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On Sunday 11 June the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) released an independent review into safeguarding within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Speaking about the release of the Review, Bishop Richard Moth said:

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“Safeguarding is central to the work and mission of the Catholic Church in our Diocese. As Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, I fully recognise the importance of the Safeguarding Review in Hexham & Newcastle and share the sadness and hurt that the content of the Review will cause to many.

“The diocesan Trustees and I wish to reassure all members of our faith community that there is excellent safeguarding governance in this Diocese, however, given the significant importance of safeguarding, we should never be complacent. Our Trustees and Safeguarding Team are presently carefully examining the recommendations within the Review, to ensure that we continue to provide a stringent and effective structure of safeguarding that supports and protects all those in our Diocese.

“I ask all in our community of faith to keep our brothers and sisters in Hexham & Newcastle in prayer, I also ask for prayers for our Safeguarding Team and those in our parishes who are engaged in this vital area of work.”

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Angela McGrory, the diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator said:

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“The Arundel & Brighton Safeguarding Team is actively supported in its work by a highly competent Subcommittee of Trustees chaired by, and comprised of, a range of experienced, independent professionals from the police, prison, health, and adult and children’s services.

“A key aspect of my role is attendance at all diocesan Trustee meetings, ensuring that both our Trustees and our Bishop fully understand the recommendations of the Safeguarding Subcommittee, which are valued and acted upon.

“Our Diocese upholds the highest standards of care and protection, and is fully committed to ensuring that children, young people, and vulnerable adults are kept safe.”

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Notes:

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• Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. Safe spaces can contacted here.

• The CSSA’s Review of safeguarding in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle can be accessed here.

• Bishops' Conference have released a response to the Review, you can read it on their website.

• To find out more about Safeguarding in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton please click here.

• Details of the diocesan Subcommittee of Trustees can be found here.