INTRODUCTION TO SAFEGUARDING FOR ENGLAND

Every human being has inherent value, which we, as the Congregation of Josephites (the Congregation), recognise as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in His own image and likeness.
The Congregation is committed to:
1. Safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Catholic Church and affirms a ‘One Church’ approach to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk, through the promotion of a sustained culture of constant vigilance. The ‘best interests’ or ‘paramountcy principle’, which underpins and is enshrined in child and adult protection legislation, shall be the primary consideration in all matters of safeguarding.
2. Best practice and highest standards in the field of safeguarding to create and sustain a safe environment for all.
The Congregation believes all people should be valued, supported and protected from harm, and that every child, young person and adult at risk has the right to the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement and respect. Therefore, the protection of children and adults absolutely underpins all of our work.
Anyone who raises a concern or allegation with the Congregation will be treated with sensitivity, respect and seriousness. All concerns and allegations will be addressed promptly and appropriately, with care and support adapted to personal/individual needs; for example, the Congregation will provide holistic/pastoral care, support and access to a range of help, including psychological counselling, for any victim survivors who reach out to us.
The Congregation is a member of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) (https://religioussafeguarding.org). RLSS is an independent organisation which comprises safeguarding professionals who have been employed because of their experience accrued from their former careers working for the Charity Commission, social care, etc., and not because of their faith or beliefs. The Congregation’s safeguarding practices are audited by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) (https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk). CSSA’s vision is that the Catholic Church in England and Wales is a safe place for all and works towards that vision by independently inspecting church bodies and by sharing what it finds.
The Congregation also works with Safe Spaces. This is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales (https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk).