Central Services, that is the administrative and financial arm of Southwark, exists to support the mission of the Archdiocese.
The main contribution of staff is to effectively provide a customer support service for parishes.
There are 175 Parishes within 20 Deaneries across the South of London and Kent, serving a large population of around 80,000 Catholics who actively attend Mass.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with a registered number of 1173050.
Below you will find information about each department in Central Services. More information can be found on the Resource Centre including additional diocesan policies. Contact details for all staff on the Southwark SE1 site can be found at Our Staff.
Chief Operating Officer
In 2020, The Trustees conducted a review of Diocesan governance and resolved to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to improve the effectiveness of administrative, advisory and decision-making procedures in order to provide greater support to our Parishes and schools.
All the assets of the Archdiocese, property, diocesan schools and any Parish or diocesan investments are held on trust by the Trustees, Archdiocese and Parishes. The COO attends meetings of the Trustees and works with the Heads of the various Departments and Commissions shown below to provide key professional support services of the Archdiocese.
Chief Operating Officer: Paul McCallum
Executive Assistant: Helene Stewart
Email: secretary@rcaos.org.uk
Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into UK law under the Data Protection Act 2018. This provides individuals with more rights and protection regarding how their personal data is used by organisations. It also requires organisations to be more conscious of, and intentional about, data protection.
From 1st January 2021, the ‘UK GDPR’ has replaced the GDPR as the UK’s data protection law. The UK GDPR (which is currently substantially similar to the EU’s GDPR) is brought into force by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
The statutory demands of these Acts are significant and it is recognised best practice to have an independent Data Protection Officer (DPO) who reports directly to the Archbishop and Trustees. Mark James has been appointed to this role. His duties include maintaining the data processing register, supervising compliance with the GDPR, dealing with disclosure requests, reporting data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office and Charity Commission and implementing corrective actions.
The Archdiocese collects personal data to enable it to carry out a variety of activities from baptisms to funerals and general pastoral care. Whenever you provide personal data to us, your information will be dealt with in accordance with the GDPR legislation. The information collected is for a legitimate purpose; which is the pursuance of the Roman Catholic faith.
Please find below a link to our Data Protection Policy that describes how we collect, use and protect personal data; guidance to help ensure the work of the Diocese is compliant with the legislation, and forms for Diocese members to notify us of any issues without delay.
Further information to a range of specialist policies and notices can be found on our Resource Centre:
Data Protection Officer: Mark James
Email: dpo@rcaos.org.uk
Finance
The Finance Team administers the temporal goods of the Archdiocese under the authority of the Archbishop and in accordance with a budget determined by the Board of Trustees. It is responsible for the day-to-day financial dealings of the Archdiocese to ensure our future is financially sustainable. It monitors all finance-related legislation to ensure that Parishes and Departments are made aware of any changes and how these affect them. It offers support and training to Parishes on finance-related matters and tasks and also assists with supplier payments, Parish finance returns, Gift Aid, banking and investments.
Additionally, the Finance Team liaise with the Trustee Board, the Auditors and all relevant statutory bodies to prepare the Annual Report and Accounts.
Annual Reports and Accounts are available to download as well as being filed with the Charity Commission.
A wealth of reference material and training guides can be accessed by clergy and those working in our Parishes via our new Resource Centre.
Finance Reference Material and Training Guides
Finance Director: Paul Jackson
Email: pauljackson@rcaos.org.uk
Financial Controller: Devyani Khade
Email: devyanikhade@rcaos.org.uk
Parish Support Officer: Adrian Radford
Email: adrianradford@rcaos.org.uk
Parish Support Manager: Maria Carneiro
Email: mariacarneiro@rcaos.org.uk
Finance Assistant: Katy Moriarty
Email: katymoriarty@rcaos.org.uk
Accounts Payable: Uma Rajendran
Email:ap@rcaos.org.uk
Fundraising
The Fundraising Team generate financial support for a number of key projects, including the Southwark Priests Training Fund and Sick and Retired Clergy. Their role is to financially underpin many aspects of diocesan mission through a variety of means, whether through philanthropy, legacies, via parish stewardship or by identifying appropriate grant-making bodies.
The Team also manage Gift Aid for the Diocese with the assistance of Gift Aid Co-ordinators in each parish.
For further information on fundraising and how you can assist the Diocese, visit our Donate page.
Head of Fundraising: Roisin McLaughlin
E:roisinmclaughlin@rcaos.org.uk
Gift Aid & Supporter Care Officer: Mia Gilmour E:giftaid@rcaos.org.uk
Fundraising & Supporter Care Administrator: Priscila Costa E:giftaid@rcaos.org.uk
Gift Aid & Supporter Care Assistant: Therese Power E:giftaid@rcaos.org.uk
Parish Fundraising & Legacy Officer: Sancia da Costa E: sanciadacosta@rcaos.org.uk
Human Resources and Payroll
People are at the heart of our mission and across the Archdiocese in parishes, agencies and departments we employ over 100 lay staff.
The HR team support our employees by processing all payroll and pension schemes and additionally help fill vacancies throughout the Archdiocese for professional workers and volunteers. They subsequently handle employee relations.
Working for us
Any vacancies from across the Archdiocese, and those beyond, are shown on the website under the Vacancies tab until the closing date for application.
Please contact hr@rcaos.org.uk if you have any queries relating to employment matters in the Archdiocese of Southwark.
HR Manager: Lauren Izatt
Email: hr@rcaos.org.uk
HR Administrator: Matthew Asante
Email: matthewasante@rcaos.org.uk
Payroll: Barbara Warchala
Email: payroll@rcaos.org.uk
Complaints
If you have a complaint against a member of staff or Clergy, please visit our Complaints and Whistleblowing Policies.
ICT Team
Our Information, Communications & Technology (ICT) Team can help with Diocesan email addresses, technical issues and with the procurement of services and equipment. Advice and support to save Parishes time and money is available on our Resource Centre:
Information Technology Team
ICT Director: Daniel Prasanna
Senior Systems Administrator: Aaron Dennis
ICT Support Technician: Edward Mukasa
Email: ICTsupport@rcaos.org.uk
Priests’ Welfare Team
As times and our needs change, so too does the assistance the Archdiocese offers to help create the conditions for Clergy to thrive and flourish. The Priests’ Welfare Team is there to support all aspects of wellbeing, especially during periods of sickness and when transitioning into retirement.
A range of useful reference material can be accessed by clergy from our Resource Centre
Property, Health & Safety
Property
The Property Team are responsible for:
- supporting the upkeep, maintenance and development of Diocesan and Parish estates
- lease management
- licences for other uses of Diocesan property.
Additionally, the Property Office work with the Buildings Team at the Education Commission, who are responsible for all aspects of school buildings.
Our mission is to ensure that these services are delivered through a strategic approach in a professional, efficient and cost-effective manner taking into account the needs of Parishes and the wider community so Catholics in Southwark can come together in safe and welcoming spaces.
Where Parishes are considering repairs or alterations to listed churches they can gain support and resources from the Historic Churches Committee. Alternatively, for repairs or alterations to non-listed churches advice is available from the Art and Architecture Committee. Applications must first be approved by the Diocesan Property, Health & Safety Committee.
Parish Property Projects
Full details of the pre-application process as well as a standard property project application can be downloaded here or from the Resource Centre:
Health & Safety
The primary responsibility of the Health & Safety Team is to provide professional advice, information and support to the Archdiocese on health and safety responsibilities, legislation and good practice to ensure the welfare of its clergy, employees, volunteers and the wider community. The Archdiocese of Southwark recognises its legal obligations under all relevant legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and its policies are set out in the Diocesan Health and Safety Policy and Guidelines and The Diocesan Fire Risk Policy.
Accident and Incident Reporting
Should an accident or incident occur at the Parish, please contact property@rcaos.org.uk as soon as possible to notify the team of the details so that appropriate advice and support can be given for each individual case.
Note for Parishes: Safety Toolbox
The Archdiocese has introduced Safety Toolbox: an online, cloud-based safety management platform that helps to identify and control hazards and risks and provide tailored advice and resources to clergy, employees and volunteers. To find out more, contact our Health and Safety Team.
Additional parish resources can be found on the Resource Centre.
Property Manager: Chris Millington
Email: property@rcaos.org.uk
Health and Safety Manager: Roy Collier
Email: roycollier@rcaos.org.uk
Health and Safety Officer: Haron Copeland
Email: roycollier@rcaos.org.uk
Assistant Property Manager: David Smith
Emails: davidsmith@rcaos.org.uk
Property Management Officer: Kasia Zarczynska
Email: kasiazarczynska@rcaos.org.uk
Property Team Administrator: Catherine Pang
Email: property@rcaos.org.uk
Records Management
Paper and digital records must be kept in accordance with the Diocese’s established policies, procedures and guidance and records management is an essential part of good diocesan house-keeping.
More information about records management can be found on our Resource Centre:
Records Officer: Sheila Mercieca
Email: recordsmanagement@rcaos.org.uk
Safeguarding
The Safeguarding Co-ordinator and the Safeguarding Advisor are responsible for the planning and monitoring of all aspects of safeguarding work within the Archdiocese, with the exception of schools. This involves responding to any allegations past or present, of inappropriate behaviour or actual abuse of children or vulnerable adults by any person working for the Archdiocese, either paid or voluntary, and liaising with the police and social services. It also involves promoting and implementing the National Policies for Child Protection which have been adopted by the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to the Safeguarding policies of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, to protect children and young people from neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse and to promote a safe environment for them.
This commitment flows from the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Churches common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life. We start from the principle that each child has the right to expect the highest level of care and protection, love, encouragement and respect that we can give.
Full details for parishes are set out in our Safeguarding Resource Centre
Public safeguarding information
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese. You can contact the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Office by telephoning 0207 261 1606 or via email at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
Contact the Safeguarding Team
St Gabriel’s House, Westminster Bridge Road. London SE1 7FQ
Tel: 020 7261 1606 / Fax: 020 7803 4936
Head of Safeguarding: Mary-Jane Crowley
Email: maryjanecrowley@rcaos.org.uk
Safeguarding Administrator: Natalie Norris
Email: safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
Safeguarding Reviewing Officer (mainly old cases): Allison Hamer
Email: allisonhamer@rcaos.org.uk
Safeguarding Officer (current & training): Christine Acons
Email: christineacons@rcaos.org.uk
Please note that due to the pandemic some staff are still working from home or in the office on a part-time basis. Please send an email to guarantee a response to your query.
