The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is completing a safeguarding inspection within the Diocese, and would like to hear the views of as many people as possible regarding their arrangements for safeguarding. This includes experiences that are new, ongoing, or connected to non-recent abuse. Although our assessment looks at the last 12 months, we do not wish to limit what you choose to share. This information will support our assessment of the effectiveness of current safeguarding arrangements and contribute to the prevention of abuse. Whatever you tell us will help inform our conclusions about safeguarding today. We will let you know exactly how we will manage the information you give us.
All responses are received anonymously, unless you choose to provide your contact details or other identifying information.
Safeguarding within The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham is of paramount importance and the Ordinariate is dedicated to promoting the safeguarding of all children and adults at risk within its community. The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham aims to proactively embed a culture of safeguarding to prevent abuse occurring in the first instance, and to provide support to individuals who have been hurt by abuse.
The Ordinariate is committed to taking any necessary actions to reduce the likelihood of further harm. Safeguarding staff within the various dioceses, working on behalf of the Ordinariate, liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and thoroughly investigated and, where appropriate, survivors are supported and perpetrators held to account.
The Catholic Church acknowledges the value of every human life and promotes the duty to support all people and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is an essential element of the Catholic Church required to fulfil the mission and calling, given by Christ, to value every human life.
The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities in which children and adults at risk can participate. For example, Children’s Liturgy groups within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers visiting the sick, and a variety of opportunities to participate in the faith through the medium of music. The Church offers support and care for victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations, and ministers to and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.
The Ordinariate recognises its responsibility in safeguarding the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people and is committed to taking all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment.
Safeguarding in the Ordinariate is carried out in conjunction with the local diocese. Priests and groups are widely spread across England and Wales but the numbers are relatively small when compared with those of the dioceses. It is important to understand that all priests are aligned with the diocese for all safeguarding issues such as training, whilst the Ordinariate retains responsibility for the working of those arrangements.
If therefore issues (small or large) arise it is important that they are handled by the relevant diocesan safeguarding office, who will be acting on behalf of the Ordinariate. If an issue arises and the diocese office is unable to deal with it and people are concerned the police should be notified so action can be taken.
As part of this contract, an Episcopal Vicar is appointed to act as a liaison between the diocesan structure and the Ordinariate.
It is important to understand that the Episcopal Vicar is there to liaise not to act as a safeguarder. The role is to receive information as and when people offer it and to assist the Bishop and Trustees in the exercise of their responsibilities.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales offer safeguarding e-learning to every parishioner free of charge.
Do you work with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable? Are you a parent who wants to learn about online safety?
Then take a look at the safeguarding e-learning programme which includes:
Child Protection
Child Protection in Education
Safeguarding Adults
Child Exploitation and Online Safety
Mental Capacity
To find out more please download the brochure to see the courses available and how to access them.
The e-learning programme is an integral part of the Church's commitment to safeguarding. We all have a role to play in creating a safe environment.
