Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults at

St Joseph's and St Elizabeth's

St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s are committed to providing a safe environment for the children and vulnerable adults of the parish and for those who work with them.

We are striving to follow and implement the guidelines for policies and procedures as laid down by the Diocesan Safeguarding Office, based in Portsmouth and supported by Bishop Crispian Hollis.

There is a Diocesan Safeguarding Commission which is accountable to the Bishop/Congregation Leader and Trustees of the Diocese.

The Commission which meets bi-monthly has a regulatory, advisory and supportive role at strategic level in all matters relating to Child Protection in the Diocese. The composition of the Commission satisfies the level of professional expertise laid down by Lord Nolan and the more recent Cumberlege Report, [July 2007].

All those volunteers in our parish who work with, visit or run groups for children, young people or vulnerable adults are required to fill in an application form which includes references, and to be checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.

From 2009 all group leaders and volunteers will also be required to attend training sessions in recognising and responding to abuse.

In recent years the Catholic Church has recognised that the work of Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults must become part of the Church’s mainstream work.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult please report your concern to your local Police or Social Services.

Then contact your local Safeguarding Representative

Mary Luxon 01628 623742, or Ann Groom 01628 522960

And/or Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Angela McGrory, 023 92 816396 or Freephone No: 0808 1682855

Other useful numbers

Elder Abuse Response: 0808 808 8141

Childline: 0800 1111

If you need help with any matters relating to a child or vulnerable adult please contact either your Parish or Diocesan Representative.