Safeguarding: Archdiocese of Southwark

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Resource Centre

Welcome to Safeguarding within the Archdiocese of Southwark.

In line with the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. We recognise that the welfare of children, young people and Adults at Risk is paramount and that they have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
The Safeguarding team aims to support and assist all members of our community regarding any safeguarding matter raised. We continue to listen and learn from those that have been harmed by abuse, recognising that their insight and lived experiences are crucial to building a robust and compassionate safeguarding function.
We thank all who contribute to the work of safeguarding within the Archdiocese today; Archbishop John, all Clergy and Religious, the Parish Safeguarding Representatives, the Safeguarding Sub-committee who oversee the safeguarding function and the staff of the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service and the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission.
"Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics, recognise as coming from God’s creation in his own image and likeness."

Contact details of the Safeguarding Team

The Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Team welcome contact and will respond within an appropriate timescale Continue reading

Introduction to Safeguarding

Welcome to the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Team's page. Our Parishes and communities must be places of welcome, where each person is respected and loved and where we support and protect each other. We must take care of the most vulnerable because of age, illness or disability or who may be vulnerable because of current or past life experiences. Everyone in the Catholic Church has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of those that worship in our Church or who join us for an activity facilitated by Church members. When Church activities are organised well, with regards for the safety and well-being of all, we reduce the risk of avoidable harm to all participants and create spaces of true welcome in which relationships can develop which are respectful and enriching. It is the Policy of The Catholic Church of England & Wales to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people and Adults at Risk by protecting them from neglect and from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological harm. Within these Safeguarding pages you will find information related to the Archdiocese of Southwark’s commitment to promoting a culture of safeguarding, creating safe environments, safer recruitment and supporting those that have been harmed by abuse. There will also be a link to resources, Safeguarding news and updates and details of the Safeguarding Sub-committee. Importantly there is information regarding how to report a concern about a child or Adult at Risk to the Safeguarding team. We hope that you will find this area useful and informative. Please contact myself or members of my team if you wish to report a concern, have a query or wish to speak to a member of the safeguarding team. Mary-Jane Crowley Head of Safeguarding Continue reading

Guidance on Safeguarding within the Archdiocese of Southwark

Safeguarding is embedded in everything the Archdiocese of Southwark does and the way in which we do it. All Clergy, Religious, volunteers, parishioners and staff follow the National and Archdiocese safeguarding policy, whatever part of the organisation they serve in. It is the responsibility of all adults to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate at all times, as laid out in the Pastoral Standards and Safe Practices in the Conduct of Ministry and the Archdiocese Code of Conduct for staff & volunteers. Continue reading

Responding to Allegations or Concerns

In line with the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Safeguarding team will respond to any allegations, disclosure or concern raised in a compassionate and prompt manner. Continue reading

Supporting those that have been harmed by abuse

The Archdiocese of Southwark encourages anyone who has been harmed by abuse within the context of the Catholic Church, whether current or non-recent, to make contact with the safeguarding team. 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. Continue reading

Creating Safer Environments

All Clergy, Religious, volunteers, staff and parishioners will respect children, young people and Adults at Risk. They will establish a culture where they prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and Adults at Risk to provide supportive and safe spaces for everyone involved. The Archdiocese will strive to support the creation and maintenance of environments which are safe for everyone who has dealings with them. The arrangements below detail some of the Archdiocese of Southwark’s provisions to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained. Continue reading

Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding

All Clergy, Religious, volunteers, staff and parishioners will respect children, young people and Adults at Risk. They will establish a culture where the safety and wellbeing of young people and Adults at Risk is prioritised and provide supportive and safe spaces for everyone involved. The Archdiocese will strive to promote a positive and robust culture, maintaining environments which are safe for everyone and where safeguarding remains a priority. Continue reading

Guidance on electronic media use

The internet and social media have many benefits for evangelisation and communication across the Archdiocese, but all communication must be utilised with responsibility, prudence and within the guidance set out within the Archdiocese Safeguarding Policy. Continue reading

Safer Recruitment and DBS

Safer recruitment is not just about the Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS), which checks criminal records, but ensuring the right people are involved in working with, supporting children, young people and Adults at Risk. The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to ensuring that safer recruitment is complied with as part of creating safer environments. Continue reading

Reporting a Concern

The Archdiocese Safeguarding Team are committed to responding compassionately and within an appropriate timescale, to any disclosure, allegation or concern raised. Continue reading

Safeguarding Sub-committee

The Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-committee of the Board of Trustees, has strategic oversight of the Safeguarding Team and reports to the Board of Trustees, in order to assist in promoting a safer environment within the Catholic Church. Continue reading

PSR Resource Centre

Click on the above link, if you see a dashboard, at the top left hand corner, click on 'Archdiocese of Southwark safeguarding' Continue reading

Resources and Links

Please see the safeguarding resources and documents below Continue reading

Safeguarding Policies

Below are a number of policies concerning Safeguarding within the Archdiocese of Southwark Continue reading

Safeguarding and news updates

Safeguarding News and updates will be regularly posted here. Continue reading