Safeguarding is everyone's business. 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-Committee 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.
CSSA Inspection - September 2026
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) team is currently inspecting safeguarding in The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton. To do this effectively, they would welcome information from anyone who would like to share their experience of safeguarding within the Diocese.
The CSSA want the inspection process to be transparent and aim to help drive up safeguarding standards. Wherever possible, they need evidence or specific details to help them to build an accurate picture of safeguarding in the Diocese. Any information you offer the CSSA be treated confidentially by one of their expert and experienced team members. The CSSA will not share your confidential information with anyone in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton unless you explicitly ask them to, but they will take this information into account when they assess diocesan safeguarding. Do you have information to share about The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton? Click >>here to share your experience (the link will be live until Friday 18 September 2026).
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
