Safeguarding at St Cuthbert’s
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Church is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. The care and protection of those entrusted to us is a responsibility we take seriously and in accordance with diocesan and national guidance.
Our Commitment
Safeguarding is not optional. It is part of our duty of care and Christian responsibility. We follow the safeguarding policies of the Diocese of Leeds and the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Our parish will:
- Promote a safe environment for all
- Ensure safer recruitment of volunteers and staff
- Provide safeguarding training where required
- Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns
Reporting a Concern
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult:
- Contact the Parish Safeguarding Representative
- If the concern is urgent, contact your local authority safeguarding team
- In an emergency, dial 999
You may also contact the diocesan safeguarding office directly via the Diocese of Leeds website. Safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously and confidentially.
Safeguarding in Parish Activities
Safeguarding principles apply to all parish ministries and activities, including children’s liturgy, altar serving, youth groups, sacramental preparation and social events. All volunteers who work regularly with children or vulnerable adults are required to complete appropriate safeguarding training and where necessary, undergo safer recruitment checks in line with diocesan policy.
We are committed to maintaining clear boundaries, appropriate supervision ratios and transparent communication with parents and carers. Risk assessments are carried out for parish events and activities to ensure that safety is considered at every stage of planning.
Safer Recruitment and Ongoing Training
The parish follows diocesan procedures for the safer recruitment of clergy, staff and volunteers. This includes references, role descriptions and safeguarding declarations where appropriate. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and all those serving within the parish are expected to uphold these standards.
Ongoing safeguarding training and updates are provided to ensure awareness of current best practice. We review parish procedures regularly to ensure compliance with diocesan guidance and national safeguarding standards, reinforcing our commitment to a safe and supportive parish environment for all.
If you have an enquiries or questions, please contact us via our contact form or by using the contact information – both on our contact page.