The Bishop is responsible for Safeguarding issues in his Diocese. He delegates responsibility via the Trustees to the Safeguarding Sub-Committee of Trustees. The Safeguarding Sub-Committee of Trustees, together with the Bishop, appoint a Safeguarding Co-ordinator, and Safeguarding Officer. The Sub-Committee is accountable to the Bishop and advise him on policy implementation and best practice. The Co-ordinator and Officer report to the Sub-Committee and are accountable to the Bishop via the Sub-Committee.
The Church seeks to ensure that its parishes, religious congregations and lay associations of the faithful acting in the name of the Church have the confidence to enable vulnerable people to have peace of mind, knowing they will be cared for and loved by their Christian community. All churches, faith communities and lay associations that are working in the name of the Church with children and adults at risk are expected to have in place arrangements which include:
• Procedures to respond to and report concerns and allegations
• Codes of conduct
• Safer recruitment procedures
• Information sharing arrangements
• Support and supervision of staff and volunteers
• Training on safeguarding
The Catholic Church in England and Wales provides a wide range of services for children and adults, and members of the Church have an important role in safeguarding and supporting adults, children and families. The duties and responsibilities of the Church are underpinned by legislation and government guidance. Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) refers to Faith Organisations and sets out the responsibilities and expectations of churches and faith communities in safeguarding children; these expectations are reflected in the national safeguarding policies and procedures. More information about safeguarding structures within the Church and key roles can be found using the following links to the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.
