The Roman Catholic parish of St. Paul’s Cramlington is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of the children and the vulnerable members within our church communities, and also to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable are able to worship and pursue their faith with encouragement and in safety. As such, the policies and procedures related to Safeguarding promulgated by the Catholic Bishops conference of England and Wales and adopted by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle have been put into practice by our parish.
This commitment flows from the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and the Church’s common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human person.
The Diocese is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. Supported by and in compliance with the policies and procedures of the Catholic Standards Safeguarding Agency (CSSA), we are striving towards a culture of safeguarding where all are safe from harm and abuse and where everyone is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life In Jesus Christ through the prayerful, nurturing, supportive and protective endeavours of the Catholic Community, both individually and collectively.
The Diocese will ensure that any allegations of a safeguarding matter are responded to promptly and liaise openly with statutory authorities to support investigations, responding sensitively and compassionately to those in need, and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.
The Parish Safeguarding representative
Our parish has a safeguarding representative who works along with the Parish Priest and the Safeguarding officer of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle to ensure that the parish is aware of the importance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults; and what is involved in promoting good and safe practice. Refer to our parish team to know more about the Safeguarding representative.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle’s Safeguarding Committee co-ordinates, plans and monitors all aspects of safeguarding work within the Diocese. See the Safeguarding Advisory Committee page of the Diocesan website for more information.
Safeguarding in the parish
It is the firm expectation of the Bishop, Trustees and Safeguarding Committee that all those working with vulnerable groups including children, young people or adults at risk, undertake Diocesan Safeguarding Awareness Training. This is not dependent on their role being eligible for a DBS check. Training can be achieved by volunteers registering with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency; help and advice can be obtained from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 0191 243 3305”.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee expects all those engaged in this important ministry to complete the training. Completion of this training is required if individuals wish to continue working with vulnerable groups.
Diocese safeguarding Policies – Click here for more information
