Safeguarding
Safeguarding is very important for the Sisters of the Holy Cross in England.
We are part of the RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service), which provides for any needs we have regarding Safeguarding. They are always available for any support or queries we may have.
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is a safeguarding body dedicated specifically to religious life in England and Wales. RLSS supports religious congregations, societies of apostolic life, and secular institutes in maintaining safe communities through robust safeguarding policies, survivor engagement, training, and good practice. It works in close collaboration with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) to uphold a culture of safety and accountability.
To contact the RLSS email: safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org or telephone: 01515562311
The CSSA provides national oversight of safeguarding standards across the Catholic Church in England and Wales. It ensures that dioceses and religious orders adhere to high, transparent, and survivor-sensitive practices in protection and response.
More on CSSA safeguarding framework:
https://www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/what-we-do/
The Sisters of the Holy Cross review their Safeguarding Policies annually.
Safeguarding Policy: https://www.holycrossengland.org.uk/s/Safeguarding-2023.docx
Whistleblowing Policy:
https://www.holycrossengland.org.uk/s/Policy-Whistleblowing-CSSA-July-2021-3ekm.docx
Complaints Policy:
Safe Spaces
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 Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in England and Wales. If you live outside of England and Wales, but suffered abuse by someone in the Church or as a result of your relationship with the Church of England, Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales, we will always endeavour to provide support, but this may be limited due to the services that are available outside of England and Wales.
Call: 0300 303 1056
Email: SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk
They are open:
Monday to Friday: 09:00-21:00
Saturdays: 09:00-13:00
Sundays: 13:00-17:00
Safe Spaces is delivered by First Light
Survivor Voices Network
While not a blog in the traditional sense, this platform shares experiences, reflections, and resources led by survivors of abuse in faith and care settings. It promotes trauma-informed, survivor-led safeguarding practices.
