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Diocese of Clonfert

Local Safeguarding Representative (LSR)

ROLE Description

 

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Persons at Parish Level

The responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons in each parish rests with the Parish Priest (or Moderator). This is achieved according to the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures of the Diocese of Clonfert see www.clonfertdiocese.ie which are aligned to those of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (for Children) and the Western Ecclesiastical Province (Vulnerable Persons).

The Parish Priest (or Moderator) is assisted with this task by a duly recruited and appointed Local Safeguarding Representative(s) (LSRs) who is subsequently registered as such with the Clonfert Diocesan Office. In order to link the LSRs with the life of the Parish, LSRs are ex officio members of the Parish Pastoral Council.

 

Key Qualities of a Local Safeguarding Representative(s)

Local Safeguarding Representatives (LSRs) should be people who have a commitment to the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Persons according to the Policy and Procedures of the Diocese of Clonfert. They should also have a good knowledge of those areas which involve the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons within the local parish community.

 

Recruitment of Local Safeguarding Representative(s)

Local Safeguarding Representatives (LSRs) are recruited according to the Diocesan Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Persons. This includes completion of:

  • Application Form (SG-01) if new to the role
  • Declaration Form (SG-02)
  • Safeguarding Agreement Form (SG-03)
  • Completed Garda Vetting every three years.
  • Data Protection Consent Form
  • Data Protection Confidentiality Form
  • Registration of name and contact details with the Diocesan Office

 

Training of Local Safeguarding Representative(s)

Local Safeguarding Representatives should avail of regular training and in-service tailored to their role that is offered by the Diocese. Individual support is available from the Diocesan Coordinator of Safeguarding Ms Isabelle Mulkern at 083-8791745 / 091-841560 and parishresource@clonfertdiocese.ie

 

Areas where Local Safeguarding Representatives assist the Parish Priest (or Moderator)

Local Safeguarding Representatives assist the Parish Priest (or Moderator) as follows

  • Assisting with ensuring that the Diocesan Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Persons is fully adhered to within the parish.
  • Assisting with ensuring that mandatory Safeguarding Statements for Children and Vulnerable Persons are displayed at entrances to Churches, Halls or other parish properties and that available means of communication to promote safeguarding are maximised.
  • Assisting with ensuring that each church sacristy displays (1) Safeguarding Statements for Children and Vulnerable Adults (2) Celebrate Notice (3) Code of Behaviour For Adults Working with Children (4) Code of Behaviour for Children.
  • Assisting with ensuring that each church sacristy has a Safeguarding Register and that it is operated appropriately.
  • Assisting with ensuring that safeguarding information leaflets (1) Welcome for Parents and Children (2) Welcome for Volunteers (3) Code of Conduct for Working with Vulnerable Persons are distributed as appropriate
  • Assisting with ensuring that all those whose role involves regular contact with children/young people or vulnerable persons in the Church are recruited according to the relevant policies and procedures. This involves the completion of the following

 

For People Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons (sacristans, person in charge of altar servers, directors/organist of junior or mixed choirs, Leaders of Children’s Liturgies, all safeguarding representatives,  Eucharistic Ministers who visit homes of the sick (excluding their own relatives), and any other relevant person whose role involves regular contact with children/young people and vulnerable persons.)

  • Application Form (SG-01) if new to the role
  • Declaration Form (SG-02)
  • Safeguarding Agreement Form (SG-03)
  • Completed Garda Vetting (must be renewed every three years)
  • Data Protection Consent Form
  • Data Protection Confidentiality Agreement

 

For Parent(s) and Children Involved in Church Activities

  1. Parent and Child Joint Consent Form (SG-04)
  2. Data Protection Consent Form
  • Assisting with the filing and storage of all safeguarding forms in accordance with the best of principles for data storage and GDPR legislation in a secure filing cabinet on parish property.
  • Assisting with the completion and storage of Accident/Incidents forms (SG-05)
  • Assisting with ensuring that the Diocesan Norms with regard to visiting clergy are consistently implemented e.g. Celebret (ID Card) presentation for once off ministry, registration with the Diocesan Office for more than a once off ministry.
  • Assisting with ensuring that external groups involving children or vulnerable persons using church property have completed the External Groups Using Church Property Form (SG-07)
  • Assisting with ensuring that in conjunction with the Diocesan Office appropriate induction and training is made available on a regular basis to all those whose role involve regular contact with children/young people or vulnerable persons in the Church.
  • Assisting with the completion of the annual parish self-audit and annual hazard assessment processes.
  • Assisting with devising and implementing an action plan to address any issues identified in the annual audit in a timely manner.

 

October 2021