St. Joseph's, Penarth & St. Mary's, Dinas Powys

About safeguarding

Safeguarding is about protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.

The Catholic parish of St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Penarth and Dinas Powys is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of the children within our church communities, and also to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable are able to worship and pursue their faith with encouragement and in safety. As such, the policies and procedures related to Safeguarding promulgated by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales and adopted by the Archdiocese of Cardiff have been put into practice by the parish.

This commitment flows from the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Church’s common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life.

Each child, young person and vulnerable adult has the right to the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement and respect that we can give. (A “vulnerable adult” is a person aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness is, or may be, unable to take care of him or herself against “significant harm” or “exploitation”).

The Parish Safeguarding Representatives

Both church communities that the make up the parish have a safeguarding representative who works with the parish priest and the Safeguarding officer of the Archdiocese of Cardiff to ensure that the parish is aware of the importance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults; and what is involved in promoting good and safe practice. The representatives are:

St. Joseph’s : Mary Taylor

St. Mary’s: Nicky Price

The Archdiocese of Cardiff Safeguarding Advisory Commission

The Archdiocese of Cardiff Safeguarding Advisory Commission co-ordinates, plans and monitors all aspects of safeguarding work within the Diocese. See the Safeguarding Advisory Commission page of the Diocesan website for more information.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is Mr Christopher Mullane.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Assistant is Mr Matthew Smith.

Safeguarding in the parish

In accordance with National Safeguarding policies, all Parish Volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults must comply with formal recruitment procedures involving interview, references, self declarations, ID Verification, and clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), before being appointed to any relevant position within the parish. All completed paperwork is sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office in Cardiff where they are processed and stored.

(It is now possible for much of this process to be completed online.)

All information is treated as confidential.