The Parish Safeguarding Representative

“What awaits us therefore is an exciting work of pastoral revitalisation – a work involving all of us”
(Novo Millennio Inuente III, Sec.29)

As part of our pastoral revitalisation, the Parish Pastoral Council has developed a parish Vision Statement. In this document we declare how we are a community that “promotes freedom from poverty, neglect and abuse”. As part of our dedication to that vision, it is vital that we demonstrate our total commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. We must all play a part in fostering a “culture of vigilance” in making our parish “a safe place where parents, children and volunteers can feel confident, respected and secure”. So it is important that every member of the parish is aware that we have a Safeguarding Representative working for us.

The Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR for short!) is a voluntary post and has a key role in the management of the Safeguarding Procedures as laid down by the Diocese of Westminster and the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. She is a lay member of our own parish who has received appropriate training from the Diocese and the procedures she implements apply to all staff, (volunteers, clergy, and employees) in the parish. The PSR is the first line monitor of the Safeguarding Procedures and together with the parish priest has responsibility for safeguarding within the parish. While the PSR works closely with all parish staff and clergy, she is independent of the parish team and is also responsible to the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Coordinator and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. She must also undertake training for ongoing personal development and agree to a personal code of conduct while in post. The CPR also sits on the Parish Pastoral Council so that all aspects of parish life are informed by the Safeguarding Procedures.

In the day-to-day life of the parish the PSR is responsible for the following:

1. The administration of all application forms and checking procedures for volunteers and full time staff who have contact with or access to children or vulnerable adults.

2. Keeping records of all under-18 activities in the parish and those who run them.

3. Ensuring that persons working with under-18 year olds in the parish know and understand what they must do to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. This will include informing all those who use Church facilities of the need to protect children.

4. Being sensitive to the concerns of volunteers and facilitate the reporting of any concerns.

5. Helping to promote and develop a safe and vigilant environment in the Church, the Hall and wherever the community gathers together.

6. Conducting an annual review of all volunteers, confirming role, and continuance of volunteer work and submitting this to the Diocese.

7. Clarifying the role of potential volunteers and overseeing the administration and appropriate training of these people.