We are all made in the “image and likeness of God.” Given this clear truth of faith, all abuse, always and everywhere, is wrong. It is a serious crime. We will do all that we can to eradicate it and to support anyone who is, or has been, a survivor of abuse, whether as a child or vulnerable adult.
We do this inspired by the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and following the Safeguarding principles and policies of the Diocese of Brentwood. These are based on statutory guidelines and policies, which inform national guidance within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
If you know or believe that a child or vulnerable adult is in danger of being abused, or is subject to abuse, then immediately dial 999 for the police, who will help you.
If you want to talk about an allegation of abuse, or if you are a survivor of historic abuse and want to talk about it with someone who will listen with sensitivity and care, then please contact our diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator, Simon Moules who will help in any possible way and he can be contacted on simon@dioceseofbrentwood.org.
You can also phone the national “safe space” helpline on 0300 303 1056. This is a dedicated helpline for anyone who has been a survivor of abuse in a Catholic or Church of England faith setting (church, school, or anywhere else run by the church). You will find more information at https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
We recommend that everyone should complete the free online safeguarding training but particularly those working with children and/or vulnerable adults. Please click on the link to the right for full details of the (E-learning) training modules and how to access them
As Catholics we believe that human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative act of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with Him. Accordingly, we recognise that each human being, irrespective of age or circumstance, should be accorded the dignity and respect due to a child of God.
The Church as a community has a duty to follow the command to love by valuing and protecting the vulnerable. Children are the most vulnerable and have the greatest entitlement to protection.
In order to assist this, Bishop Alan Williams has appointed Mr Simon Moules as his Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Father David Clemens as the Clergy Adviser for Safeguarding and Abbot Hugh Allan as the Religious Adviser for Safeguarding to act on his behalf in these matters. They in turn are assisted by a group of qualified people with experience in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
The diocese confirms that in matters of the alleged abuse of children the ‘Paramount Principle’ will be maintained, that is the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration in all matters concerning the protection of children. Legally, someone is defined as a child up to his/her 18th birthday.
For advice and information regarding safeguarding matters, the Safeguarding Board consists of those persons listed below.
Safeguarding
| Safeguarding Co-ordinator | Mr Simon Moules BA (Hons), DipS/W |
|---|---|
| P.A. to the Safeguarding Coordinator | Mrs Johanna Peluso |
| __________ Safeguarding Board Membership __________ | |
| Safeguarding Chairman | Mrs Linda Ransom M.B.E. Dip (Social Administration), Cert. S/W, Dip (Child Protection) |
| Safeguarding Vice Chairman | Mr Mark Fookes BSc (Hons), DipS/W |
| Religious Adviser for Safeguarding | Rt Rev Abbot Hugh Allan BA, O Praem |
| Clergy Adviser for Safeguarding | Rev David Clemens BPh, STB, STL |
| Chairman of Safeguarding sub committee | Rev Mgr Canon Kevin Hale Vicar General |
| Safeguarding sub committee member | Rev Dominic Howarth MA, STL |
| Mr David O'Brien LLB (Hons), DipS/W, CQS/W, Barrister at Law | |
| Rev Robert White (Ord) | |
| Consultant on Canon Law matters and communications | Rev John Harvey BA (Div), JCL, MCL, KHS |