Safeguarding

Introduction

The Catholic Diocese of East Anglia is fully committed to safeguarding in the Church in order to ensure that we maintain peaceful, loving and safe Christian communities in which everybody, particularly young and vulnerable members, can confidently participate.

The Diocese has therefore eagerly adopted and implemented the policies and procedures of the Catholic Church of England and Wales, which is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.

We recognise the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people, to whom we have a special responsibility. The Diocese, parishes and individuals in it will:

take all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all;
practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and vulnerable adults;
will respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

We will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that we promptly and properly respond to any allegations of abuse, appropriately support any victims and hold perpetrators to account.

As a parish within the Diocese of East Anglia, St Mary Magdalen parish fully implements, and is governed by, the polices and procedures established by the Diocesan Safeguarding team.

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency

Set up in 2021 by the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) was established to advise on and audit the work of the Catholic Church in England and Wales as it develops the highest calibre regime of safeguarding. Operating independently of the CBCEW, the CSSA holds a regulatory function extending to all dioceses and Religious Life Groups, monitoring and auditing compliance by Church bodies with the safeguarding standards adopted by the Church,

In 2023, the CSSA carried out a safeguarding audit of the Diocese of East Anglia, and published its findings. The Executive Summary of its report is available and can be read here.

For further information, visit the CSSA website here.

Contact Information

Parish Safeguarding Representative:

Michael Long
email: [javascript protected email address]

Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator:

Mick Thurley
Office telephone : 020 8505 4199
Mobile telephone : 07429 215344
email: [javascript protected email address]

Diocesan Safeguarding Administrator

Rebecca Bretherton
email: [javascript protected email address]

Further information, policies and other resources can be found on the Diocese of East Anglia Safeguarding pages - click here.