Our Lady Help of Christians

Roman Catholic Parish Church

Safeguarding in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church in England and Wales provides a wide range of services for children and adults every day. That’s why members of the Church have a vital role in safeguarding and supporting adults, children and families.

All safeguarding responsibilities are underpinned by legislation and government guidance. These good practice principles are reflected throughout our national policies and practice guidance.

Our diocese safeguarding webpage provides usesful information on safeguarging.

Parish Safeguarding Representative

Each parish and religious institute is required to have a parish safeguarding representative (PSR) to act as the link between it and the safeguarding coordinator.

The PSR is responsible for 'good and safe' practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults; and for providing advice on child and adult safeguarding matters within the Parish.

DBS Check Requirement

As an Altar Server you are required to undergo a DBS Enhanced Check. The Diocese DBS Process is set out for your information.

The Safer Recruitment Policy is set out for your information.

Required Reading for DBS Applicants

You are required to read the Standard/Enhanced Check Privacy Policy for applicants.

You are required to read the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) Privacy Notice for the Processing of Criminal Record Check Applications with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The CSSA Safeguarding Guidance and Forms, can be accessed to provide more information.

Actions for Applicants

Please note that the Adult Altar Server role is voluntary; so, the required DBS forms are: DBS3a, DBS4, and DBS17.

You are required to submit original forms of identity for verification. You may only submit acceptable forms of identification. These forms of identification are listed in the DBS Idenitification Checking Guidelines.

If you are from the United Kingdom (UK) or European Economic Area (EEA) or a Volunteers from Outside the UK or EEA, then you should read the DBS3A Identification Guidance Notes. You are then required to complete the DBS3A Identity Verification Form.

If you are from Outside the United Kingdom (UK) or European Economic Area (EEA) but not a Volunteer, then you should read the DBS3B Identification Guidance Notes. You are then required to complete the DBS3B Identity Verification Form.

You should read the DBS4 Self Declaration Guidance. You are then required to complete the DBS4 Self Declaration Guidance Form.

You are required to complete the DBS17 Applicant Constent for DBS Processing Form.

You should provide two references. Our reference request will follow the DBS2 Volunteer Reference Proforma format.

Your completed DBS forms and identification verification documents should be submitted to your Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR) for verification, for Altar Servers, the appropriate PSR is Robert Simpson. Your completed DBS forms and identification documents can be submitted electronically using the Altar Server Update and Safeguarding Form.

The DBS13 Update Service Identification Verification Form will then be completed to take the process to the next stage.

Altar Server Information

If you would like to access more information about serving at the altar, the please access the Altar Information Portal . You can also update your information if there have been any changes to the contact information that we hold for you.

Contact Information

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss the process, then please contact us.