Introduction

The NBSCCCI has revised the Safeguarding Children: Standards and Guidance document and developed a ‘one Church’ safeguarding policy statement. The Diocese of Meath has signed up to this policy and has developed these operational guidelines to assist Church personnel in implementing the policy and revised standards.

All Church personnel (clergy, volunteers and staff) are required to adhere to the standards.

How to use the Guidelines document:

The document provides operational guidelines in implementing the policy and procedures. It is organised into four sections:

  1. Creating a culture of safety – this provides guidance on meeting the requirements for implementing Standards 1, 5 and 6
  2. Recognising, responding and reporting – this provides guidance on meeting the requirements of Standards 2, 3 and 4
  3. Quality assurance – this provides guidance on meeting the requirements of Standard 7
  4. Forms and templates – this provides the forms which must be used.

A series of appendices provides supplementary information.

Section 1 and aspects of Section 3 are those which are of most relevance to parishes.

Section 2 is of particular relevance to the DLP, Support Person and Advisor.

Section 3 is of particular relevance to the Safeguarding Children Committee (in consultation with the DLP and parishes).

In all cases, the associated forms in Section 4 must be used.