trained support advocates, who are Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and who have received additional specific training in how the church responds to abuse cases, the way in which faith and church-related settings have been used to carry out abuse, and the particular issues affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the Church. The service provides remote support through the organisation’s helpline, live chat facility and website. Remote support is provided for as long as the survivor needs. This can include advocating for the survivor, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding individual needs and jointly working on individual support plans. If face-to-face support is also required, contact and referrals will be made with appropriate local organisations.
Contacting Safe Spaces: Safe Spaces opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9-1pm and Sunday from 1-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review). You can contact Safe Spaces in a number of ways:
By phone; T: 0300 303 1056 or via their website.
The St Philip Howard Centre
4 Southgate Drive
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 6RP
