Our Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Overview

   The Carmel of the Magnificat at Quidenham, as an enclosed, contemplative community, does not normally have direct contact with children, or with adults outside the community. However, in line with the One Church Approach which has been adopted by all institutions in the Catholic Church following the safeguarding reviews of 2020, we are committed to safeguarding all children and adults with whom we come into contact, as well as all the members of our community. This commitment is based on the Christian understanding that human beings are made in the image of God and on the Church's conviction of the preciousness, dignity and uniqueness of every human life. We uphold the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of protection, love, encouragement and respect. We are committed to putting into practice the safeguarding recommendations of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency and the Religious Life Safeguarding Service, and to ensuring that if any safeguarding concerns should arise, we will respond to the victims/survivors promptly and compassionately.

   We do all we can to ensure the safety of those who come to our church or any part of our property. The public part of the church is a chapel at ease for Diss Parish Church, and safeguarding in the church is covered by the parish.

2. Scope

   1. This policy and procedure applies to all who live or work at Quidenham Carmel regardless of their role or the activities they undertake.
   2. Everyone at Quidenham Carmel has a responsibility to prevent abuse, whether caused by action or omission. Abuse in this policy refers to: physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, psychological, or spiritual abuse; abuse of power or of conscience; neglect or self-neglect; organisational, domestic, material, or financial abuse. Additionally, if we were to witness behaviour which effectively resulted in modern-day slavery or where there was evidence of discrimination or radicalisation, we recognize that this would need to be addressed as a safeguarding issue in accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 6.
   3. Every sister has a duty to report to the Prioress or the Safeguarding Lead any instance of abuse that she believes she has suffered or witnessed; she may also have direct recourse to the RLSS (tel: 0151 5562311; email: admin@religioussafeguarding.org.).

3. Training

   1. Basic Safeguarding Training will be provided for the whole community.
   2. The Prioress, Novice Director, Guest Sister, and Safeguarding Lead will undertake refresher training every three years.
   3. Safeguarding, and in particular the risks of spiritual abuse, will be included in the curriculum for formation of new members.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

   1. The Monastery Council - The Council has a duty to maintain appropriate governance and oversight of safeguarding in line with this policy and national guidelines.
   2. The Prioress - Prioress is responsible for ensuring appropriate policy, procedures, and best practice are in place to maintain a robust safeguarding service. It is also her responsibility to appoint a Safeguarding Lead, and to ensure that safeguarding information is available on the Carmel’s website and on any brochures or other communications published by the Carmel.
   3. The Safeguarding Lead - The Safeguarding Lead has direct oversight of the community’s safeguarding policy and guidance. This includes oversight of the relationship with and input on the work of the RLSS, and also working with the Diocesan safeguarding team as the need may arise.
   4. All other roles - All sisters and employees have an obligation to ensure they know how to respond to safeguarding concerns by making themselves familiar with the content of this policy and the procedure contained within it and any other associated policies/procedures.
   5. General - Everyone involved in the life and work of Quidenham Carmel has a duty to disclose to the Safeguarding Lead or Prioress any safeguarding concerns that have been raised with regard to the community, or any concerns raised, for example by a retreatant, about abuse or possible abuse outside the community.

5. Practice Guidance

   1. Action must be taken if a concern is raised that a child or adult is suffering or is likely to be suffering from significant harm. This includes, but is not limited to:
      • Someone who is at serious risk of harm from self or others
      • Someone who poses a serious risk of harm to someone else
      • A concern about a child or vulnerable adult at risk of harm from someone else
      • Concerns over someone’s mental capacity
   2. Action must also be taken in line with the Church’s mandatory reporting policy. This means appropriate action must be taken if there are reasonable grounds to believe that someone who holds any role within the Church is going to or has committed a crime, is going to or has caused harm, poses a risk or is otherwise unsuitable to work in their role.

6. Procedure

   1. If Quidenham Carmel becomes aware of a concern as detailed in Section 5 or any other safeguarding issue, they will contact the RLSS Safeguarding Team and pass the concern and all records of it to them immediately. They will ensure that the person who raised the concern is aware that this is being done.
      1. The RLSS will:
         • Ensure the victim/survivor or individual has been informed of the next steps
         • Explain what will happen, give them options if possible and an indicative timescale
         • Contact any relevant bodies within 24 hours
         • Complete the safeguarding paperwork and ensure appropriate record keeping of all phone calls, meetings and discussions in relation to the case are documented.
         • Update the relevant people at Quidenham Carmel and offer any support needed

7. Whistleblowing

   1. Quidenham Carmel will encourage and enable anyone with a safeguarding concern of any kind to refer the concern without fear of victimisation or disadvantage.
      1. If that concern is regarding malpractice, illegal acts, or omissions at the Carmel in relation to safeguarding, then the RLSS should be made aware.
   2. The action taken by the RLSS will depend upon the nature of the concern referred. However, an investigation will be undertaken if appropriate, followed by appropriate action. Written feedback will be provided, including a rationale documenting the reasons why identified actions have been taken.

8. Recording and Storage of Safeguarding Concerns and Case Files

   1. Quidenham Carmel has a responsibility to ensure that any case files held are accurate, up to date and stored securely, maintaining strict confidentiality.
   2. Where the RLSS is responsible for the management of a case, the RLSS will ensure records are accurate, auditable, and secure and all records of any safeguarding concerns or allegations referred will be properly maintained.

9. Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance

   1. Quidenham Carmel will ensure that any appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are carried out in line with both statutory and Catholic Church requirements. Since the sisters are enclosed and do not normally move from one community to another, there is no need for constant updating of DBS certificates for them.
   2. On appointment, all new employees will be provided with a copy of this document and will sign to say they understand all relevant policy and procedures.
   3. If from time to time carers need to come in from outside, they will be properly vetted.
   4. Anyone who is seeking to work with the sisters whether in a paid or unpaid capacity must be provided with the opportunity to self-disclose relevant conviction information. This is a DBS Code of Practice requirement.

10. Policy Review

    This policy has been approved by the Prioress and Council of Quidenham Carmel and will be subject to review every 3 years, or sooner if a need is identified.

To get in touch or report any issues regarding Safeguarding, please email: safeguarding@quidenhamcarmel.org.uk