Safeguarding Officers

The parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdiocesan policies and procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives are Donna Powell and Jude Banner-Eilbeck. They can be contacted at: sg.hcasf.walmley@rcaob.org.uk  or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121230 6240 safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk if you have any concerns.

Why does it matter?

Safeguarding is a relatively new term which is broader than ‘child protection’ as it also includes prevention. Safeguarding has been defined as:

• All agencies working with children, young people and their families taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised; and
• Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies. (Safeguarding Children (2005),

Safeguarding children is vital for we all have a duty of care towards the children with whom we have contact. Having safeguards in place within an organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of children but also it enhances the confidence of trustees, staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public. Safeguarding children is beneficial to a charity in many ways – protecting its reputation, helping to effectively meet its objectives and protecting its finances.

The necessity to safeguard children applies both to charities working in the UK and other countries where children may face different or additional risks of abuse or exploitation. These safeguards should include a child protection policy and procedures for dealing with issues of concern or abuse. For the purposes of child protection legislation the term ‘child’ refers to anyone up to the age of 18 years.

If you have any concerns whatsoever please contact Donna or Judith.