Safeguarding at Worth Abbey
Worth Abbey is committed to the safety of all those who come to Worth
If you are concerned that a child or adult at risk is in immediate risk of harm, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999.
If you have a safeguarding concern, but don't consider there to be an immediate risk of harm, you should speak to our Religious Safeguarding Lead: Paul Bilton (01342 710368) or the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (0151 556 2311). The Religious Life Safeguarding Service is independent of Worth Abbey.
Anyone who considers that they are a survivor of abuse may want to contact Safe Spaces on 0300 303 1506 or via their website. 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 Catholic Church in England and Wales.
The Community’s approach to safeguarding
The monastic community of Worth Abbey respects and values the dignity and rights of all people. The Abbey recognises that it has a special responsibility to those who are young or vulnerable. It is committed to taking all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all. To help achieve this, Worth Abbey will listen to any concern raised and is committed to learning lessons and improving practice.
Worth Abbey:
- is committed to working within the safeguarding standards adopted by the Catholic Church in England and Wales, as articulated and audited by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).
- is a member of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) which provides us with safeguarding services including training, case management, administration, advice & support.
- liaises closely and openly with Worth School in relation to all safeguarding issues.
- liaises closely and openly with statutory authorities and Church agencies to ensure that concerns or allegations of abuse are promptly reported and properly addressed, victims supported and perpetrators held to account.
Key contacts
The Worth Abbey Religious Safeguarding Lead is Paul Bilton. You can write to him at Worth Abbey, email him at pbilton@worth.org.uk or telephone him on 01342 710368.
You can also speak directly to the Religious Life Safeguarding Service. You can write to them via email safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org or call them on 0151 556 2311.
The Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding is Alda Andreotti. She can be contacted via email aandreotti@worth.org.uk.
Policies
Our safeguarding policy can be found on our Corporate Information page.