Safeguarding

IBVM POLICY STATEMENT

The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded for “the care and proclamation of the faith through the work of education, the promotion of justice, and the service of God’s people by ‘any means congruous to the times’.” (Const. 1.9)   In order to fulfil this mission today, Sisters are engaged in a variety of ministries, many of which involve working with children and vulnerable adults.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed and accepted the Report (November 2020) from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) relating to the institutional response of the Church in its duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation; and the Elliott Review which made a series of proposals and recommendations to address and reshape the safeguarding provision in the Catholic Church.

As a result, the Catholic Church is undergoing a thorough overhaul of its safeguarding systems for the improvement of safeguarding in all aspects of the Church’s life and expresses profound sadness and sorrow to all those who are victims and survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy and members of Religious Congregations.

CSSA – Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency: ‘a new central agency to advise on and audit the work of the Catholic Church in England and Wales as it develops the highest calibre regime of safeguarding’.

RLSS – Religious Life Safeguarding Service: ‘a dedicated safeguarding service created to replace alignment arrangements with Dioceses in England and Wales’.

The members of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary are committed to promoting a culture of Safeguarding. In other words, they are committed to providing for the safety and protection of children and adults at risk and to creating a safe and caring environment for all with whom they work.

The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary will ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly reported and that the statutory authorities are given the fullest support.  The victims/survivors will be listened to, and all involved given the appropriate support.

If you have concerns about any safeguarding matter please contact:

Safeguarding Lead

Miss Veronica Turtle

Dunham Road
Altrincham
Cheshire
WA14 4GZ

Phone: 0161 2270220