Safeguarding: is defined as “the act of protecting people’s health, well-being, and human rights to ensure they are able to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.” (Care Quality Commission)

• It involves preventing harm, responding to concerns, and promoting the right of vulnerable people, including children and adults, to live safety and with dignity.  This protection includes preventing abuse in its various forms, such as emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and neglect, whether deliberate or unintentional.
• To do this, the Diocese has rigorous policies and procedures, full details of which are available on the Diocesan website:

Link: https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/contact-safeguarding/

• Within the parishes of St Paulinus and St Margaret Clitherow there are four Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSRs#) – two in each parish.
• As well as assisting volunteers in submitting DBS* checks, the PSRs also liaise with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and ensure that our practices are up to date.
• Finally we will report to the appropriate agency any concerns parishioners may have with regard to children and vulnerable adults within the parish.
• More information and who to contact:  Please consult the notice boards in the meeting room and the porch if you want more information or contact details or speak to one of the PSRs directly.

*DBS Check:  A DBS check is a criminal record check used by organisations to determine if a person is suibable for a role, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults.  The check, which stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, can reveal a person’s spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and warnings, depending on the level of check required.  The type of check needed varies by role, with different rules in place for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

• • Promote a safeguarding culture: Raise awareness of safeguarding issues within the parish community.
  • Ensure policy implementation: Work with the parish priest and diocesan safeguarding team to ensure national policies and procedures are followed.
  • Support safe recruitment: Help with the safe recruitment of volunteers, including managing DBS checks.
  • Liaise with the diocese: Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding matters between the parish and the diocese.
  • Provide a confidential contact: Be a point of contact for parishioners to raise or discuss safeguarding concerns confidentially.
  • Oversee activities: Maintain an overview of church activities involving children and vulnerable adults.