SAFEGUARDING GUIDELINES for SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
As part of those resources the Centre invites those who seek to offer the ministry of Spiritual Direction a Code of Practice and invites those who have accepted that Code to join a Community of Spiritual Directors. Part of which is ‘to have knowledge of, and abide by legal and ethical guidelines – for instance in relation to Safeguarding’.
These guidelines have, therefore, been produced by the Centre, in consultation with the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS),for Spiritual Directors to give them assistance in relation to safeguarding issues for children and adults so that they are aware of the responsibilities of pastoral care in situations where concerns are raised.
Recognising that directors will be meeting with people in a variety of locations these procedures fall under the Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of London* but will be similar to those of other diocese’. If issues concerning Safeguarding arise within a context of spiritual direction these should be discussed with theappropriate Diocesan(or other church's) safeguarding Advisor or the CCPAS.
Spiritual Directors meet people on a one-to-one basis or in groups where private information is shared, often on a deeply personal level. Certain issues if shared will need to be referred to the relevant statuary agencies and this will need to be agreed at the outset, such as :
historic abuse as a child or a person currently experiencing abuse.
a person who may have committed abuse, or fearful that they have the propensity to harm.
disclosure regarding having witnessed or been indirectly involved in abuse.
a person who may view or download pornographic material of children or extreme abuse.
The issues discussed would normally be on a confidential basis, but where a disclosure is made that could cause a child or adult to be at risk of significant harm, then it is appropriate to seek advice and guidance from the appropriate person. It is not the role of the Spiritual Directors to ‘investigate’ the matter; instead it is always important to seek advice. In the event of a safeguarding matter arising, the director should keep a written record of the action taken.
The London Centre for Spiritual Direction recommends that,as a protection for Director’s, at the start of all spiritual direction relationships either:
(i) a written agreement is signed stating that whilst meetings are confidential, any matters relating to the protection of children or adults will be referred to the appropriate dioceses representative or statutory agencies i.e. Police or Social care, or:
(ii) a signed record is kept which states that these matters have been explained and discussed with the directee.
*
Further information can be found on the CCPAS web site via the Helpline 0845 120 4550; Option 2.
LSC Safeguarding Guidelines 06.15