Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement 

Safeguarding within the diocese of Nottingham is of paramount importance and the  diocese is dedicated to promoting the safeguarding of all children and adults at risk  within its community. Nottingham 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. 

The diocese is committed to taking any 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 are 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. It involves taking action to enable all children to have the best  outcomes.
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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 relating to the protection of children and  adults at risk, which places paramount importance upon the welfare of the victims  and survivors of abuse. 

The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities in which  children and adults at risk can participate. For example, Children’s Liturgy groups  within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers visiting the sick, and a variety of opportunities  to participate in the faith through the medium of music. The Church offers support  and care for victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations, and ministers to  and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.

The diocese recognises 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.