Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a task and commitment to which every member of the Church is called. Safeguarding is part of proclaiming the Gospel, for in all our efforts to care and protect the most vulnerable we give witness to Christ. The same Jesus, the Eternal Son of God who became vulnerable and defenceless as a tiny child entrusted to Our Lady and Saint Joseph.
Today we can be grateful for so many in our Shrewsbury Diocese who serve the Church’s mission in safeguarding, helping to make the home and family of the Church the safest of places for the young and the most vulnerable. We are thankful too for the invaluable network of volunteers and team of professionals at parish and diocesan level who help us all put safeguarding into practice in our communities and remind us of our shared responsibilities.”
With my thanks to everyone who is part of the Church’s safeguarding mission today,
+ Mark
Bishop of Shrewsbury
Reporting Abuse
Since the coronavirus pandemic began a lot has changed around us, this disruption has presented a variety of challenges for people in our communities. The support made available within our parishes has culminated in a positive impact for many and we must continue to build upon this dedicated effort. Creating a safer culture in our churches is vital and requires everyone’s efforts for it to be achieved and sustained. Through simple everyday actions we answer our call from God to protect and care for those around us who may be vulnerable due to age, illness, disability or current and past experiences in their lives and respond compassionately to help keep them safe from harm. This important safeguarding ministry can be further supported within your parish and by the Safeguarding Office.
Safeguarding is rooted in everything the Diocese of Shrewsbury does and we continually aim to develop good practice for the benefit of all. In creating a robust safeguarding culture across the diocese, parish priests, other clergy and the laity have a key role to play. Clergy are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and demonstrate their commitment to developing their knowledge through ongoing engagement with safeguarding training and continual support of parish activities. 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.
Would you like to support your parish safeguarding team?
Please speak to your Parish Priest or contact the Diocese Safeguarding Office.
Parish Safeguarding Resources
Safe Recruitment – DBS information
Victim and Survivor Support
The Diocese of Shrewsbury is committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity. As a diocese we are committed to moving forward and building a foundation and relationships based upon faith and in trust with all victims and survivors. As Bishop, I fully understand that the creation of a safe culture begins with the respectful, compassionate and non-judgemental response to people who have been affected by abuse in the Church regardless of where the harm occurred or who is responsible. We will meet victims and survivors where they are in their own journey, we will act justly, behave with integrity, and walk with them using the best supportive practices.
+ Bishop Mark Davies
To download the full statement please see below
Safe Spaces
The diocese encourages victims and survivors of abuse to come forward and supports them to do so. The Elliott Review (2020) focussed on the importance of the voice of victims and survivors in shaping safeguarding services in the Church. “To provide an effective safeguarding service, it is imperative that the voice of those that have been harmed through their involvement with the Church, is heard and learnt from. We will respect and value their opinions, seeing them as wise consultants. All engagement will be done with humility, compassion, and empathy in the realisation that there is much to learn. Engaging with survivors will be approached in a way that reflects their needs, and at all times their wellbeing will be central”.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Office responds to victims and survivors professionally and in a sensitive way, understanding that sharing and disclosing information can be distressing. The office and its team provide a safe point of contact for any individual to raise safeguarding concerns and will facilitate appropriate support.
Department of Safeguarding for the Diocese of Shrewsbury
Address: Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, Wirral CH43 4UX
Email: safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
Telephone: 0151-652-9855 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Safeguarding Coordinator: Andrew O’Brien
Email: andrew.obrien@DioceseofShrewsbury.org
Telephone: 07557731492 (For use in office hours)
Safeguarding Team:
Alison Brady – Email: alison.brady@DioceseOfShrewsbury.org
Alison Charters – Email: alison.charters@DioceseOfShrewsbury.org
The Shrewsbury Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee has strategic oversight of the safeguarding work across the diocese and reports to the Board of Trustees. The sub-committee assists and promotes the importance of safeguarding across all diocesan activities and ministry, including the creation of safe church environments. To enable the promotion of a safer environment within the Catholic Church and to operate within the 8 National Safeguarding Standards as set out by the CSSA. A key role of the sub-committee is ensuring that responses to safeguarding matters are dealt with in a timely manner and statutory authorities are informed and cooperated with.
The sub-committee is Chaired by a Lay Safeguarding Trustee, other members include the diocesan Chancellor, Vicar General, Clergy Advisor, Financial Secretary and representatives from statutory authorities including the Police, Probation and Local Authority Social Care services.
Sub-Committee Members: