SAFEGUARDING
Information for the Parishes of St Dominic's Dursley and St Joseph's Nympsfield
Safeguarding is an essential part in the life and ministry of the Church. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places, especially for those who are vulnerable. Abuse and harm have no place in our diocese. There is zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed in National Policies.
Jesus welcomed children and blessed them. We are told that Jesus was indignant when anyone tried to keep the children away “let the little children come to me and do not stop them. It is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10: 14).
Jesus makes clear his view about those who seek to harm the vulnerable, “anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18: 5-6) Jesus’ stark words point to the horror and seriousness of abuse. Abuse is evil. It is destructive.
Everyone in our diocese is called to ensure that all diocesan institutions, parishes, clergy, employees and volunteers take appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment and put into practice Christ’s ministry towards children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Our diocese is committed to accompany and support all victims/survivors of abuse.
We seek to learn from them and their representatives about best safeguarding practice.
Bishop Bosco MacDonald, May 2024
In Clifton Diocese we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those entrusted to our care, especially the most vulnerable among us. The Church’s mission is to bring the light of Christ to the world, and we must be vigilant in protecting those who are at risk of harm. The sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults is a grave sin that deeply offends our Lord and causes immense harm to victims.
As the shepherd of this diocese, I take this responsibility very seriously and I am determined to do everything in my power to prevent such abuses from occurring and to respond swiftly and compassionately when they do.
To this end, we have implemented robust safeguarding policies and procedures throughout the diocese. It is the responsibility of everyone within the Diocese of Clifton to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places, especially for those who are vulnerable. We have a zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed in National Policies from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.
We are also committed to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the Church in all our activities. Responding to those who come forward to report having suffered harm is a vital part of our mission and the Diocese is committed to being a welcoming and safe Church that is truly a beacon of light and hope for all.
We strive to support survivors and those who have been harmed by the Church, and we wish to work with survivors to improve standards further. We will listen and learn from every survivor/victim we work with.
May the grace of God strengthen us in this vital mission.
Parish Safeguarding Representatives:
The safeguarding representative for Dursley Parish is Sue Whitney who can be contacted via the Church Office on 01453 542039 or mobile 07769 269 065 or by her secure email:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Representative for Nympsfield Parish is Barbara Thomas who can be contacted via the Church office as above or in person at St Joseph's Church after the 5:30 PM Vigil Mass on Saturdays.
The Diocesan safeguarding team supports the ministry of the Church by providing a professional and robust support around the protection of children, young people and adults at risk, to ensure that worshipping communities are safe places where all have a positive experience of the Church in which they feel loved, accepted and safe.
All issues will be dealt with in a sensitive and caring manner, in the strictest of confidence.
The dedicated safeguarding team work closely with other agencies including the Police, Probation, Social Services and comply with the standards that are set by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The CSSA has been set up as a professional standards body with regulatory powers which exist to regulate all Catholic Churches.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Office:
This is is located at Alexander House, 160 Pennywell Road, Bristol, BS5 0TX
Their website is: www.cliftondiocese.com/depatments/safeguarding and has a great deal of information and contact details.
General enquiries: 0117 954 0993
Email: safeguarding@
Safeguarding Coordinator:
Janice Pearson
Janice.pearson@cliftondiocese.
Other Links:
NCSC National Catholic Safeguarding Commission: http://www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk