The Safeguarding Co-ordinator role is to be advisor to and also the executive arm of the Safeguarding Committee. The role includes the oversight of the care and support of victims / survivors , development of policy and good practice, training and advice to the Provincial, the Safeguarding Committee and to all of the Jesuit superiors in the province.
The Co-ordinator’s role is also to convene the meetings of the Committee jointly with the Chair and to produce agendas and ensure that minutes are recorded. The role includes the security and confidential destruction of relevant papers.
The Safeguarding Co-ordinator is appointed by the Provincial after approval of the Safeguarding Committee.
The role of Safeguarding Support Advisor
The Safeguarding Support Advisor role is to support the Safeguarding Co-ordinator primarily by ensuring that victims / survivors receive appropriate care and support.
The Safeguarding Support Advisor also attends the Safeguarding Committee meetings and supports the work of the Chair and the Committee.
The Safeguarding Support Advisor is appointed by the Provincial after approval of the Safeguarding Committee.
The first safeguarding coordinator for the Society of Jesus was a Jesuit priest. In 2015 the Provincial decided that for the future this work should be assigned to a lay professional with/from a safeguarding background. However it was also agreed that a Jesuit should be appointed to actively engage in aspects of the work of safeguarding, in particular the valuable and important work of engaging with victims of abuse, in mitigating the harm done and demonstrating the commitment of the British Province to helping victims. The Safeguarding Jesuit will also be involved in the work of liaison with Jesuit communities to ensure that safeguarding is given priority in the mission of the Church.
Training is a further area where a Jesuit will work jointly with the Safeguarding Coordinator to deliver the training programme for Jesuits and for the staff of Jesuit managed projects.
1. To lead in the implementation and management of safeguarding policy and practice including safer recruitment.
2.To lead in the development of best practice in the prevention of child abuse and adults at risk of abuse within the work of the British Province.
3. To respond promptly and appropriately to child protection and adults at risk of protection matters.
4.To work closely with the Safeguarding Jesuit at ensuring that victims are listened to, that they receive the appropriate professional support and assistance that they need.
5. To inform, advise and collaborate with the Jesuit Safeguarding Committee and the Jesuit Provincial on matters of safeguarding, whether it is about policy or implementing or developing best practice.
6. To inform, advise and collaborate with the Safeguarding Committee and the Jesuit Provincial on appropriate practice in managing all matters relating to concerns and allegations of abuse including effective communication.
7. To provide advice and support in safeguarding matters to the Jesuit managed projects of the British Province.
8. To support the work of the Safeguarding Committee, helping to organise meetings, take minutes, prepare reports, and attend Committee meetings.
9. To undertake work as appropriate in the setting up and maintenance of risk assessments and risk management plans, and in the commissioning of preliminary enquiries.
10. To provide advice and assistance to the Trustees of the Society of Jesus in relevant cases also to prepare reports in these matters for the Charity Commission, the Provincial and Provincial Treasurer.
11. To work with those responsible for the management of clergy/laity/volunteers as appropriate.
12. To work in conjunction with statutory agencies and other partner agencies, as appropriate.
13. To develop and maintain secure systems in relation to storage of personal and/or sensitive information.
14. To work closely with the Safeguarding Jesuit in the development and delivery of introductory training and refresher training for all Jesuits, volunteers and others who work in Jesuit managed projects.
15. To oversee the DBS (England & Wales) and PVG (Scotland) procedures and checks for the Jesuits and its organisations.
16. To keep up to date with safeguarding best practice, this to include attending CSAS national safeguarding meetings.
17. To engage in continuing professional development and where applicable maintaining professional registration requirements.
18. To work cooperatively with the Jesuit community superiors providing support as well as advice and guidance when concerns are raised or allegations made.
19. To maintain appropriate links with statutory agencies including the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Adult Social Care Services, Police, MAPPA Agencies.
20. To make referrals to the Police or Children's Social Care Services/Adult Social Care.