Safeguarding

Everyone has the right to be safe

The Safeguarding Department is responsible for the implementation of national safeguarding policy and procedures within the archdiocese.

Safeguarding
Safer recruitment
Volunteering
Help and support
Reporting a concern
Victim Support
Training
Recheck and audit
Feedback

We are not a statutory agency and do not work 24/7 - if you need urgent assistance outside of our hours, please contact statutory agencies or a helpline.

Safeguarding in the Archdiocese of Liverpool

At the Archdiocese of Liverpool, safeguarding is of the utmost importance to us. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.

It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.

Holiday requests

The Trustees recognise that modern working life can often be challenging, especially where a
balance in work and family life is required. The annual leave policy is therefore intended to
provide direction for all employees and those with line management responsibility to enable
adequate and appropriate rest periods throughout the holiday year which runs from 1st April to 31 st
March.

A copy of the annual leave policy and holiday form for each new holiday year will be provided to
parish priests and Heads of departments/sections in advance of the new holiday year. If, however
you are not in receipt of a holiday form or require a duplicate copy, please select the relevant
holiday form from the links below.

Liverpool Archdiocesan Office (St Margaret Clitherow Centre)‍‍

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and to protect them from harm.

What we do

We lead in developing preventative practice, as well as responding to allegations of abuse against children and adults. We are responsible for: 

  • Liaising with, advising and guiding clergy & safeguarding representatives within their archdiocese when concerns or allegations are raised and informing and advising the Archbishop on appropriate practice for managing concerns and allegations.
  • Making or overseeing referrals to the Police and Social Services departments, in line with the Church’s policy of mandatory reporting to statutory authorities, and for maintaining contact with statutory agencies whilst investigations are underway.
  • Overseeing the arrangements for production, monitoring, and review of Safeguarding Plans, which includes ensuring the support needs of the person accused or convicted are addressed.

How we help

  • Ensuring that any allegations are promptly and properly investigated.
  • Providing support to victims/survivors.
  • Connecting people with helpful external charities such as safe spaces and local support groups.
  • Putting people in touch with counsellors.
  • Providing support to parishes for DBS to ensure compliance with national safeguarding policies and procedures.

How to report a safeguarding concern

Any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated.

DBS safe recruitment

We apply robust selection and appointment processes to anybody who is applying to work or minister within the Church.

Help and support

There are many fantastic support services in the UK for victims and survivors of abuse.

Safe Spaces | Victim support

A confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

Safeguarding and volunteering

Some roles will be working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults; and will therefore require volunteers to undergo a DBS check before they undertake that role.

Children's Liturgy and activities involving Children

Please use the document Creating a Safer environment to ensure that any activities involving children and young people have been careful considered, and appropriate safeguarding mechanisms have been put in place.

All the forms required to support Children’s liturgy, or any activity involving children and young people can be found below. Click on the link for each form – you will then be given the option to open a Word or a PDF version.

The safeguarding department also offers specific training for children’s liturgy catechists, please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Get in touch

Please note the office is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, emails and phone calls are not monitored outside of that time. 

Safeguarding Section
St Margaret Clitherow Centre
Liverpool Archdiocesan Office
Croxteth Drive
Liverpool
L17 1AA

Our safeguarding committee is chaired by Bishop Thomas Neylon.

Contact our
department

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Mark
Robson
Mark Robson
Staff
Role
Safeguarding Coordinator
Department
COO Office
Sub-department
Safeguarding
Status
Parish
at
Parish
at
at
Claire
Newton
Claire Newton
Staff
Role
Safeguarding Support officer
Department
COO Office
Sub-department
Safeguarding
Status
Parish
at
Parish
at
at
Angela
Lavelle
Angela Lavelle
Staff
Role
Safeguarding Administrator
Department
COO Office
Sub-department
Safeguarding
Status
Parish
at
Parish
at
at
Right Rev
Thomas
Neylon VG
Right Rev Thomas Neylon VG
Trustee
Priest
Role
Titular Bishop of Plestia and Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool
Department
Sub-department
Safeguarding
Status
Serving
Parish
Priest
at
Parish
Priest
at
at