A Big Thank You
Friday 28th February 2020Last night saw dozens of our hard working Parish Safeguarding Reps and clergy gather for the Annual Safeguarding General Meeting. The meeting is now in its 7th year and is an important date in the diocesan calendar. The evening provides an opportunity to give thanks to an often overlooked member of parish teams.
Bishop John thanked the Reps for all their hard work saying:
“I want to thank you for all your hard work and commitment. The Safeguarding Team and the Commission depend on the parish reps to be able to achieve all they do.
Pope Francis asks us all to be Missionary Disciples, this is a role that is truly missionary. Safeguarding isn’t just about responding to government legislation but living out Church theology by protecting our young and vulnerable.
We cannot be complacent in this work but there is still an opportunity to give thanks for all that we have.”
Bishop John finished by reminding the reps that they are not alone in their role, they have each other and the support of the Safeguarding Office.
As well as hearing a report from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team it is a chance for reps to socialise and share good practice in an informal setting.
Those attending also heard how the Diocesan Safeguarding Team have once again increased the amount of DBS checks and training undertaken. This is testimony to the effectiveness and efficiency of the team but also to the busy and vibrant parishes spread around the diocese as volunteer numbers continue to grow.
Speaking after the meeting Dawn Lundergan, Director of Safeguarding said:
‘We are lucky in the Diocese of Salford to have a fantastic group of committed Safeguarding Reps. The attendance at evenings such as this and our training days shows how much importance the Reps give to their role. I would like to express my thanks again for all their hard work over the past 12 months.’
Every Parish within the Diocese has at least one Safeguarding Rep, who has voluntarily undertaken the role and who has responsibility for raising awareness of safeguarding aims, policies and procedures and promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk within the parish community. The rep is the link between the parish and the wider team and as such is in regular contact with the Safeguarding Team at the Diocese.
You can find out more about the role of a Parish Safeguarding Rep here. As the work of our reps develops and parishes grow we would like to encourage each parish to have a number of reps at any one time. If this something you feel that you would like to volunteer to do within your parish please contact the Safeguarding Office on 0161 817 2206 or speak to your Parish Priest.
Tagged | Safeguarding
