Diocesan Roles and Responsibilities

Bishop

The Bishop has overall pastoral responsibility for the Diocese of Shrewsbury and for all the faithful within it. The Bishop has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that safeguarding is promoted throughout the Diocese and that national safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented effectively. He receives advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee and the safeguarding team on safeguarding matters, particularly where concerns or allegations relate to anyone exercising ministry or working on behalf of the Church.

Diocesan Trustees

The Trustees of the Diocese of Shrewsbury share responsibility for ensuring that the Diocese fulfils its legal, regulatory and charitable obligations in relation to safeguarding. They oversee the governance of safeguarding arrangements, ensuring compliance with Canon Law, charity law, Charity Commission guidance and the standards, policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).

Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee

The Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee provides independent advice, professional expertise and strategic oversight to support the Bishop, Trustees and safeguarding team. The Sub-Committee considers safeguarding policy, risk management, safeguarding plans, learning from casework, training and the ongoing development of safeguarding practice across the Diocese. It provides advice to assist the Diocese in maintaining safe environments and promoting a culture of safeguarding.

Parish Priest and Priest in Charge

The Parish Priest or Priest in Charge has responsibility for the pastoral care of the parish community, with particular regard for the wellbeing and protection of children, young people and adults at risk. They are responsible for promoting safe practice within the parish and are supported by the Parish Safeguarding Representative(s), whose recruitment, appointment and ongoing support is coordinated by the Diocesan Safeguarding Office.

Clergy Safeguarding Advisor

The Clergy Safeguarding Advisor provides specialist advice to the safeguarding team and the Diocesan Safeguarding Sub-Committee from the perspective of ordained ministry and Church life. This role helps ensure that safeguarding practice is understood and implemented effectively within the context of Catholic ministry, while promoting safeguarding awareness and good practice among clergy and religious.

Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator

The Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator is appointed by the Bishop and has delegated responsibility for leading and coordinating safeguarding across the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The Coordinator oversees the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, provides professional advice, manages safeguarding concerns and allegations, develops safeguarding practice and ensures compliance with national safeguarding standards.

The Coordinator keeps the Bishop, Trustees and the Diocesan Safeguarding Commission informed of safeguarding matters through regular reporting and acts as a point of contact for anyone wishing to report concerns or who has experienced abuse within a Church context.

Safeguarding Administration team

The Safeguarding Administrators manage the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Safer Recruitment process across the Diocese, support the recruitment and ongoing development of Parish Safeguarding Representatives and provides day-to-day administrative support to the safeguarding service.

The Administration Team also provides guidance and assistance to clergy, parish volunteers and diocesan staff on safeguarding processes and procedures.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives

Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSRs) are trained volunteers appointed to support the Parish Priest or Priest in Charge in promoting safe working practices within the parish. They play a key role in helping to create a safe environment for children, young people and adults at risk by encouraging good safeguarding practice and ensuring that parish activities are conducted safely.

PSRs act as the link between the parish and the Diocesan Safeguarding Office. They assist with safer recruitment processes, facilitate DBS applications where required, promote safeguarding awareness within the parish and help ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are understood and implemented locally. Parish Safeguarding Representatives undertake regular safeguarding training and maintain up-to-date knowledge of national safeguarding standards and diocesan procedures.

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