Here is the annual safeguarding statement which Archbishop Cushley has asked to be read out in all parishes in the Archdiocese this weekend (4/5 October)

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This annual statement is read out in all parishes in the Archdiocese around the time of the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels which falls on the 2 of October.

In echoing this spirit of guardianship, we would like to remind you of our obligation to ensure that our parish communities are safe and welcoming places, where children and vulnerable adults are protected.

Our procedures are designed to create a safe culture.

Safe recruitment practices ensure that volunteers only start their ministry once a series of suitability checks have been completed, including a Protection of Vulnerable Groups, or PVG, check if appropriate.

We have reporting measures so that concerns can be passed on.

Our Mandatory Reporting Policy is designed to ensure that any allegations of abuse are reported to the police.

Safeguarding training ensures that volunteers, group leaders and Parish Safeguarding Coordinators know what to do if a safeguarding situation arises.

Whilst statutory procedures such as PVG checks are an essential and mandatory part of our protocols, adopting a culture of care is equally important – being vigilant, looking out for each other, and passing on any concerns.

Archbishop Leo Cushley wishes to express his sincere thanks to our clergy, parish safeguarding coordinator(s), group leaders, and volunteers; as we work together to ensure that our people, places and activities are safe.

Full details of safeguarding staff for the Archdiocese can be found on the safeguarding page on this website.

There is a poster at the back of all churches with the name and contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator.

 

The Archdiocese's annual safeguarding day heard from a leading charity which helps ensure the better protection of children.

Stuart Allardyce, of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said: "With this annual safeguarding event you have invited in an organisation to talk about what we can do to stop abuse before it happens.

"I think that's a real sign that there's some pro-active work being done that really is progressive in relation to safeguarding within the Catholic Church."

The key message of the day, held at The Gillis Centre, was that faith and belief communities can take leadership in protecting children from harm.

Stuart and his colleagues gave presentations to clergy, to provide evidence-based examples, practical tips and resources.

Archbishop Cushley said: "I'm grateful to Stuart and the team from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for leading this Safeguarding Day.

"It has been helpful, thought-provoking and we are encouraged to continue taking leadership in ensuring the prevention of harm within the Church."

The event took place ahead of the annual Day of Prayer for those who have Suffered Abuse, which is on Friday 7 March.

Parishes have been sent liturgical resources from the Bishops Conference of Scotland to help mark the day, which can be found here.

Find out more about the Lucy Faithfull Foundation here.  Find out more about the work of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Safety team here.

Our annual statement is read out in parishes around the time of the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, which this year falls on 2 October.

In echoing this spirit of guardianship, we would like to remind you of our obligation to ensure that parish communities are safe and welcoming places, where children and vulnerable adults are protected.

Our procedures are designed to create a safe culture.

Safe recruitment practices ensure that volunteers only start their ministry once a series of suitability checks have been completed, including a Protection of Vulnerable Groups, or PVG, check if appropriate. We have reporting measures so that concerns can be passed on.

Our Mandatory Reporting Policy is designed to ensure that any allegations of abuse are reported to the police. Safeguarding training ensures that volunteers, group leaders and Parish Safeguarding Coordinators know what to do if a safeguarding situation arises.

Whilst statutory procedures such as PVG checks are an essential and mandatory part of our protocols, adopting a culture of care is equally important – being vigilant, looking out for each other,and passing on any concerns.

Archbishop Leo Cushley wishes to express his sincere thanks to clergy, parish safeguarding coordinators, group leaders, and volunteers, as we work together to ensure that our people, places and activities are safe.

Full details of safeguarding staff for the Archdiocese can be found on the safeguarding page of this website here.

The 2023 National Safeguarding Conference will take place on Saturday 18 November in Glasgow.

The annual event is for clergy, religious, PSCs, parish volunteers, employees and all who have a role in the Church’s safeguarding efforts in Scotland.

The theme is 'Once Chance to Change: Trauma Informed Responses to Disclosures of Abuse.'

Organisers say: "The conference is designed as an in-person event in order to encourage networking and facilitate rich discussion on the range of scenarios to be presented.

"By attending you can benefit from expert input, practical discussion and take-away resources on trauma-informed responses to disclosures of abuse."

The Conference Fee is £25 and you are encouraged to book now while places are available.

National Safeguarding Conference, University of Strathclyde's Technology & Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD. Register here.