Safeguarding
Safeguarding in the Catholic Church
Aim
The Catholic Church in England and Wales aims to become an example of best practice in safeguarding children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.
Safeguarding Statement
The Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Bishops and Congregational Leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. We affirm the One Church approach to safeguarding children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable through the promotion of a sustained and sustainable culture of constant vigilance.
The Church recognises the personal dignity and rights of all Vulnerable People towards whom it has a special responsibility. The Church and individual members of it undertake to take all the appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable, and to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.
The Church authorities will liase closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.
The Church wishes to ensure that its parishes and Religious Congregations have the confidence to enable children, young people and vulnerable adults to have peace of mind, knowing they will be cared for and loved by their Christian community.
The Safeguarding Office
Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator : Colette Hamill
The Hallam Pastoral Centre, St Charles Street, Sheffield, S9 3WU
Office: 0114 256 6453, Work mobile: 07909 117 964
Email: chammill@hallam-diocese.com
Clergy Adviser for Safeguarding : Rev Peter McGuire
28 College Road, Spinkhill, Sheffield, S21 3YB
Tel: 01246 432 289
Email: peter@pdmcguire.com
Safeguarding Administrator : Jo Pearson
The Hallam Pastoral Centre, St Charles Street, Sheffield S9 3WU
Tel: 0114 256 6453
Email: jpearson@hallam-diocese.com
Links: www.hallam-diocese.com
Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service www.csas.uk.net
National Catholic Safeguarding Commission www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
Local Safeguarding Representative
The role of the Local Safeguarding Representative is to help promote a culture of Safeguarding, where the parish community is aware of safeguarding issues, and help ensure safeguarding is understood as an essential part of living the Gospels.
She will guide those working with children. Young people and vulnerable adults so that policies and procedures are understood and followed, and will ensure that any concerns or allegations of possible harm to children, young people or vulnerable adults receive a prompt response and are referred appropriately.
The Safeguarding Representative works in partnership with the Parish priest and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
The Local Safeguarding Representative for St Mary’s Parish is Anne Burleigh
0114 2462367
Mobile: 0776 881 4858
Email: anne.burleigh@btinternet.com
Statutory Agencies
Children’s Social Care/Children’s Services (for reporting concerns)
Sheffield 24 hour service: 0114 2734855
Doncaster 01302 737796
Rotherham 01709 823987
Barnsley 01226 772400 Out of hours: 0844 984100
Chesterfield 01629 533190