Safeguarding is the new term for the policy protecting children and vulnerable adults. At St. John Bosco, we have a new Safeguarding Officer, Julie Fisher, who is responsible for the implementation of the Diocesan Child Protection guidelines, to make our community as safe as can be for children, young people and vulnerable adults. All people within our community must adhere to these guidelines and follow the policies and procedures in all activities, to ensure above all else, that the welfare of the children and young people and vulnerable adults is nurtured, upheld and protected.
 
Our Safeguarding policy is on display on the main notice board in the church porch. In accordance with the Diocesan Safeguarding guidelines, all adults working in our church ministries and groups involving children, young people or vulnerable adults, must submit documentation and be C.R.B. (Criminal Records Bureau) checked by the police.

St John Bosco church community is committed to living God’s word by welcoming all children, young people and vulnerable adults into our community to be cared for in a safe environment by people whom they can trust. It is, therefore, the duty of our community, and particularly those who work with them, to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional and psychological abuse of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom they come into contact. In our church community, we do this by ensuring that:-

• The Safeguarding Officer has overall responsibility for Safeguarding issues within the church and reports to Fr. Chris and, when necessary, the Pastoral Council.
• Children’s and Young People’s groups are properly staffed by adults who are aware of the correct procedures and that parental permission is obtained for participation when and where appropriate.
• All groups working with children and young people will be registered with the Safeguarding Officer and will follow the guidelines for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults as laid down by the Diocese.
• Everyone who works with children, young people and vulnerable adults will complete an application form in which they agree to screening by an appropriate body and that all forms are held securely by the Safeguarding Officer.
• All volunteers, paid workers and anyone who works with children, young people and vulnerable adults know that they should bring any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.
• The name and contact details of the Safeguarding Officer are displayed on the notice board in our church porch.