Safeguarding is at the heart of our mission, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. The Diocese of Westminster is committed to promoting best practices, responding to concerns, and supporting those affected by harm.
Our Safeguarding Communications Plan is designed for both our internal and external audiences. Internally, it serves priests, clergy, curia, catechists, educators, volunteers, safeguarding representatives, and congregations. Externally, it reaches parish communities, victims and survivors, action groups, and partner agencies.
The purpose of this plan is to:
- Demonstrate that safeguarding is a key priority for our Diocese and that we take it seriously.
- Uphold transparency by acknowledging and accepting where we have made mistakes or failed.
- Ensure that those who engage with the Diocese know what to do and who to contact if a safeguarding issue arises.
- Reinforce that safeguarding is a shared responsibility for everyone.
Our Commitment
- We uphold a culture of safeguarding across all diocesan activities. Safeguarding is discussed at the highest levels, including the Archbishop’s Council and Trustee Board.
- Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated, and we work to ensure the safety of children, young people, adults at risk and those with vulnerabilities.
- We have adopted and implemented the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and are a member of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). We work closely with both statutory and non-statutory agencies to ensure a prompt and appropriate response to any allegation of abuse.
- We are committed to placing victims and survivors at the heart of our work, ensuring they are heard, supported, and that perpetrators are held accountable.
How We Communicate Safeguarding
- Leadership-Driven: The Cardinal, Bishops, and Trustees oversee safeguarding discussions and decision-making through the work of our Safeguarding Committees.
- Clear Reporting Channels: Information on how to report abuse, seek support, or raise safeguarding concerns is readily available.
- Multiple Communication Platforms: We share safeguarding updates through our website, newsletters, training sessions, and parish representatives.
- Regular Reviews: Our safeguarding policies are continuously assessed and updated to meet the highest standards.
Local and Departmental Communication
Local and departmental plans are devised for each area of work, and set out detailed arrangements, including:
- Area of responsibility: e.g. parish, community, department, unit.
- Communication lead: the person responsible for ensuring safeguarding information provided by the Safeguarding Service is effectively communicated to all those in a particular area of responsibility.
- Published safeguarding information: information on safeguarding available in the area of responsibility.
- Audience: those people to whom the safeguarding information is directed, in that particular area of responsibility.
- Format: how information on safeguarding in that area of responsibility is made available, for example, posters, leaflets, web pages, etc.
- Review and reporting: the processes or outputs by which the communication lead for the area of responsibility shows that safeguarding information is effectively communicated.
Resources & Contact Information
- Visit our Safeguarding Page for policies, procedures, and resources.
- Access support and safeguarding guidance through diocesan and partner websites, including Caritas Westminster, our Education Department, and Westminster Youth Ministry.
Our safeguarding communication plan ensures that safeguarding remains a visible priority across the Diocese. It fosters greater awareness, encourages a culture where people feel confident in reporting concerns, and strengthens our ability to respond effectively. By providing accessible information, training, and regular updates, we not only enhance safeguarding practices but also reinforce our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. This ongoing communication helps to build trust, ensures accountability, and ultimately creates a safer Church for all.
