Safeguarding in the Diocese and the Parish

Safeguarding within the Diocese of Salford is of paramount importance and the Diocese is dedicated to promoting the safeguarding of all children and adults at risk within its community. Salford Diocese 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, and take the necessary actions to reduce the likelihood of further harm. Safeguarding staff within the Diocese liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and thoroughly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is described as:-

• The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully… Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The definition of Safeguarding adults at risk is described as:-

• Action to prevent abuse or to protect persons thought to be at risk of abuse or neglect or poor standards of care by any other person or persons that violates their human and civil rights.

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. Following the publication of The Nolan report in 2001, the Diocese has implemented robust Safeguarding policies and procedures regarding the protection of children and adults at risk, which places paramount importance upon the welfare of the alleged victim.

The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities in which at-risk children and adults participate. For example, children’s liturgy groups within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers visiting the sick and offering support and care for victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations. The Church also ministers to and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.

The Parish of the Nativity recognizes 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 and to liaise with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.

If you have any concerns about the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults in the parish, please contact our lead safeguarding officer, Christine Baldwin, on 07718 319 824. Alternatively, you may contact the Diocese of Salford Safeguarding Team directly.

The parish safeguarding team:

Christine Baldwin

Monica Browe

Margaret Grimes

Christina Jambo

Margaret Ryan