The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdioceses policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is Mel Shaw. She can be contacted at: sg.sboc.stokeontrent@rcaob.org.uk or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240/ safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk if you have any concerns.

 

The Archdiocese of Birmingham has a zero-tolerance approach to all abuse. Reporting abuse If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.

 

It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.

 

As per the code of conduct, if you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the Safeguarding Team in your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the police.

 

If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and to the Diocesan Safeguarding office on 0121 230 6240 (safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk).

 

All Church activity should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm.

 

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has committed to a common set of national safeguarding standards to help protect children and adultswho may at risk. Each Diocese has a Safeguarding Team and a Trustee Subcommittee, which has oversight of that work.

 

Each parish has a Safeguarding Representative(s). They provide the link between the parish and the Safeguarding Team, promote safe practice in all activities involving children and adults and advise on safeguarding matters in the parish.

 

 The Diocesan Safeguarding Team 0121 230 6240, safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk

 

They provide advice to safeguarding representatives and parish priests and manage more serious safeguarding concerns. They have responsibility for Diocesan-wide policy, practice and training and safer recruitment processes

 

.Support is also available from Safe Spaces (https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/), a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

The Bishops' Conference of England & Wales has provided the 'Isaiah Journey', a guide for survivors of abuse which can be downloaded here (https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/Survivors-Guide.pdf).

You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.