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Safeguarding: Children and Adults at Risk

Our parish is firmly committed to the safety, dignity, and flourishing of every person. We want children, young people, and adults at risk to grow in faith and reach their full potential in an environment free from exploitation, abuse, and maltreatment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility in the Church.

Safeguarding Children

All adults in the Church share responsibility for safeguarding. If a child may be at risk—through neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse—concerns must be raised and appropriate action taken without delay.

We work openly and transparently with statutory authorities, including Children’s Social Care, the Police, Health services, Probation, and other agencies, following national and diocesan procedures. We cooperate fully with investigations and are committed to helping bring to justice anyone who has offended against a child.

Any concern or allegation brought to the Church will be received sensitively, respectfully, and seriously. We will act promptly in line with national procedures and diocesan guidance (including Working Together to Safeguard Children), recognising that safeguarding is a partnership and the Church must not act alone.

Pastoral care and support will be offered to children, their families, and others affected where harm or risk of harm has been identified. Where an adult has caused harm, appropriate measures will be put in place to manage risk and protect others.

Our Care for Adults at Risk

The Catholic Church in England and Wales is fully committed to safeguarding adults who may be at risk of abuse or maltreatment. In our parish we will:

  • Work actively within the frameworks of the Care Act 2014 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and associated statutory guidance and good practice.

  • Promote the empowerment, wellbeing, and inclusion of adults throughout the Church.

  • Recognise that everyone has the right to live free from violence, fear, and abuse.

  • Recognise that adults have the right to be protected from harm and exploitation.

  • Respect that adults also have the right to independence, which may involve a degree of risk, and support them to make informed choices.

  • Act openly, transparently, and accountably in partnership with Adult Social Care, the Police, Health services, Probation, and other agencies to safeguard adults and to assist in bringing to justice anyone who has committed an offence against an adult.

If You Have a Concern

  • If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.

  • For non-urgent concerns, advice, or to report something in confidence, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR):

Carrie Ann Gates – Stamford
Email: carrieann.gatespsr@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Maria Quinn – Oakham
Email: maria.marriottPSR@dioceseofnottingham.uk

You may also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team for guidance and reporting:
Diocese of Nottingham — Safeguarding

We take every concern seriously and will respond promptly, respectfully, and in line with national and diocesan procedures.

Confidentiality & Pastoral Support

Concerns are handled with care and discretion. Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis with those who have a duty to act, in order to protect a child or adult at risk. The parish will offer appropriate pastoral care to those affected, including families and others within the community.

Need to talk?

Whether you’re raising a concern or seeking advice, you are not alone. Please reach out to our PSR or the diocesan team for support.