The Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Bishops and Congregational Leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. We affirm the One Church approach to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults through the promotion of a sustained and sustainable culture of constant vigilance.

The Church recognises the personal dignity and rights of all Vulnerable People towards whom it has a special responsibility. The Church and individual members of it undertake to take all the appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and vulnerable adults and to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

The Church authorities will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.

The Church wishes to ensure that its parishes and Religious Congregations have the confidence to enable children, young people and vulnerable adults to have peace of mind, knowing they will be cared for and loved by their Christian community.

This Resource Pack contains a summary of the National Procedures to be followed by all those involved when responding to concerns or allegations of abuse about a child, young person or vulnerable adult within the Catholic Church of England & Wales.

It also includes summaries of other National Policies on recruitment, creating a safe environment, acceptable behaviour etc, designed to support the invaluable work of Local Safeguarding Representatives in parishes and congregations.

Catholic Safeguarding Service (2009)