Safeguarding

Diocesan Statement of Purpose

To have preventative policies and practices operating effectively in parishes and in the Diocese that will minimise the opportunity for abuse (from Nolan Recommendation 2). In the belief that each child and vulnerable adult in our communities is created in God’s image to “have life, in its fullness” (John10:10), to commit to promoting their fullest human, moral and spiritual development.

To recognise the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults towards whom the Church has a special responsibility and a duty of care.

The Church and individual members of it undertake to do all in their power to create a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

The Church authorities will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly dealt with, victims supported and perpetrators held to account (from Nolan Recommendation 4).

To this end all parties will adhere to guidelines and follow policies and procedures in all activities to ensure, above all else, that the welfare of the young and of the vulnerable is nurtured, upheld and protected.

*A PROGRAMME FOR ACTION. Final Report of the Independent review on Child Protection in the Catholic Church in England and Wales (Sept 2001).

St Mary and St Michael RC Church, Settle, fully subscribe to this Statement of Purpose and with a view to protecting ALL within our community, would ask that any concerns, suspicions, or doubts, be brought to the attention of our experienced Parish Safeguarding Representative, Gillian Cannon at settlercsafeguarding@btinternet.com or by phoning 01729 825149.

The diocesan e-mail address is safeguarding@dioceseofleeds.org.uk and the phone number is 0113 2618 069 .

For further detail please see www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/safeguarding

ALL contact and communication will be treated with the utmost and strictest confidence which can and will be assured and guaranteed.

If in any doubt at all, please bring your concerns to our attention.