We believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, young person or adult, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Representative, Isabella Fox safeguarding@sjbcathedral.org.uk. If you feel there is immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
Your mission is to help ensure that abuse is prevented. Yet prevention is never just a set of protocols or procedures. It is about helping to form, throughout the Church, a culture of care, in which the protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is not seen as an obligation imposed from outside, but as a natural expression of faith.
Our safeguarding commitment
Our parish and the Catholic Diocese of East Anglia are fully committed to safeguarding in order to ensure that we maintain peaceful, loving and safe Christian communities in which everybody, particularly young and vulnerable members, can confidently participate.
The policies and procedures of the Catholic Church of England and Wales are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
We recognise the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people, to whom we have a special responsibility. The Diocese, parishes and individuals in it: take all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all; practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and vulnerable adults; and will respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.
We will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that we: promptly and properly respond to any allegations of abuse; appropriately support any victims; and hold perpetrators to account.
All allegations of abuse reported to the Church in England and Wales are immediately passed on to the police. The Church works closely and cooperatively with the statutory authorities as these allegations are investigated. Following this investigation, which follows UK law, the Church conducts its own internal investigation, following Canon Law.
The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is at the heart of the Church’s mission. There is no place in the Church, or indeed society, for abuse – a grievous crime which can affect people for their entire lives. Victims come first.
Contact Details
Safeguarding Coordinator
Safeguarding Administrator
Safer recruitment
The parish ensures that all roles, whether paid or voluntary, are recruited for in the safest way possible, following Diocesan processes. This includes individuals completing the application form, two references being taken up, and a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check completed where necessary. Once these elements have been returned and are satisfactory, then an appointment can be made.
Volunteers are encouraged to complete safeguarding training which is provided by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency. All volunteers should complete level 1 and those in roles requiring a DBS should complete level 3.