Safeguarding in the parish of St Gregory
The parish recognises and follows the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency CSSA policies and procedures and there is a rigorous process to ensure the best safeguarding practice.
In cases of emergency, or where there is an immediate threat to vulnerable people, then you should contact the police or social services. If you have any other safeguarding concern then please contact either one of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team or our Parish Safeguarding Representative.
Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is Owen Holbrook.
Our Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) clearances are the responsibility of Lindsay Read, who may be contacted on 01242 525592 and, Michael Burnell (via the parish office).
The email for all parish safeguarding related matters is: psr.cheltenham.stgregorythegreat@cliftondiocese.com.
Safeguarding in the Clifton Diocese
The Diocese has a Safeguarding Commission chaired by an Independent lay person with extensive experience in working with children and vulnerable adults. Other members of the Commission come from a range of relevant professional backgrounds such as Social Care, the Police, Health, Probation and Clergy. The Commission oversees and guides the work of the Safeguarding Team, ensuring the correct implementation of Policy and Procedures.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Office can be contacted on 0117 954 0993 or safeguarding@cliftondiocese.com.
Further information about safeguarding within the diocese may be found at www.cliftondiocese.com.
Reporting a safeguarding issue
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 our safeguarding Co-ordinator Becky Cawsey 0117 954 0993
National Catholic Safeguarding Commission
Safeguarding for the Catholic Church in UK is maintained by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency CSSA. Email is admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk and website is www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
How to access help
You will no doubt have heard on the news concerns about an increase in Domestic Violence due to the recent covid situation, with particular regards to people being indoors with each other far longer than normal. People living in enforced close proximity will lead to increased tensions in some cases. Although it’s something we would like to hope is not too prevalent within our parishes, unfortunately there are likely to be families and partnerships who are in challenging, and in some cases abusive and or violent relationships.
WomansAid - National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
The mix – Advice for the under 25 yrs. – 0808 808 4994
Advice for Male Victims of Domestic Violence - 0808 8801 0327
Childline – Deals with a vast variety of children concerns including Domestic Violence. 0800 1111