Providing a safe environment for children, adults at risk and others is not only a legal and moral obligation, but a spiritual obligation that falls to every member of the parish community. By virtue of our baptism we are all responsible for making sure our parish community, our ministries and our activities are characterised by mutual respect and a desire to attain the highest standards in safeguarding.

While the parish clergy, safeguarding representatives and others take on this responsibility in a particular way, the words of Jesus above remind us all of our need to look for the wellbeing of each other—especially the most needy and vulnerable members of our community. Safeguarding policies and procedures are also designed to protect individuals who serve in the name of the church and empower them to serve with love and confidence.

In all our parish ministries and activities we implement fully the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. As a result of this, some parish ministries will require ministers to have a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before they are allowed to minister and/or undergo special safeguarding training. There is no cost involved to the parishioner and one of the parish safeguarding representatives will help guide you through the process.

If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Safeguarding Representatives whose details are below and on our notice boards. You can also speak with any of the parish clergy or with the safeguarding office for the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle.