The role in plain words

Every parish in the Diocese of Shrewsbury has a Parish Safeguarding Representative, often called the PSR. The PSR is a volunteer, appointed by the parish priest in consultation with the Department of Safeguarding at the Curial Office in Prenton. The PSR is the local face of safeguarding and the first point of contact for any concern raised inside the parish.

The diocese is incredibly fortunate to have a network of dedicated and vigilant Parish Safeguarding Representatives. These volunteer Safeguarding Representatives are key in ensuring the safer recruitment and support of all parish volunteers and activities.

Bishop Mark Davies, diocesan safeguarding page, dioceseofshrewsbury.org/safeguarding.

What a PSR actually does

The role is practical, not ceremonial. A typical PSR in a Shrewsbury parish:

• Receives and passes on safeguarding concerns to the diocesan team and, where relevant, the statutory authorities.
• Supports the parish priest with the safer recruitment of volunteers, including catechists, sacristans, hospitality teams, choir and altar server leaders.
• Verifies identity for DBS applications and tracks renewal dates.
• Promotes safeguarding training and reminds volunteers when their certificates lapse.
• Holds the parish safeguarding noticeboard and keeps the local poster up to date with diocesan contact details.
• Attends diocesan PSR briefings and the annual safeguarding training day.
• Reports to the parish priest and to the Department of Safeguarding on the parish's safeguarding activity.

Who can apply

The PSR is not required to be a former police officer or social worker, although those backgrounds are welcome. The diocese looks for someone who:

• Is a practising Catholic in good standing in the parish.
• Is approachable, discreet and reliable.
• Can keep written records and respond to email and phone within reasonable time.
• Is willing to attend diocesan training and to keep that training current.
• Holds an Enhanced DBS check obtained through the diocesan umbrella body.

The recruitment process

1. Speak to your parish priest first. A PSR is appointed by the parish priest. He needs to know you are interested before any process begins.
2. Contact the Department of Safeguarding at safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org or on 0151 652 9855 for the application form and the role description.
3. Complete the application, including two referees who are not family members.
4. Submit an Enhanced DBS check through the diocesan umbrella body. The diocese guides you through this. See the separate guide, How to Apply for a DBS Check Through the Diocese.
5. Attend the induction, which the Safeguarding Coordinator Andrew O'Brien and the safeguarding team run several times a year at the Curial Office and online.
6. Complete the foundation safeguarding training, which sets out the 8 National Safeguarding Standards of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and the diocesan policies.

Training and ongoing formation

The diocese requires every PSR to complete:

• Foundation safeguarding training in the first three months in role.
• Annual refresher training, normally a half-day in person or online.
• Specialist training as offered by the diocese, for example on responding to disclosures, working with adults at risk, or online safety.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee, chaired by a Lay Safeguarding Trustee and including the Chancellor, the Vicar General and statutory authority representatives, sets the training framework. The PSR network reports up through this structure to the Board of Trustees of the Shrewsbury Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust, charity number 234025.

Time commitment

For a typical parish, expect two to four hours a month in quiet times and more during recruitment seasons or when a concern is being handled. Annual training adds roughly a day. The role is a serious commitment, but it is not a full-time one.

Support you will receive

You are not alone. The diocesan team is reachable on 0151 652 9855 during office hours. Andrew O'Brien is on 07557 731 492 during office hours for urgent matters. Alison Brady and Alison Charters are part of the same team. PSRs across the diocese meet for shared learning and pastoral support.

If you are interested

• Speak to your parish priest first.
• Email safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org for the role description and application form.
• Ring 0151 652 9855 if you would prefer to talk first.
• Read Bishop Davies' safeguarding statement and the diocesan documents at dioceseofshrewsbury.org/safeguarding.

The Bishop's words bear repeating. The PSRs are key to safer recruitment and to the support of all parish volunteers and activities. If you are willing, the diocese needs you.