Safeguarding Self Declaration

“Each one of you have received a special grace, so, like good stewards are responsible for all the different graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others.” (1 Peter 4:10)

  1. Why does the Catholic Church ask for this form to be completed?

The Catholic Church uses DBS (formerly known as CRB) Disclosures to ensure that those working with vulnerable groups within their parish activities and Religious Orders have been recruited on a fully informed basis.

The Catholic Church is required, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, to provide you, as the applicant, with the opportunity to voluntarily disclose any convictions, cautions, warnings or bind-overs that are relevant to the role for which you are applying.

There is also an expectation that the Catholic Church check an applicant’s previous employment and relevant experience as part of the broader recruitment process, this may include disciplinary matters.

  1. Who will have access to the completed form and its contents?

The SDF should be placed in a sealed envelope marked for the attention of the safeguarding office.

It is not shown to the Local Safeguarding Representatives or Designated Link Person. If you choose to talk to the Rep about it, please be aware that they have to advise you that it is better to answer the questions honestly and they may not be able to retain confidentiality about any information you share.

  1. What if I declare something?

Information you supply on the form will not necessarily bar you from doing the role of which you are applying. The Hallam Safeguarding Commission is committed to both the spirit and legal obligations enshrined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1972.

The Safeguarding Coordinator will make contact with you to discuss this in more detail.

Usually this is via a personal meeting. Records are kept and a copy of the records given to you. In most situations the Safeguarding Coordinator is able to give a view, at that point, on

i)Whether or not the information you provide means that there is a further assessment need

ii)No further action is necessary

However, all matters declared must be considered by a small group which is called RAM (Risk Assessment and Management Group), even if the Safeguarding Coordinator recommends no further action.

This group meets every two months on a Tuesday.

Any information shared by the Safeguarding Coordinator at the RAM meeting is anonymised. The purpose of the RAM meeting is to make sure that decisions are made carefully and thoughtfully and are not based on the judgement of one person.

If the RAM meeting decides that further information needs to be sought before making a final decision, your prior information and consent will be sought.

In the rare situation that the information you have provided means that you cannot be appointed to, or remain in a role, the Safeguarding Office will provide as much support as possible to ensure that you are able to make a dignified exit.

  1. Where will this form and record be kept?

This form and all records will be retained by the authorised Counter-Signatory or employer as per the Safe Storage and Retention Policy requirements.

The form will be retained for 75 years* (or until a new Disclosure is required at which time a new Safeguarding Self Declaration is necessary) within lockable, non-portable cabinets (with restricted access to keys by authorised and relevant personnel only)

All authorised personnel have completed and signed a Confidentiality Agreement.

* This period was prescribed by The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) in 2009.

The Safeguarding Coordinator can provide further clarification about this policy.