What Should I Do if I think a Child or Adult in Vulnerable circumstances is at risk or being abused? Expand If a Child or Adult in vulnerable circumstances is in immediate danger you must contact the Police. If you have other concerns and there is no immediate danger, please contact the Safeguarding Team on 0121 230 6240.
What is the Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee? Expand Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary, as well as those with roles in the Church. The Chair is Professor Deirdre Kelly. Members Professor Deirdre Kelly - Chair / Lead Safeguarding Trustee Elisabeth Fisher - Vice Chair Bishop Stephen Wright Canon Richard Walker - Vicar General Angela Randle - Parish Safeguarding Representative Sr Teresa Billington - Religious Graham Tilby – Birmingham Children’s Trust Janet Tibbits - Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT)
What training is available? Expand All Parish Safeguarding Representatives have initial training in their role. We also offer advice workshops/ training for groups and parishes if they are requested - if your parish or group would like training please let us know and we will try to meet your needs. In addition to this there is online training available, in the form of EduCare. If you have a role working with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable, or if you are a parent who wants to understand on-line safety read the e-learning safeguarding brochure. This explains what training is available via e-learning and how to access any training that interests you. This e-learning package is part of the Church’s commitment to safeguarding, recognising we all have a role to play in creating a safe environment. Download now If you are interested please contact the Safeguarding Team on [email protected]
What is the Safer Recruitment process? Expand The Safeguarding Team are responsible for the safe recruitment of volunteers in the Archdiocese. This system is largely managed by Parish Safeguarding Representatives who will provide the necessary forms for those who take responsibility for or who have significant regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. The forms are available on the Diocesan Intranet Any enquiries about the recruitment process of the Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure system should be addressed to the office on 0121 230 6240.
What are the policies and procedures for safeguarding in the Archdiocese of Birmingham? Expand The Archdiocese of Birmingham follows the ‘one church’ approach to safeguarding as set out nationally. The CSSA procedures manual details the national procedures. The Safeguarding Team is responsible for the implementation and management of these Safeguarding policies and procedures throughout the Archdiocese. For queries in relation to this please contact the team directly on 0121 230 6240.
Resources and Links Expand CSSA- Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service IICSA - Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse NAPAC - National Association for People Abused in Childhood For survivors of abuse Safe Spaces Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church of England. It is run by Victim Support. The team are available through their helpline and live chat service between Monday–Saturday 10am-6pm, apart from Thursdays when the service is open 12-8pm. Safe Spaces team can be contacted on: Phone: 0300 303 1056 Email: [email protected] Safe Spaces England and Wales Survivors Trust The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK The Survivors Trust The Truth Project, which concluded in October 2021, gave more than 6,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse an opportunity to share their experiences with IICSA and put forward suggestions for change. The Truth Project Stop it Now A confidential helpline, live chat and secure messaging service for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention – whether they’re worried about their own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, or about another adult or young person. Stop it Now