SAFEGUARDING IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ENGLAND & WALES
Who is responsible for Safeguarding in the Catholic Church?
Everyone has a responsibility for Safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable people. In England and Wales overall responsibility sits with the Bishops Conference and the Conference of Religious.
How does Safeguarding work across the country?
Following the release of ‘Safeguarding with Confidence,’ the report of the Cumberlege Commission in 2007, a National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) was established which reported directly to the Conference of Bishops and the Conference of Religious. The Commission had oversight of the work of the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS), a National Office with responsibility for developing and supporting the implementation of National Policies and Procedures.
Following a review by Ian Elliott in 2020, the NCSC and CSAS have been replaced by a new Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The CSSA has oversight from an independent Board of Directors and has an enhanced audit role alongside the previous CSAS roles, advising and supporting Diocesan Safeguarding arrangements. The National Office meets regularly with Safeguarding Co-ordinators and Officers from Dioceses in order to improve consistency of practice and identify learning and development needs.
How does Safeguarding work in the Diocese?
The Bishop is responsible for Safeguarding issues in his Diocese. He delegates responsibility via the Trustees to the Safeguarding
Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee, together with the Bishop, appoint a Safeguarding Co-ordinator, and Safeguarding Officers. The Sub-Committee is accountable to the Bishop and advise him on policy implementation and best practice. The Co-ordinator and Officers report to the Sub-Committee and are accountable to the Bishop via the Sub-Committee.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police. Telephone 999 if a child or an adult is believed to be in immediate danger. If you need to contact the Diocese Safeguarding Team you can do so on 01293 651148 or safeguarding@abdiocese.org.uk
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.
