Safeguarding
SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT 2023
The Poor Servants of the Mother of God are fully committed to ensuring that Safeguarding is understood and implemented by
- Actively promoting the empowerment and well-being of persons throughout all the Congregation and its works
- Recognising that everyone has the right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse; and
- Recognising that everyone has the right to be protected from harm and exploitation.
Every human being has a value, which we acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation. We believe therefore that all people should be valued, supported and protected from harm. We recognise the personal dignity and rights of vulnerable people towards whom we have a special responsibility.
All adults acting in the name of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God have a responsibility to act and intervene when it appears that a person at risk needs to be made safe from risk of abuse or ill treatment.
To ensure that people know whom to contact if concerned about the welfare or safety of another, the Congregation publicises contact details in each area.
The Congregation is fully committed to working actively and constructively within the framework set out in the Care Act 2014 and associated statutory and good practice guidance and the Congregation adopts the procedures practices and standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Authority and the case management support of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service.
To achieve this, the Congregation will act in an open, transparent and accountable way in working in partnership with Adult Social Care Services, the Police, Health Agencies, Probation Providers and other relevant agencies to safeguard adults and assist in bringing to justice anyone who has committed an offence against an adult at risk.
Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Congregation will be responded to sensitively, respectfully and seriously. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using these national procedures and in a timely manner.
All concerns and allegations outside the UK will be treated in line with this policy and the local policies and legislation of the country in which the work of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God is being carried out.
Approved by the Trustees of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God.
England – NCSC Hurt by Abuse Leaflet
In the UK the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have set up two bodies to oversee Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency sets the standards and audits Catholic Dioceses and Congregations. https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service undertakes safeguarding case work for Religious Congregations. https://religioussafeguarding.org/
The Poor Servants of the Mother of God are members of both organisations
Each country where SMGs serve has its own structure; copies of these policies and procedures are available at the Generalate.
Ireland – NBSCCCI on 015053124 or the Designated liaison Officers for the SMGs, Mrs Marie Duffy 087 6890318
Towards Healing Free phone 1800 303 416 (Republic of Ireland) Free phone 0800 0963315 (Northern Ireland)
Towards Peace Phone: + 353 (0) 1 5053028 Mobile: + 353 (0) 86 7710533
One In Four – contact Phone: on 01 6624070, Monday – Friday 9.30 to 5.30pm or Email: info@oneinfour.ie