THE ENGLISH DELEGATION OF THE CONGREGATION OF JOSEPHITES
As Josephites, we are committed to following the Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church in England, Wales, and Scotland, in line
with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England, Wales, and Scotland to report all allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities,
regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
The person to contact about allegations of abuse involving Josephites in England is Steve O’Connor, the Head of Safeguarding at
the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS), (stephen.oconnor@religioussafeguarding.org or by phone 07564 055525).
RLSS can also be contacted at safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org or by phone 0151 556 2311.
If you believe a child or adult is at risk or in immediate danger please contact the emergency services on 999.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1. POLICY OVERVIEW
The English Delegation of the Congregation of Josephites (“The English Delegation”) is committed to safeguarding all children and
adults. For The English Delegation this commitment directly relates to the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Church's common belief in the preciousness, dignity and uniqueness of
every human life.
We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of protection, love, encouragement and
respect.
We are committed to the One Church Approach to safeguarding by implementing the changes needed and ensuring we respond to
victim/survivors promptly and compassionately.
This policy must be read alongside the following:
• The Congregation of Josephites - Child Protection Policy (2022)
• The Congregation of Josephites - Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy (2022).
• Integrity in Mission
o Integrity in Ministry is a code of conduct for Religious engaged in
ministry in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. This code of conduct produced by Conference of Religious in England and Wales is
based on but goes beyond the provisions of the Code of Canon Law
• Safe Spaces
o Safe Spaces is a joint project of the Church of England and Catholic Church in England and Wales to provide a vital support service
for survivors of church-related abuse.
This policy is designed to ensure compliance with both statutory legislation and Catholic Church safeguarding standards. It is
reviewed regularly to reflect best practice and lessons learned. It adheres to the “Eight National Safeguarding Standards” published by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (“CSSA”) which
can be found here: https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/resources/the-eight-national-safeguarding-standards/
The English Delegation is committed to fostering a learning culture in safeguarding by ensuring that the voices of survivors and
whistleblowers are formally considered within all safeguarding reviews and improvement processes. Feedback received from survivors and those raising concerns will be systematically incorporated into
the evaluation of safeguarding practice, policy development, and staff training. Secure and confidential mechanisms for the reporting of concerns will be maintained, and evidence of the impact of
such engagement will be demonstrable through actions taken, governance reporting, and cultural improvement initiatives.
Statutory Legislative Reference: This policy is intended to be compliant with the Care Act 2014 (adults), Working Together to Safeguard
Children 2023 (children), and the latest principles outlined by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and Cumberledge Reports. The Church of England and Catholic Church have
introduced updated safeguarding codes of practice and stricter statutory expectations for religious organisations starting September 2025, with a new “duty to comply”—not just “have due regard”. This
policy will be updated after October 2025 to reflect these changes.
Together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales, we adhere to national safeguarding standards that emphasise embedding
safeguarding within the Church's leadership, governance, ministry, and culture.
These standards focus on creating a culture of safety, respect, and trust, prioritising the protection of children, young people, and
vulnerable adults. Key aspects include robust procedures for reporting and managing allegations of abuse, providing support for those who have been harmed as well as for those against
whom allegations have been made and ensuring proper training and support for all involved in safeguarding.
2. SCOPE
2.1 This policy and procedure applies to all within The English Delegation regardless of their role or the activities they
undertake.
2.2 It is the responsibility of all within The English Delegation to prevent abuse, whether by action or omission. Abuse in this policy
refers to: physical; sexual; emotional; spiritual; neglect; self-neglect; organisational; material; psychological; financial; domestic or verbal.
2.3 Additionally, behaviour which effectively results in modern day slavery or where there is evidence of discrimination or
radicalisation, this needs to be recognised and addressed as a safeguarding issue, in accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 6.
2.4 This policy applies to all members, trustees, employees (if any), volunteers, and any other individuals acting on behalf of the
English Delegation, regardless of their level of contact with children or vulnerable adults. At present the English Delegation does not employ anybody not do it have any volunteers.
3. TRAINING
3.1 All members of The English Delegation will undergo Safeguarding Training relevant to their role.
3.2 All members of The English Delegation will undertake regular refresher training.
3.3 The Superior of the English Delegation (“The Superior”) is responsible for ensuring that all members and trustees complete required
training and maintain up-to-date records of completion.
3.4 The type and frequency of safeguarding training is aligned with CSSA's required modules and cycles (for example, different levels
for those requiring DBS checks or advanced safeguarding roles). The CSSA’s Learning Portal can be accessed here: https://training.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/, and national safeguarding practice
guidance here: https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/resources/practice-guidance/.
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 The Board of Trustees for the English Delegation of the Congregation of Josephites
The Trustees have a duty to maintain appropriate governance and oversight of safeguarding in line with this policy and national
guidelines. Certain functions of the Board will be delegated to others within The English Delegation as indicated below.
4.2 The Superior of The English Delegation
The Superior of is responsible for ensuring appropriate policy, procedures and best practice are in place for the effective
delivery of a robust safeguarding service. Certain functions of the Superior of the Delegation will be delegated to Trustees as indicated below.
4.3 The Trustee responsible for Safeguarding
The Trustee responsible for Safeguarding has direct oversight of safeguarding policy and guidance. This includes oversight of the
relationship with the Designated Safeguarding Lead for The English Delegation, at present the Safeguarding Officer at Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS), and input on the work of the
RLSS.
4.4 Designated Safeguarding Lead (RLSS)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (currently the RLSS Safeguarding Officer) is responsible for
receiving and managing safeguarding concerns, advising on appropriate action, and liaising with statutory authorities as required.
4.5 All other roles
All members of The English Delegation have an obligation to ensure they know how to respond to safeguarding concerns by making
themselves familiar with the content of this policy and the procedure contained within it and all other associated policies/procedures.
4.6 General
Everyone involved in the work of The English Delegation has a duty to disclose to the Superior of The English Delegation or the
Trustee responsible for Safeguarding or the Designated Safeguarding Lead any safeguarding concerns that have been raised concerning themselves or The English Delegation itself.
4.7 Accountability
The Superior is the named accountable individual for safeguarding. Where responsibilities are delegated, this must be documented, and
the Superior retains overall accountability.
5 PRACTICE GUIDANCE
5.1 The CSSA directs that all allegations of abuse (historical or current) must be reported to statutory authorities, even if the victim
does not wish to pursue it.
5.2 There is no discretion in reporting criminal safeguarding concerns.
5.3 Action must be taken if a concern is raised that a child or adult is suffering or is likely to be suffering from significant harm.
This includes, but is not limited to:
• Someone who is at serious risk of harm from self or others
• Someone who poses a serious risk of harm to someone else
• A concern about a child or vulnerable adult at risk of harm from someone else
• Concerns over someone’s mental capacity
5.4 Action must also be taken in line with the Catholic Church’s mandatory reporting policy. This means appropriate action must be taken
if there are reasonable grounds to believe that someone who holds any role within the Catholic Church is going to or has committed a crime, is going to or has caused harm, poses a risk or is
otherwise unsuitable to work in their role.
6 PROCEDURE
6.1 If any member of The English Delegation becomes aware of a concern as detailed in Section 5 or any other safeguarding issue, they
must immediately report the concern and all records to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (RLSS) and inform the Superior of the Delegation, unless the concern or allegation is against the
Superior. In such cases, the concern must be reported directly to the RLSS and the Trustee responsible for Safeguarding.
6.2 If you have a safeguarding concern, the following clarifies the reporting process
• If the concern is about a member (not the Superior): Report to the Superior and RLSS.
• If the concern is about the Superior: Report directly to RLSS and the Trustee responsible for Safeguarding.
• If in doubt: Consult RLSS for guidance.
6.3 The RLSS will:
• Ensure the victim/survivor or individual has been informed of the next steps
• Explain what will happen, give them options if possible, and an indicative timescale
• Contact any relevant bodies within 24 hours
• Complete the safeguarding paperwork and ensure appropriate record keeping of all phone calls, meetings and discussions in relation to
the case are documented.
• Update the relevant people of The English Delegation and offer any support needed.
6.4 All concerns must be documented using the standard safeguarding reporting form and stored securely in accordance with data
protection requirements.
6.5 When the concern needs to be reported to a statutory agency, the individual making the referral must be informed that all
information about safeguarding will not be kept confidential, and that the details must be passed on to the police and any other appropriate body but they may be able to remain anonymous depending on
the circumstances. Staff should be supportive of the individual making the disclosure but should not seek more details than necessary for an initial statutory referral.
7 WHISTLEBLOWING
7.1 The English Delegation will encourage and enable anyone with a safeguarding concern, to refer the concern without fear of
victimisation, or disadvantage.
7.2 If that concern is regarding malpractice, illegal acts, or omissions at The English Delegation or other religious institution in
relation to safeguarding, then the RLSS should be made aware.
7.3 The action taken by the RLSS will depend upon the nature of the concern referred. However, an investigation will be undertaken if
appropriate, followed by appropriate action and written feedback will be provided, including a rationale documenting the reasons why identified actions have been taken.
7.4 The policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All whistleblowing reports will be treated
confidentially and investigated promptly.
8 RECORDING AND STORAGE OF SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS AND CASE FILES
8.1 The English Delegation has a responsibility to ensure that all case files held are accurate, up to date and stored
securely.
8.2 Where RLSS is responsible for the management of a case, RLSS will ensure records are accurate, auditable, and secure and all records
of any safeguarding concerns or allegations referred will be properly maintained.
8.3 All records will be retained in line with statutory requirements and our Data Retention Policy which includes CSSA’s retention and
destruction guidance and privacy policies to ensure compliance with national Catholic safeguarding practice. Access to safeguarding records is strictly limited to those with a legitimate need
to know.
9 SAFER RECRUITMENT PRACTICE GUIDANCE
9.1 The Superior will ensure that the Delegation members are subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
(including enhanced DBS) in line with both statutory and Catholic Church requirements.
9.2 At present The English Delegation does not employ anybody nor does it have any volunteers. The Lay Trustees and the Finance Manager
for The English Delegation undertake the same basic safeguarding training as the members of The English Delegation.
9.3 Appointments will be based on the person's experience, skills and ability to meet the set criteria and job specification for the
specific role. It is essential to ensure that all documentation relating to the applicants are kept in a secure place and are confidential.
9.4 Appointment to a role will not be confirmed until a satisfactory DBS Disclosure check has been received and previous employment
references confirmed as being acceptable.
9.5 On appointment, all new employees should be provided with and sign to say they understand all relevant policy and procedures,
including a copy of this document and their responsibilities within it highlighted.
9.6 Anyone who is seeking to work with children or adults whether in a paid or unpaid capacity must be provided with the opportunity to
self-disclose relevant conviction information. This is a DBS Code of Practice requirement and applies to anyone being asked to have an Enhanced Disclosure.
9.7 The Superior is responsible for ensuring that all recruitment, including for trustees and volunteers, follows safer recruitment
procedures, including:
• Advertising roles with a clear safeguarding statement;
• Obtaining at least two references, including one from the most recent employer or equivalent;
• Conducting face-to-face interviews with safeguarding questions;
• Verifying identity and qualifications; and
• Induction and ongoing supervision to reinforce safeguarding responsibilities.
10 VICTIM/SURVIVOR SUPPORT
The English Delegation is committed to supporting all victims and survivors of abuse. This includes providing pastoral care, signposting
to specialist support services, and ensuring a trauma-informed approach in all interactions. The wishes and needs of the victim/survivor will be central to the response.
11 SAFEGUARDING PLANS
Members of the English Delegation with Safeguarding Management Plans will be given all necessary support.
12 POLICY REVIEW
12.1 This policy has been approved by all members of The English Delegation and will be subject to an initial review in November 2025
and then every September or sooner, should a need be identified.
12.2 A review will be prompted by a new safeguarding incident or a change in relevant legislation which may impact on the accuracy of
content of the current policy.
12.3 The review process will include consultation with external safeguarding experts and, where possible, feedback from those affected
by safeguarding issues.
Owner of the Policy Superior of the English Delegation
Policy approved 20 June 2025
Date of next planned review 3 November 2025
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