The Catenian Association is committed to fostering a culture of safety and care for children, our families, and all vulnerable adults.
Catenian Safeguarding Guidelines provide a framework that aligns with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards that creates a framework for Catholic entities to promote the safety of children and adults at risk. The Association acknowledges it must be aware of all the necessary protocols when engaging with young people and vulnerable adults; and this is deemed to include support for children, youth, adults, and includes sick and potentially vulnerable Catenian Brothers and their families, and Catenian Widows.
CODE OF CONDUCT
‘We will always strive to live our personal and business lives in accordance with the ideals of our Catholic faith, where every person matters’. (Our Values 3)
This document encompasses the Association’s Constitution, Rules, Regulations and particularly the Associations Aims and Values.
The Association seeks to safeguard vulnerable adults and children by: a) adopting protection guidelines through our policy and procedures;
RESPONSIBILITIES
Every member needs to be aware of the Association’s policy and protocols regarding safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children and if involved an any event or visit MUST have read our full safeguarding policy and procedures.
MONITORING AND REVIEW
Our policy will be reviewed every two years or in response to changes in legislation and/or government guidance or significant internal changes.
THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES:
x Contact with children (which is recognised as minimal).
x Activities arranged within the Catholic Educational framework.
x Support for youth through Public Speaking events, prize giving, Bursary awards, parish presentations, parish events, Universities, etc.
x Support for potentially vulnerable/elderly Catenian members and Widows – the many close friendships established throughout our Association are an essential element of its existence wherein we ‘support and encourage Brothers, their families and widows as needs arise’ (Aim 3) and ‘through the Catenian Association Benevolent and Children’s Fund’ (Aim 4).
x Interaction with University Chaplaincy members
Circles must ensure that they comply with laws in their countries relating to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children.
Most Circles have brothers and wives or widows of members who have become unwell, infirm or frail through old age. All brothers have promised to aid and comfort a brother in difficulty or need and this concern is extended to wives and widows. In addition, with our commitment to advance the interests and development of young Catholics, some members may be called upon to assist at events involving children.
In some jurisdictions, the minimum standards of care required to safeguard vulnerable adults and children are enshrined in legislation. Such legislation may require those who work with or volunteer with vulnerable adults or children, to have a background check and be registered.
Brothers who make ‘sick visits’ to people in their homes or provide other assistance to vulnerable adults, or who carry out activities bringing them into contact with children, must ensure as a minimum that they comply with the law of the land and any associated guidance.
With respect to visits to vulnerable persons by Catenians, assessments should always be made of the risks arising from such visits, including both the risk of harm or abuse to the vulnerable person and the risk of false allegations against Catenians.
In addition, the following recommendations are made in connection with these visits.
Home visits should be made by more than one person.
At least one of the visitors should be well known to the person being visited and should preferably be a friend.
If none of the designated visitors is known personally to the person being visited, they should ensure that a friend of the latter should accompany them at least on the first visit.
Sick visitors should be alert for any signs of abuse by others. If there is any reason to suspect such abuse, the advice should be sought of the Circle Welfare officer or the President.
All brothers should be aware of the sensitive nature of Benevolence and the need to firstly, be aware of potential need and alert the Circle Benevolent Board (CBB). Secondly. the Circle should through their circular remind brothers of the fact that benevolence is available if needed either by approaching the CBB or the Director.
In dealing with any case that arises there needs to be an element of trust between the parties and confidentiality in disclosure of information.
Any financial details should be treated in the strictest confidence and apart from details required by the Association’s Benevolent Fund should not be held by the Circle.
Sensitivity should be at the core of dealing with matters in this area.
If additional guidance is required, the relevant authorities (Safeguarding Board in the UK and the various relevant State and Territory authorities in Australia) should be contacted and the Provincial Director informed.
This is a most important area in the current climate when engaging with young people.
When brothers visit schools or colleges they must read and be aware of Association guidelines. Several brothers may have a Diocesan DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate and have attended Safeguarding Seminars but for those brothers who have not a DBS the attached guidelines should suffice in most cases.
If a volunteer is only attending a school where they will be constantly supervised by staff or priest (as is the norm) there is no requirement for a DBS check. If a volunteer is running an event or in contact with children where no DBS checked adults are supervising they will require a check.
As contact by Catenian Brothers will normally be on an ad hoc basis, outside the regular criteria and with DBS checked adults (usually teachers) always present, there should be no need for a DBS certificate, if in any doubt contact the Association.
The guidelines must always be followed by all Catenian brothers.
IMPORTANT:
When making initial contact with a school always advise them whether you have had a Diocesan DBS (originally CRB) check and give number and date. If one is not held, then ensure the school/college is aware.
WHEN VISITING:
SUMMARY: There is absolutely no need to be paranoid it is a case of being aware and sensible when meeting groups of young people. Don’t rely on your good name, or that of the Catenian Association, to protect you.
Members of the Association attending any event organised by an outside group, such as the nationally organised Flame event or more local events organised by a Diocese or other youth organisation such as Kenelm Trust, or Walsingham 2000, must follow any guidelines provided by the organisation such as a DBS check and registration with the organisation, and the procurement of a ticket, pass or badge.
The usual protocols to be followed by Catenians and outlined in this document concerning being at an event in the presence of young and or vulnerable adults MUST be followed.
For further details of safeguarding guidelines the organisers of any event should be contacted and supply their policy details.
+44 24 7622 4533
contactus@thecatenians.com
5 Oak Court, Pilgrims Walk
Prologis Park
Coventry
CV6 4QH
United Kingdom
+44 24 7622 4533
secretary.assoc@catenianmail.com
+44 24 7622 4533
GBNCSecretary@thecatenians.com
+44 24 7622 4533
denver.dias@thecatenians.com
The Catenian Association,
5 Oak Court, Pilgrims Walk
Prologis Park
Coventry
CV6 4QH
