Reporting a concern If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate attention, call emergency services on 999. If you have other concerns and there is no immediate danger, please contact the Safeguarding Team. Expand Responding to your concerns: The Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm and can be contacted via: Email: [email protected] Phone: 0121 230 6240 We operate a duty system whereby there is a Safeguarding Advisor available during operating hours to respond to calls. Administrators will take the details of the initial contact and one of our available advisors will call you back as soon as possible. Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner. If you have a concern out of hours that cannot wait the following agencies can be contacted: Police: either via 999 or 101 or Local Authority children and adult services. Most local authorities run an out-of-hours helpline, details of which can be found on their website. Find out who is your Local Authority NSPCC: 0808 800 5000, free helpline. Call if you are worried about a child. Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm and at weekends 9am – 6pm. NSPCC helpline Childline: 0800 1111 16-17 yr olds are legally classed as children and therefore fall within child protection procedures.
Support for Survivors The Safeguarding Office is a safe point of contact for survivors of abuse. We are here to help. Expand The Archdiocese of Birmingham Safeguarding Team is available on: 0121 230 6240 or by email on: [email protected] Survivor Support We support survivors who were abused when they were children and those who have been abused as adults. We recognise that speaking out about abuse can be very difficult and distressing and you may not have felt able to tell anyone before. We are here to support you to share your experiences. Victim and Survivor Care Charter Our staff will do all they can to listen to you and support you to find the help you need. You can speak to them without giving your personal details. The Archdiocese is committed to supporting those who report being harmed and commits to the National Safeguarding Standards: “Standard 3: Those that report having suffered harm receive a compassionate, caring and timely response, and are provided with access to appropriate support, advice, and pastoral care.” Support and a listening ear is available from the Safeguarding Team but we also recognise that people may need/want to access support from other sources, we offer signposting and support to anyone who approaches us. You will be heard, be supported, and have your concerns taken seriously. Safe Spaces Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review). Tel: 0300 303 1056Email: [email protected]LiveChat: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.ukWebsite: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk Other support agencies The Survivors Trust The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK NAPAC – Supporting Recovery From Childhood Abuse Mind -For information for support around abuse - Guide to support options for abuse - Mind Rape Crisis England & Wales Victims' Code - Victim Support MACSAS Minister & Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors Survivors Guide from The Isaiah Journey Making Complaints If you want to make a complaint about the safeguarding team/service received, or about diocesan post holders or partner organisations, please refer to our Safeguarding Complaints Policy. To raise any serious concerns about Trustees, employees, volunteers or members of the clergy, or with how the Archdiocese of Birmingham operates, please refer to our Whistleblowing Policy.
Survivor Forum Expand A group of adults with lived experience of faith-related abuse and the reporting process. Independent to the Archdiocese they offer insight and guidance to our procedures and policies. They offer peer support. It is important to note they are not trained counsellors. The Archdiocese funds travel expenses for their meetings. Our Survivor Forum meets independently, away from the Church, and offers peer support. If you would like any more information about the Survivor Forum, please email [email protected]
Contact us The Safeguarding Team Expand The Safeguarding Team Head of Safeguarding - Claire Reay Deputy Head of Safeguarding - Beverley Lewis Safeguarding Advisor - Jayne Pullinger Safeguarding Advisor - Susan Behan Safeguarding Advisor - Charlotte McKenna Senior Office Administrator - Angela Arkley Administration Support Officer - Jackie Crawford Administration Support Officer – Sarah Lester Contact Safeguarding Cathedral HouseSt Chad’s QueenswayBirminghamB4 6EX Tel: 0121 230 6240 Email: [email protected] If you wish to speak to the Safeguarding Team, the office is open Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm. Contactable by phone number: 0121 230 6240 or email: [email protected] Feedback on Safeguarding in the Archdiocese If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult or believe they are at immediate danger/risk, contact the police - Dial 999. Otherwise, you can also contact your local Children or Adults Social Care Teams. They operate an out-of-hours service.
Safeguarding Policies Expand Policies approved by the Trustees of the Archdiocese of Birmingham Management of Allegations and Concerns Safer Recruitment Safeguarding Privacy Notice (updated March 2026) Key Roles and Responsibilities in Safeguarding Victim and Survivor Care Charter Low Level Concerns Policy Safeguarding Service Complaints Policy and Procedure Safeguarding Communications Strategy
Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. Expand Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards The following has been sent to all clergy: In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. Could you please take the necessary steps to include this information on all parish communications (newsletters, noticeboard and website). Parish Newsletter For the parish newsletter, please include the following short statement together with contact details for parish safeguarding representatives (PSR) – using their RCAOB email address – this should not include personal telephone numbers: The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdiocese's policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is [xxxxxxxx]. They can be contacted at: [safeguarding email address] or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240/ [email protected] if you have any concern. Parish Noticeboard For the parish noticeboard, please print out and display the attached: • Safeguarding Statement• CSSA poster – Needs editing with PSR details and RCAOB email address – not personal phone number.• PSR Photo – optional• Safe Spaces poster• The Isaiah Journey guide Parish Website For the parish website, please include the following: • Safeguarding Statement• Link to Archdiocese safeguarding website• Safe Spaces statement and link to website• The Isaiah Journey - link to website
Parish Safeguarding Representatives Volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters. Expand Parish Safeguarding Representatives are volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters. They come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They ensure parishes and local communities are aware of the importance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults, and what is involved in promoting good practice. They support parishes in the safer recruitment of volunteers and ensuring that their parishes and communities and the activities they run are safe for everyone.
Safeguarding Training Advice on training for those who minister, complete paid work or volunteer in diocesan parishes Expand Clergy and Religious All those who provide ministry work in the Archdiocese of Birmingham must complete training in safeguarding on appointment (if not already held) and regularly as part of their continued formation and professional development. Pastoral Standards and Safe Conduct in Ministry - please read 'Caring Safely for Others' document from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales. Ministry Training 1: One day session - bi-annually (every two years) - this session covers guidance to support you in safeguarding and scenarios impacting parishes at the current time. Ministry Training 2: Online session - Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, Level 3 - every three years - this session covers guidance for safeguarding within the Catholic Church, a dedicated course for our work, and is provided by the Strategic Council Catholic Safeguarding via the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) website Continued Formation in Safeguarding means a person who ministers in the Archdiocese of Birmingham should review training as per bi-annual or three yearly. Parish Safeguarding Representatives All Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSRs) once appointed to the role have initial training by way of an Induction provided by the Safeguarding Advisors team. Then also Safer Recruitment provided by Administrators team. We also offer advice and workshops/training for groups and parishes if they are requested - if your parish or group would like training, please let us know and we will try to meet your needs. Strategic Council Catholic Safeguarding (SCCS) formerly Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) Learning Portal The Strategic Council Catholic Safeguarding (SCCS) has developed a learning portal with various modules that apply to the Church setting. Safeguarding in the Catholic Church level one, two or three are applicable for all volunteer users depending on their role. Safeguarding Training: Online Session - Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, Level 3 as part of your underpinning knowledge for your role. This training takes around 90 minutes and you can self-enrol for the module at a time that suits you via the CSSA training page on their website Lay Volunteers Safeguarding Training is provided dependant on the role you volunteer for within the Catholic Church. General roles: Reader, Peity Stall, Money Collector, Key Holders, Cleaner, Gardener etc must complete: Safeguarding Training: Online Session - Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, Level 1 as part of your underpinning knowledge for your role. This training is whereby you register to be provided with a two-page Safeguarding document advising of guidance to you. You can self-enrol for the module at a time that suits you via the CSSA training page on their website All other roles involving working with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults: Safeguarding Training: Online Session - Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, Level 2 (Requiring a DBS for a role working with Children or Vulnerable Adults) as part of your underpinning knowledge for your role. This training takes around 90 minutes and you can self-enrol for the module at a time that suits you via the CSSA training page on their website Safeguarding Training: Online Session - Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, Level 3 (Requiring a DBS for a role working with Children or Vulnerable Adults) as part of your underpinning knowledge for your role. This training takes around 90 minutes and you can self-enrol for the module at a time that suits you via the CSSA training page on their website Here you can learn about safeguarding at your own pace with dedicated online modules. All courses are open and free for everyone. Sign up today to join our learning community.
Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary. Expand Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary, as well as those with roles in the Church. Members Bishop David Evans (Deputy Chair)Canon Jonathan Veasey (Vicar General)Eric Kirwan (COO)Claire Reay (HoS)Kari Gordon (Trustee)Sandra Satchell (Member - Kenelm Youth Trust)David Sullivan (Member – Parish Safeguarding Representative)Helena Kirk (Member – Children’s Social Care)Sr Una Coogan (Member – Religious Order)Dr Anne Crawford (Member – CAMHS/Birmingham Children’s Hospital)Mr Desi Rodrigues (Member - Birmingham Children’s Hospital) Representatives: Mr Paul Donnelly
Safeguarding Resources and Links Other agencies and services. Expand CSSA - Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service IICSA - Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse NAPAC - 0808 801 0331 / National Association for People Abused in Childhood Religious Life Safeguarding Service - Religious Safeguarding Safe Spaces - Safe Spaces England and Wales Survivors Trust - The Survivors Trust Survivors Voices - Survivors Voices We Are Survivors - Break the silence - Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape. 24/7 Support Line, 0808 500 2222. Quest offers fellowship to LGBT+ Catholics by providing information on this website and through our member bulletin and social media. NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 Childline – 0800 1111 Samaritans – 116 123 Family Lives – 0808 800 2222 National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247 Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141 Rape Crisis – 0800 500 2222 Stop it Now A confidential helpline, live chat and secure messaging service for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention – whether they’re worried about their own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, or about another adult or young person. Stop it Now 0808 1000 900 Clare’s Law This scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the landmark case that led to it. This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. West Midlands Police: Clare's Law Warwickshire Police: Clare's Law Staffordshire Police: Clare's Law Thames Valley Police: Clare's Law West Mercia Police: Clare's Law Sarah’s Law The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children: has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk. You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders. Thames Valley Police: Sarah's Law Staffordshire Police: Sarah's Law West Midlands Police: Sarah's Law Warwickshire Police: Sarah's Law West Mercia Police: Sarah's Law
‘When You Are Ready’ A co-produced, nationally coordinated campaign Expand ‘When You Are Ready’ ‘When You Are Ready’ was launched on Monday 21 October 2024. It is a co-produced, nationally coordinated campaign with the aim of encouraging adult victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation to reach out for support and ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported. The campaign message is simple: If you’ve been abused or exploited as a child, we are here, when you are ready. We understand. We believe. We care. Access website and resources