The information and resources below will assist parishes with implementing good practices, statutory policies and procedures to ensure all church premises and activities are secure, accessible and welcoming
Many of the resources on this page have been produced by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA), a full list of resources can be found by clicking this link.
- National Safeguarding Policy (CSSA)
- Caring Safely for Others – Code of conduct for clergy
- Creating a safer environment (CSSA):
- Risk Assessment, (page 5)
- Supervision and Adult to Child Ratios (Pages 8-9)
- Offsite activities (pages 16-20)
- Photography and Filming (pages 31-35)
- Use of Social Media, Email and Texting (pages 26-30)
- Live Streaming of church services, (pages 36)
- Transport, (pages 37-38)
- A brief guide to creating a safer environment – good starting point for planning new or recurring events
- Diocesan Safeguarding Policies
- Diocesan Procedures and Practice
- Volunteering in confidence
- Diocesan Data Protection Policies and Guidance – please contact dpo@rcdow.org.uk for guidance on CCTV, Live Streaming etc.
- Parish Hall Hire Agreements – please contact propertyenquiries@rcdow.org.uk for the most up to date hire agreements and policies.
- Reporting a concern
- Supporting those impacted by abuse
- Parish Safeguarding Representative guidance and posters
- Activity Risk Assessment
- Safe recruitment including DBS for those that work with children and adults at risk (DBS renewed every 3 years)
- Safeguarding Training for all
- Written agreement for volunteers (CSSA)
- Code of Conduct for Leaders and Helpers
- Code of Conduct for Children and Young People (CSSA)
- Home Visiting Guidance – For parish appointed volunteers/workers that visit homes of parishoners in the name of the parish.
- Visiting adults in the home: Safer Practice Guidance
- Visiting families in the home: Safer Practice for Guidance
Disclaimer
Throughout our section, you will find links to external websites. Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly and ensure these links are accurate, up to date, and relevant. However, the Safeguarding Service does not take responsibility for pages maintained by external providers.
If you come across any external links that do not work, we would be grateful if you could report them to the web content team or email: safeguardingadmin@rcdow.org.uk