Safeguarding

Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding

In 2019, the Diocese of Westminster continued to increase its investment in the work of Safeguarding.

Recognising and responding to concerns:

Responding to allegations: The Safeguarding Team in line with the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS) procedures deals with all enquiries relating to concerns about children and vulnerable adults. Those that relate to the Church are managed by the team; others are referred on to the responsible authorities. A critical area of the work is ensuring survivors feel listened to and supported. Consultations: 259 (204 in 2018) Safeguarding files subject to statutory involvement opened: 39 (37 in 2018) Managing risk: Safeguarding plans/covenants of care are put in place to manage the assessed risk of parishioners, volunteers and clergy. Covenants of care/safeguarding plans: 15 (5 in 2018)

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Creating a Safe Environment:

The CSAS procedures, designed to ensure that all activities in the parish for children and vulnerable adults are conducted safely, are widely promoted through induction training for Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSR), in deanery meetings and parish visits. Particular emphasis is placed on the safe use of social media and photography. The PSR is a key conduit in the parish between the parishioners and priest on the one hand and the Safeguarding Office on the other. PSRs have their own dedicated diocesan email address and receive routine communications. Number of PSRs: 275 (247 in 2018) PSRs inducted: 46 (63 in 2018) Parishes without a PSR: 4 (6 in 2018)

Safe Recruitment:

Safe recruitment of all staff and volunteers begins with a job description, followed by an interview, and reference checks. Staff, volunteers and priests are required to have an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The diocese has a policy of rechecking each volunteer, member of staff and clergy every three years. DBS processed: 1,657 (1,469 in 2018)

Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding:

Raising awareness widely in parish communities through a variety of means detailed in the Trustees’ Report (page 26)