​Things that everyone with a role in the Parish must know about Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING
The Parishes operate in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdioceses policies and procedures at all times.
Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives are:
Our Lady’s
Claire Walsh email [email protected] ;
St Peter’s
Theresa Goh or Susan Chan email sg.stpeterapostle.leam[email protected] ;
St Joseph’s
email [email protected].
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team
can be contacted on 0121 230 6240 or at [email protected] if you have any concerns

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Before taking on a role which means that you have significant regular contact with, or take responsibility for children or for adults who are in vulnerable situations you must go through the Church’s current appointment procedures.  The forms are available from your Parish Safeguarding Representative or from the Safeguarding Team at Cathedral House.  There have been changes to the eligibility criteria for DBS Disclosures which means that some roles no longer qualify.  If, however, the role you are taking on does require a DBS you must have one through the Archdiocese.

If you work with children:
  • In the Church anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child.
  • Adults working in the name of the Church must never allow themselves to be alone with a child or children; another adult must always be within sight or sound.
  • No activity can be allowed to run unless a minimum of two adults are present.
  • Lifts to and from Church activities can only be given to children who are not relatives if there are two adults in the vehicle.

If you work with adults in vulnerable situations:
(e.g. Special Ministers of Holy Communion, SVP etc.)
  • The term “vulnerable adults” is no longer in use.  People who may be in vulnerable situations would include those who are or may be in receipt of services because of physical or mental illness, learning disabilities, age etc.
  • If you are aware of mental deterioration in someone you visit it is best not to visit them alone. It is always good practice to work as a team.
  • Try not to accept money or gifts but if you do accept them get a receipt or make a written record and ensure that someone else is aware of this.

Diocesan Safeguarding team


Should you or anyone you know need to talk about issues or require advice about any aspect of Safeguarding please contact the Safeguarding Team on:
0121 230 6240 or at [email protected]

An independent support group for survivors of abuse: Free Tel 0808 801 0331

Parish Safeguarding Reps

Should you need a DBS check, without which no volunteer may work with children or vulnerable adults, then you can arrange this with the parish safeguarding rep. Contact the parish office to be put in touch with them.
​Contact details opposite
If an issue arises:
If you notice or are told something which disturbs you about or a child or an adult in a vulnerable situation you must take action.  In an emergency contact the police but remember that the Safeguarding Team will always offer advice and support whenever it is needed (even if it is outside office hours or at the week-end).
Should you encounter or be told about an abusive situation:
  • Keep calm and listen without asking questions.
  • Never promise to keep this a secret but explain that the information must be passed on. Try to get the person’s agreement for this to happen.
  • Make an immediate written record of the facts. Include the name of everyone who was present.  Sign, date and retain the original.
  • Do not discuss this with anyone other than the Police or the Safeguarding Team.