Greyfriars Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk

Every human being has a value and dignity which we in the Church and as Franciscans of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Greyfriars) acknowledge as coming from God's creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people and to support them and protect them from harm.

The Greyfriars are committed to observe and implement the Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in line with the standards, policies and procedures enunciated by Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (website: www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk ; email: admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk) and the Irish National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (website: www.safeguarding.ie ; email: admin@safeguarding.ie ) , believing that every child, young person and adult at risk has a right to expect the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement and respect.

Reporting abuse

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, Wales, Scotland and Ireland 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.

If you are in any role (cleric, religious, staff or volunteer) within the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Conventual in the UK and Ireland, you must refer allegations directly to those with responsibility for safeguarding within the Order of Friars Minor Conventual or directly to the civil authorities: Police and Social Services (UK) and Garda Siochana and Tulsa (Republic of Ireland).

If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police (UK)/ Garda (Republic of Ireland) and also to the those with responsibility for safeguarding within the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in the UK and Ireland.

The Friars with Safeguarding responsibility are:

Fr Colin Mary Edwards OFM Conv,

St Clare’s Frairy,

186 Victoria Avenue,

Higher Blackley,

Manchester, M9 0RR tel:

Tel: 0161 740 4161

Bro. Paul Becka OFM Conv,

All Saints Friary,

Redclyffe Road,

Barton,

Urmston,

Manchester,

M41 7LG

Tel: 0161 749 7626.

As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Great Britain & Ireland we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, and are commited to ensuring their safety and wellbeing, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff, volunters and any other Church personnel) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment which supports their best interests and prevents abuse.

Policies, Procedures and Protocols

for Maintaining Ethical Ministry with Minors

and Vulnerable Adults