Safeguarding
Here at St Joseph’s, within every parish activity, safeguarding is paramount. This is in accordance with the safeguarding policies of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from any form of harm, abuse, neglect, or ill treatment.
Every human being deserves to have value and dignity together with a right to expect the highest level of care, protection, support and respect, none more so than children, young people and vulnerable adults.
In order to provide a safe environment within our parish we utilise the national Disclosure and Barring Service, (DBS) to undertake safe recruitment of those wishing to volunteer for activities involving children, young people, or adults. In addition, there are mechanisms in place to respond robustly where any concerns arise.
Reporting Abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese, Mary Kearney 0113 261 8069 or mary.kearney@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
You can also contact CSAS by telephoning 0207 901 1920 or via email at admin@csas.uk.net
Safeguarding Contacts
St Joseph’s Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR) is: Tina Velayudhan – 07719 399370
The Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator is: Mary Kearney (Hinsley Hall) – 0113 261 8069 – email: mary.kearney@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Further Diocesan safeguarding information can be found at: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/safeguarding
Information on all policies and procedures from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards agency can be found at: https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/
Contact by email: admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
By post: Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA), 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX
Safeguarding Training
As part of the Catholic Church’s commitment to safeguarding, the Diocese has worked with Educare to make an e-learning package available, free of charge, to all members of the Catholic community.
This is particularly relevant to all volunteers who come into contact with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
For information regarding content and registration, please contact either:
Mary Kearney on 0113 261 8069 or mary.kearney@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
or her assistant, Joanne Clark on 0113 2618046 or safeguarding@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Other Relevant Agencies Which May Be Helpful
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline: 0800 1111 (free call) www.childline.org.uk
Age UK: 0800 6781602 www.ageuk.org.uk
Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24hour helpline) www.samaritans.org.uk
Mind: 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Wakefield Social Care Direct: 03458 503503