What is Safeguarding?
Being loved and being kept safe go to the very core of the Church’s Ministry to children and vulnerable adults. The work of safeguarding has to be seen within the overall mission of the Church. As she seeks to protect the vulnerable and weak, the Church needs to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.
(Micah 6:8).
It is a ministry of love and healing and seeks justice for all.
The Cumberlege Commission 2007 (from Clifton Diocesan website)
We strive to make the parish a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The Parish of the Annunciation takes the Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. All volunteers and employees working in roles which involve these groups must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s National Safeguarding Policies before they can be appointed and should complete a DBS check every 3 years.
The Parish Safeguarding Representative is trained to undertake DBS checks and provide support in safeguarding.
Ann Marshall can be contacted by phone on 01453833857 or by email on PSR.woodchester.theannunciation@cliftondiocese.comif you have a query or concern about the safety or risk of abuse of any child in the Parish.
You can also contact the Diocesan Team at cliftondiocese.com or 0117 954 0993 or the NSPCC
Learn more about safeguarding in the Diocese of Clifton
The Diocese has a Safeguarding Commission chaired by an Independent layperson with extensive experience in working with children and vulnerable adults. Other members of the Commission come from a range of relevant professional backgrounds such as Social Care, the Police, Health, Probation and Clergy. Anyone with safe garding issues can contact the team directly.
Reporting Abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
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.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to our safeguarding Co-ordinator Becky Cawsey 0117 954 0993