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  1. FAQs

Safeguarding

A message from Archbishop Bernard Longley:

One of the scribes asked Jesus “Which is the first of all the commandments?”  Jesus replied, “This is the first: You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.   The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these.”  (cf Mark 12: 28-31).

We are all called to serve our Lord. To love him, to carry out His mission.

This includes the responsibility of keeping people safe from harm and abuse. 

Here in the Archdiocese of Birmingham I lead that charge. Together with those who support me, and the Trustees of the Archdiocese, we are committed to making a positive difference in the parishes and communities we serve.

I accept and acknowledge past failings and am deeply sorry for the suffering that has been experienced by victim/survivors and their families. Abuse has no place in society, least of all in the life of the Church.

Whilst accepting past failings, and learning from them, the Archdiocese is moving forward and we are committed to being a welcoming and safe Church for all. We think particularly of how we support survivors and those who have been harmed by the Church and work with many of them to improve standards further.

Thanks to a dedicated and professional safeguarding team, the Archdiocese has made significant progress in recent years to improve its commitment to safeguarding, and this work continues. 

We listen, and learn from, victim/survivors. We turn words into action.

Our Clergy and Parish Safeguarding Representatives are testament to the work being carried out locally, on the ground. Please support your parish representative as they raise awareness and understanding of this vital work in the parish community.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of the few. We all need to play our part and keep people safe.

“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” 1 John 3:18


The Archdiocese of Birmingham has a zero-tolerance approach to all abuse.

Archdiocese of Birmingham Safeguarding Statement

All Church activity should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm. 

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has a single approach to Safeguarding.  The Archdiocese of Birmingham follows the National Safeguarding policy provided by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency; safeguarding in the Archdiocese is overseen by the Safeguarding Trustee Sub-committee.

You can contact the safeguarding team on 0121 230 6240 / [email protected]

If a Child (anyone under the age of 18) or Adult at Risk is in immediate danger you must contact the Police on 999.

Reporting a concern about a child or adult at risk:

If a Child (anyone under the age of 18) or Adult at Risk is in immediate danger you must contact the Police on 999. If you have other concerns and there is no immediate danger, please contact the Safeguarding Team.

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Responding to your concerns: 

The Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm and can be contacted via:

Email: [email protected]

Phone:  0121 230 6240

We operate a duty system whereby there is a Safeguarding Advisor available during operating hours to respond to calls. Administrators will take the details of the initial contact and one of our available advisors will call you back as soon as possible.  

Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner. 

If you have a concern out of hours that cannot wait the following agencies can be contacted:

Police: either via 999 or 101 or Local Authority children and adult services. Most local authorities run an out-of-hours helpline, details of which can be found on their website. Find out who is your Local Authority

NSPCC:  0808 800 5000, free helpline. Call if you are worried about a child. Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm and at weekends 9am – 6pm. NSPCC helpline

Childline: 0800 1111

16-17 yr olds are legally classed as children and therefore fall within child protection procedures.

Published: 23rd March, 2018

Updated: 4th May, 2023

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Support for Survivors:

The Safeguarding Office is a safe point of contact for survivors of abuse. We are here to help.

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The Archdiocese of Birmingham Safeguarding Team is available on:
0121 230 6240 or by email on: [email protected]

We support survivors who were abused when they were children and those who have been abused as adults. We recognise that speaking out about abuse can be very difficult and distressing and you may not have felt able to tell anyone before. We are here to support you to share your experiences.

Our staff will do all they can to listen to you and support you to find the help you need. You can speak to them without giving your personal details.

The Archdiocese is committed to supporting those who report being harmed and commits to the National Safeguarding Standards:

 “Standard 3: Those that report having suffered harm receive a compassionate, caring and timely response, and are provided with access to appropriate support, advice, and pastoral care.”

Support and a listening ear is available from the Safeguarding Team but we also recognise that people may need/want to access support from other sources, we offer signposting and support to anyone who approaches us. You will be heard, be supported, and have your concerns taken seriously.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Safe Spaces opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review).

Tel: 0300 303 1056
Email: [email protected]
LiveChat: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk

Other support agencies

The Survivors Trust The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK 

NAPAC – Supporting Recovery From Childhood Abuse

Mind -For information for support around abuse  - Guide to support options for abuse - Mind

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Victims' Code - Victim Support

MACSAS Minister & Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors Guide from The Isaiah Journey

Published: 26th March, 2018

Updated: 23rd June, 2023

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Contact us

The Safeguarding Team.

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The Safeguarding Team

Head of Safeguarding – Claire Reay

Safeguarding Advisor - Sarah Fullard

Safeguarding Advisor - Beverley Lewis

Safeguarding Advisor - Georgina McCaugherty (on maternity leave)

Safeguarding Advisor - Lisa Anderson (maternity cover)

Administration Support Officer - Jackie Crawford

Administration Support Officer - Angela Arkley

Contact

Safeguarding
Cathedral House
St Chad’s Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6EX


Tel: 0121 230 6240

Email: [email protected]

Published: 29th March, 2018

Updated: 4th May, 2023

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Safeguarding Policies

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Policies approved by the Trustees of the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Management of Allegations and Concerns

Safer Recruitment

Handling of DBS-related Complaints

DBS Processing

Published: 30th March, 2018

Updated: 18th October, 2023

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Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards

In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding.

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Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards

The following has been sent to all clergy:

In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. Could you please take the necessary steps to include this information on all parish communications (newsletters, noticeboard and website).

Parish Newsletter

For the parish newsletter, please include the following short statement together with contact details for parish safeguarding representatives (PSR) – using their RCAOB email address – this should not include personal telephone numbers:

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdiocese's policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is [xxxxxxxx]. They can be contacted at: [safeguarding email address] or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240/ [email protected] if you have any concern.

Parish Noticeboard

For the parish noticeboard, please print out and display the attached:

• Safeguarding Statement
• CSSA poster – Needs editing with PSR details and RCAOB email address – not personal phone number.
• PSR Photo – optional
• Safe Spaces poster
• The Isaiah Journey guide

Parish Website

For the parish website, please include the following:

• Safeguarding Statement
• Link to Archdiocese safeguarding website
• Safe Spaces statement and link to website
• The Isaiah Journey - link to website

Published: 31st March, 2018

Updated: 25th August, 2023

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Parish Safeguarding Representatives

Volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters.

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Parish Safeguarding Representatives are volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters.

They come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They ensure parishes and local communities are aware of the importance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults, and what is involved in promoting good practice.

They support parishes in the safer recruitment of volunteers and ensuring that their parishes and communities and the activities they run are safe for everyone.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives Mass, October 2022

Published: 1st April, 2018

Updated: 31st October, 2022

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Safeguarding Training

Advice and training for groups and parishes.

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All Parish Safeguarding Representatives have initial training in their role. We also offer advice and 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 Training Brochure

Please email [email protected] if you are interested in accessing the online training providing your name, volunteer role and parish.

Published: 4th April, 2018

Updated: 28th June, 2022

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Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee

Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary.

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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

Vice Chair: vacant

Canon Richard Walker - Vicar General

Bishop David Evans

David Sullivan - Parish Safeguarding Representative

Sr Una Coogan- Religious

Representatives:

Graham Tilby – Birmingham Children’s Trust

Police - vacant

Published: 7th April, 2018

Updated: 20th October, 2023

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Safeguarding Resources and Links

Other agencies and services.

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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

Religious Life Safeguarding Service - Religious Safeguarding

Safe Spaces - Safe Spaces England and Wales 

Survivors Trust -  The Survivors Trust 

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

Clare’s Law

This scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the landmark case that led to it. This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member.

  • West Midlands Police: Clare's Law
  • Warwickshire Police: Clare's Law
  • Staffordshire Police: Clare's Law
  • Thames Valley Police: Clare's Law
  • West Mercia Police: Clare's Law

Sarah’s Law

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:

  • has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
  • poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason
     
It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.

If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.

You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders.

  • Thames Valley Police: Sarah's Law
  • Staffordshire Police: Sarah's Law
  • West Midlands Police: Sarah's Law
  • Warwickshire Police: Sarah's Law
  • West Mercia Police: Sarah's Law

 

Published: 10th April, 2018

Updated: 22nd September, 2023

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