I’m hugely indebted to a Survivor who took the trouble to go through what the De La Salles proudly claim about their own Safeguarding.
Their own Safeguarding is separate to the RLSS – Religious Life Safeguarding – who act as a filter and a way of protecting the DLS from us annoying Survivors.
AFAIK, no one has approached the DLS Safeguarding directly without the filter of the RLSS.
The time may come when I may have to consider reaching out to them direct, but their mission statement doesn’t fill me with optimism.
This sentence in particular took my breath away!
‘We will be open, transparent and accountable.’
Below is the statement in full and the Survivor’s commentary as follows:…..
Nothing much on the official DLS site, but I did find this safeguarding snippet, my own commentary in square brackets:
https://amethyst-maroon-4weg.squarespace.com/safeguarding
The De La Salle Brothers are fully committed to protecting children, young people and adults at risk from neglect and from all forms of abuse. This commitment is based on our Christian belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every person and in the recognition that each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God.
We abide by the safeguarding policies and guidelines provided by the Roman Catholic Church [note that it doesn’t mention this being aligned with the law of the land]. Each canonical jurisdiction of our District will work to shared approaches and standards, but with local guidelines [guidelines only?] where relevant and necessary, ensuring compliance with national policies and procedures for safeguarding [weak wording probably authored by a solicitor]. They will carry responsibility for implementation and hold localised accountability.
We promote the wellbeing of every child, young person and adult at risk by providing the highest level of respect, care and protection that we can offer.
For all those who work with us, or who are in our charge, we offer a safe, secure and welcoming environment, one that is free from discrimination, exploitation, harassment and maltreatment of any kind. [feels as if protecting themselves is higher priority]
We will take seriously and report immediately to the relevant civil authority any allegation of abuse, including any disclosure of abuse directed at a third party. [vague if this means abuse of staff of children]
We will be open, transparent and accountable. [!]
We will co-operate fully with any official investigation into allegations of abuse and we will work to ensure justice for those who are affected by abuse. [affected… victims being the perpetrators?]
We will respond to those affected by abuse with sensitivity, respect and compassion and endeavour to support them in whatever way is appropriate. [endeavour is a word that weakens the statement]
We will respond positively to anyone raising concerns about our safeguarding responsibilities, or the conduct of anyone holding office within our Trusts, or acting on behalf of the Trustees. [respond is insufficient, needs stronger words, it all sounds very reactive and nothing proactive]
We always seek to follow best practice in the matter of safeguarding by continuously learning and improving.
We ensure that the necessary resources are available to implement these policies.
Pat Mills 