Safeguarding on Caldey Island.
Caldey Abbey and Caldey Island voluntarily operate under the Religious Life Safeguarding Service, under the overall umbrella of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency. The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is a central agency which is a professional standards body to which all Catholic Dioceses and Religious Life Groups in England and Wales are accountable. Under that contractual agreement they have opted to follow the principles, policies and procedures as outlined below. Our Safeguarding Officer is Maria Battle (her contact details are listed at the bottom of this page).
Caldey Abbey and Caldey Island fully support and endorse the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission statement as follows:-
“The Catholic Church in England and Wales is striving towards a culture of safeguarding where all are safe from harm and abuse and where every person is encouraged and enabled to enjoy the fullness of life in Jesus Christ through the prayerful, caring, nurturing, supportive and protective endeavours of the Catholic community, both individually and collectively.” TaCoS 2012
We have not always been alert to concerns, we have not always responded as we should, but we are listening, learning, changing.
Safeguarding on the island is of paramount importance and the Abbey is dedicated to promoting the safeguarding of all children and young/vulnerable adults at risk within its community. Caldey Abbey, with the support and assistance of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service, aims to proactively embed a culture of safeguarding to prevent abuse occurring in the first instance, to provide support to individuals who have been hurt by abuse, and take the necessary actions to reduce the likelihood of further harm.
The Abbey Safeguarding Representative and the RLSS liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and thoroughly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.
Caldey Abbey and Caldey Island also support the All Wales Child Protection Procedures, which may be found at www.childreninwales.org.uk/our-work/safeguarding. They are based on the principle that the protection of children from harm is the responsibility of all individuals and agencies working with children and families, and with adults who may pose a risk to children. (The 2008 Procedures were reviewed during 2018 by the All Wales Child Protection Procedures Review Group, who have the responsibility for keeping the procedures and protocols up to date and fit for purpose). To this end Caldey Abbey and Caldey Island are supported by and work with those relevant agencies and local authority departments who have a safeguarding remit for both children and Vulnerable Adults.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, Caldey Abbey has recently announced an independent review in claims of historic child abuse. The associated press release, FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) and Terms of Reference are provided below:
What is Safeguarding ?
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is described as:-
· The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully… Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
The definition of Safeguarding adults at risk is described as:-
· Action to prevent abuse or to protect persons thought to be at risk of abuse or neglect or poor standards of care by any other person or persons that violates their human and civil rights.
The Catholic Church acknowledges the value of every human life and promotes the duty to support all people and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is an essential element of the Catholic Church that fulfils the mission and calling given by Christ to value every human life.
Following the publication of The Nolan report in 2001, the Catholic Safeguarding Service Agency (CSSA) has implemented robust Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, regarding the protection of children and adults at risk and also places paramount importance upon the welfare of the alleged victim. www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities which children and adults at risk participate in. For example, Children’s Liturgy groups within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers, SVP and Parish Volunteers visiting the sick and offering support. The Church also provides care for the victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations.
In addition the Church ministers to and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.
The Order recognises its responsibility in the safeguarding of the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people and is committed to take all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for them. It will also liaise with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors are supported and perpetrators held to account.
CALDEY ISLAND SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1. POLICY OVERVIEW
Caldey Island is a monastic island off the coast of Pembrokeshire. Each year we welcome up to 50,000 members of the public. The aim of this policy is to ensure visitors and islanders and monks living on the island are safeguarded.
We recognise within this number of visitors many people may be seeking peace and some spiritual guidance and are struggling with their own difficulties whilst others, sometimes with their friends and families, have come to enjoy the island.All the members of the monastic community on Caldey Island are committed to safeguarding. We are aware of the safeguarding reports and share the concerns of the Holy Father Pope Francis for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of members of the Church, priests and religious. We recognise the need for prayer and reparation at this time. We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of protection, love, encouragement and respect. We are committed to the One Church Approach to safeguarding by implementing the changes needed and ensuring we respond to victim/survivors promptly and compassionately.
2. SCOPE
This policy and procedure applies to the monastic community and all who live and work on Caldey Island.It is the responsibility of everyone to prevent, whether by action or omission abuse: physical; sexual; emotional; spiritual; neglect; self-neglect; organisational; material; psychological; financial; domestic or verbal.
3. TRAINING
The monastic community and all who live and work on Caldey Island will undergo safeguarding training to Level 1 every 3 years and the safeguarding and deputy safeguarding leads to Level 3 refreshed annually.
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors of Caldey Island Estate Limited (The Board) has a duty to maintain appropriate governance and oversight of safeguarding in line with this policy and the Social Services and Wellbeing Act (2014) and the All Wales Safeguarding Procedures and for ensuring appropriate policy, procedures and best practice are in place for the effective delivery of a robust safeguarding service. The Board delegates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Maria Battle, direct oversight of safeguarding policy and guidance. This includes oversight of the relationship with the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS). All monastic community members and all who live and work on Caldey Island have an obligation to ensure they know how to respond to safeguarding concerns by making themselves familiar with the content of this policy.Everyone on Caldey Island has a duty to disclose to the Safeguarding Lead and/or Deputy Safeguarding Lead and/or the RLSS any safeguarding concerns.
5. PRACTICE GUIDANCE
Action must be taken if there is a concern that a child or adult is suffering or is likely to be suffering from significant harm. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Someone who is at serious risk of harm from self or others
· Someone who poses a serious risk of harm to someone else
· A concern about a child or vulnerable adult at risk of harm from someone else
· Concerns over someone’s mental capacity
6. PROCEDURE
If anyone is concerned that a child or adult is in immediate danger or it is an emergency do not hesitate in calling 999 straightaway. If anyone is worried about someone or need to report harm or abuse, record your concern and please contact the safeguarding lead or deputy safeguarding lead.
Phone: 07562 946894 or
E mail: safeguarding@caldey-island.co.uk
Or contact the Religious Life Safeguarding Service
E Mail: safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org
Phone: 0151 5562311
The Safeguarding leads and/or the RLSS will:
· Ensure the victim/survivor or individual has been informed of the next steps
· Explain what will happen, give them options if possible and an indicative timescale
· Contact any relevant bodies within 24 hours
· Complete the safeguarding paperwork and ensure appropriate record keeping of all phone calls, meetings and discussions in relation to the case are documented.
· Update the relevant people and offer any support needed
7. WHISTLEBLOWING
The Board will encourage and enable anyone with a safeguarding concern to refer the concern without fear of victimisation, or disadvantage. If that concern is regarding malpractice, illegal acts, or omissions by the monastic community in relation to safeguarding, then the RLSS will be made aware. The action taken by the RLSS will depend upon the nature of the concern referred. However, an investigation will be undertaken if appropriate, followed by appropriate action and written feedback will be provided, including a rationale documenting the reasons why identified actions have been taken.
8. RECORDING AND STORAGE OF SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS AND CASE FILES
The Board has a responsibility to ensure that all case files held are accurate, up to date and stored securely. If the RLSS is responsible for the management of a case, RLSS will ensure records are accurate, auditable, and secure and all records of any safeguarding concerns or allegations referred will be properly maintained.
9. SAFER RECRUITMENT PRACTICE GUIDANCE
The Board will ensure that monastic members, lay staff and volunteers and islanders are subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (including enhanced DBS) in line with both statutory and Catholic Church requirements and any previous names are subject to DBS checks.Appointments will be based on the person's experience, skills and ability to meet the set criteria and job specification for the specific role. It is essential to ensure that all documentation relating to the applicants are kept in a secure place and are confidential. Appointment to a role will not be confirmed until a satisfactory DBS Disclosure check has been received and previous employment references confirmed as being acceptable.
On appointment, all new employees should be provided with and sign to say they understand all relevant policy and procedures, including a copy of this document and their responsibilities within it highlighted. Anyone who is seeking to work with children or adults whether in a paid or unpaid capacity must be provided with the opportunity to self-disclose relevant conviction information. This is a DBS Code of Practice requirement and applies to anyone being asked to have an Enhanced Disclosure.
POLICY REVIEW
This policy was approved by the Board on 23rd March 2024 and will be subject to an initial review in April 2025 and then every 3 years or sooner, if a need is identified.
Policy last updated: 23rd March 2024
Name: Maria Battle
Date of next review: April 2025
Caldey Island Safeguarding Officer:-
Maria Battle: Tel: 07562946894 safeguarding@caldey-island.co.uk
The Menevia Diocese Safeguarding Co-ordinator contact details are as follows:-
Sarah Jane Bailey, Safeguarding Commission, 27 Convent Street, Greenhill, Swansea, SA1 2BX
Tel 01792 468672 Email safeguarding@menevia.org
Emergency contact :- ·
- CSSA : https://www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/victim-survivor-engagement-national/
02079 011920
- RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service) : https://religioussafeguarding.org
· NSPCC 0808 800 500 / www.nspcc.org.uk · Child Line 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk
· Careline 0300 333 2222
· Stop it Now Helpline 0808 1000 900
· Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 8141 www.elderabuse.org.uk
· Age Cymru 0800 0223 444 www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru
· National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Live Fear Free helpline 0800 80 10 800
- Women’s Aid 0808 2000 247 www.womensaid.org.uk
- Children in Wales :- 029 2034 2434 www.childreninwales.org.uk
- Keeping Children Safe Online :-
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/safely-raising-children-in-an-online-world/
· Local Authority Safeguarding Team Offices:
· Blaenau Gwent 01495 315700
· Carmarthenshire 01267 228944
· Swansea 01792 456999
· Neath Port Talbot 01639 683021
· Powys 01597 827666
· Ceredigion Child 01545 572639 Adult 01545 572111
· Pembrokeshire 01437 764551 Child Ext 6644, Adult Ext 6071