INSTITUTE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
Registered Charity No. 290544
CONTACTS
Reporting abuse
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese; (the relevant Diocesan safeguarding office. You can contact CSSA by telephoning 0207 901 1920 or via email at admin@catholicsafeguardinguk.net
Alternatively, you may contact the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy Safeguarding Lead, Catherine Marcroft via email at safeguarding.lead@iolmercy.org.uk or by telephoning 07498 931163.
INSTITUTE SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT
The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy is committed to the National Safeguarding Policies and Procedures of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, to take all reasonable steps to protect all who are vulnerable from any form of abuse and to promote a safe environment for them.
This commitment flows from the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and the Church’s common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life.
We start from the principle that each child, young person and adult at risk has a right to expect the highest level of care and protection, love, encouragement and respect that we can give.
We will liaise closely and openly with statutory agencies to ensure that any concerns or allegations of abuse are promptly reported and appropriately dealt with, victims supported and alleged source of harm held to account.
The Institute’s commitment to the ‘One Church’ approach to safeguarding in the Catholic Church in England and Wales is also affirmed by this statement.
Our expectation is that this statement will be accepted and upheld by our Sisters and Associates, Staff, Volunteers and all who work for and with us in the Institute and also those who use our premises.
Sr Bernadette Holmes (Institute Leader)
Date: 31/7/24 Due for next review: July 2025
The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy follows the guidelines produced by CSSA – the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency
www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
The Institute also refers to the Religious Life Safeguarding Service to give other advice and guidance. Their address is:
RLSS
Floor 1
84 Church Street
Liverpool
L1 3AY
Tel: 0151 556 2311
admin@religioussafeguarding.org