Last updated 20 December 2021

The Catholic Church has a responsibility to ensure all those who undertake work in the name of the Church are adequately trained in safeguarding matters. The Church is dependent on clergy, religious and lay people using their skills and talents to nurture and support the Catholic community. Some will be paid employees, but the majority undertake their work on a voluntary basis. Everyone has a role in safeguarding the young and adults who may be at risk of harm.

Training courses for people in Catholic organisations

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has worked with EduCare to produce an e-learning package that raises awareness throughout the Catholic community in our countries. The e-learning package is part of the Church’s commitment to safeguarding, and is available to all members of the Catholic community free of charge. A brochure describing the e-learning is available to read here (pdf, 0.7mb). To register for a course, please contact your diocesan safeguarding office.

Support for survivors of abuse

Safe Spaces seeks to provide individual support and accompaniment for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Church of England or the Church in Wales. Victim Support manages the project independently.

Telephone: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)

Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk

Live chat and website: safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk

Policies and advice for Catholic organisations

Safeguarding within the Church is supported and regulated by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).