The National Office of Professional Standards has welcomed Pamela Arthurs as the new National Safeguarding Lead to provide support to dioceses, congregations and Catholic organisations in the continued implementation of safeguarding practices around the country.

The office is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Catholic Church’s safeguarding policy and procedures for children and vulnerable adults.

Bishop Steve Lowe, of the National Committee for Professional Standards says “all dioceses have confirmed adoption of a national safeguarding policy which sets consistent expectations of how to develop and maintain safe environments in all of our Church entities.”

The office is developing a range of support materials and resources to support parishes and others implement safeguarding practices. A key initiative is the roll out of safeguarding workshops to support volunteers and employees undertake their roles safely and with confidence. Dioceses are at various stages of delivery of Workshop One, which is for all those who work with or provide ministry to children and/or vulnerable adults.

Director of the National Office for professional Standards, Virginia Noonan, is overseeing the national safeguarding roll-out and has been meeting with various groups of people in each diocese to support this work.

The National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) sets the strategic direction, and ensuring compliance, of the Catholic Church’s safeguarding policy and procedures for children and vulnerable adults. It is developing a range of support materials and resources to assist Church entities to develop and maintain safe environments.

NOPS is also responsible for responding to complaints of abuse in the Church and overseeing the investigation of complaints of sexual abuse against clergy and members of religious orders.

For further information or queries on the site, please contact [email protected] or 0800 114 622. For information on the Office and the services it provides, visit https://safeguarding.catholic.org.nz/.

From NZCBC