SAFEGUARDING POLICY OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

The Congregation of the Mission is firmly committed to promoting a culture of dignity, respect, care and accountability in all aspects of its life and ministry. Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the charism of St. Vincent de Paul and the teachings of the Catholic Church, we recognise the inherent dignity of every human person and are committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect and harm.

Safeguarding is an integral part of our mission. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and are committed to ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with our members, institutions and apostolates is treated with respect and protected from harm.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all members of the Congregation, including admitted to the vows of incorporation, candidates in formation, employees, volunteers, pastoral workers and anyone acting on behalf of the Congregation in any capacity.

Our Safeguarding Principles

We are committed to:

§ Upholding the dignity and rights of every person.

§ Providing safe and welcoming environments for all.

§ Preventing abuse through effective safeguarding practices.

§ Listening to and responding compassionately to those who disclose abuse or express safeguarding concerns.

§ Reporting all allegations or suspicions of abuse promptly to the appropriate civil and ecclesiastical authorities, in accordance with applicable laws and Church policies.

§ Cooperating fully with statutory agencies during investigations.

§ Providing appropriate pastoral care and support for victims and survivors.

§ Ensuring that individuals against whom allegations are made are treated fairly while investigations are conducted.

§ Promoting transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

§ Safe Recruitment and Formation

§ The Congregation is committed to safe recruitment procedures for all personnel. Appropriate background checks, references, safeguarding training, and ongoing formation shall be required according to the responsibilities of each role.

Safeguarding Training

All members of the Congregation, employees and volunteers engaged in ministry receive appropriate safeguarding education and regular training to ensure they understand their responsibilities, remain updated, and attentive to the signs of time according to the spirit of our congregation. Hence, they are equipped to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns.

Reporting a Concern

Anyone who has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk is encouraged to report the matter immediately. Where there is an immediate risk of harm, the relevant emergency services or law enforcement authorities are be contacted without delay.

Safeguarding concerns may also be reported directly to the Congregation's Designated Safeguarding Officer using the contact details provided below.

Designated Safeguarding Officer:

Name:  Fr. Richard Offong CM 

Email: offongrichard@yahoo.co.uk

Telephone: +447411976538

Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns are handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information is shared only with those who need to know in order to protect individuals and fulfil legal and pastoral responsibilities.

Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly and updated whenever necessary to reflect developments in civil legislation, Church safeguarding standards and best practice. The Congregation of the Mission remains committed to fostering an environment where every person is valued, respected, protected and enabled to flourish in safety.