safeguarding

Responsible for all matters relating to safeguarding within the diocese

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Bishop David Oakley

“The work of Safeguarding is rightly at the heart of the Church’s life and mission. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, said ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ This life was shown in the many ways Jesus exercised his ministry to heal, to deliver and to teach. This work continues today. The Church must be a place where abuse is recognised for the evil it is and the damage it causes. I am grateful to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Board and our Parish Safeguarding Representatives for their tireless work in making the Church a safer place for everyone, especially children and those who are vulnerable. Please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised, will be treated with appropriate professional attention. All allegations are referred to the statutory authorities in line with the national safeguarding directives of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. May all of us be vigilant and determined that those who come into contact with the Church will experience the abundant life offered us by the Good Shepherd, and not the pain and hurt many victims have unfortunately come to know.”

✠ David J. Oakley – Bishop of Northampton

Click here to watch Bishop David speak about safeguarding across the Diocese of Northampton

Policy Position on 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, details here. You can also contact The Catholic Standards Agency (CSSA) by telephoning 0207 901 1920 or email admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

Getting Involved

Would you like to get involved in this valuable ministry? Safeguarding matters, and the Diocese of Northampton would like to increase the number of volunteers involved in key safeguarding roles in the Church, either as Parish Safeguarding Representatives or as Safeguarding Advisory Board members.

Safeguarding Representatives 

As a nominated Safeguarding Representative, your role entails the promotion of good and safe practices in all activities involving vulnerable people within your parish or congregation, supported by the Church’s national policies . You will help to facilitate the safer recruitment of those working with vulnerable people, including the completion of the DBS disclosure process as well as acting as a point of contact for concerns to be shared and as a link between the Diocese and the parish. If this sounds interesting and something you would like to undertake, please contact your parish pries/priest in charge or Laura Lester, Diocesan Safeguarding Support Officer safeguarding admin@northamptondiocese.com Information relating to the role requirements for a Parish Safeguarding Reoresentative. 

PSR role description

Safeguarding Advisory Board Members 

The Safeguarding Advisory Board (SAB) provides independent and professional advice and expertise to the Diocesan safeguarding department and the Safeguarding Subcommittee. If you have current professional safeguarding knowledge and expertise to enable the board to fulfil its purpose, then you would be an ideal candidate to join our local Advisory Board, which meets quarterly.  If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Advisory Board Member, please contact Danielle Dixon. For further information, please refer to the Safeguarding Structure Page

Who We Are

Our Contact details

Danielle Dixon - Safeguarding coordinator
safeguarding@northamptondiocese.org
01604 723514
07833 050628

Key responsibilities include management of allegations or concerns, delivery of safeguarding training to clergy and Parish Safeguarding Representatives, provision of safeguarding advice and acts as a point of contact for anyone hurt by church related abuse.

Laura Lester - Safeguarding Support Officer
safeguardingadmin@northamptondiocese.org
01604 723516

Key responsibilities include managing the DBS process, recruiting and supporting Parish Safeguarding Representatives and overseeing registration for safeguarding training courses

Father Andrew Behrens - Clergy Advisor for safeguarding 

01604 713015

Father Brendan Killeen - Chair of the Safeguarding Sub Committee

01604 402301

In an emergency, if you consider a child, young person or vulnerable adult to be in danger or at risk, immediately contact the Police or Social Services local to your parish. 

Feedback

We would welcome hearing from you in relation to your experience of our safeguarding service. Please let us know how you feel we are doing, including any areas for improvement by using the contact function below.