If you believe a child, young person or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.
Non-emergency concerns: Please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance so we can act quickly to protect the person involved.
- Contact our DSL by phone or email
- If you believe a child, young person or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.
- Non-emergency concerns: Please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance so we can act quickly to protect the person involved.
Other Useful Helplines
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (advice on child protection)
- Childline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
- Adult Social Services (for vulnerable adults): contact via your local council
Whistleblowing and raising concerns about colleagues
If you are a volunteer, contracted worker or Sister and you have concerns about unsafe practice or someone’s behaviour within our Order, please raise this immediately with the DSL or via our Whistleblowing Policy. Concerns will be taken seriously and treated confidentially. We will support anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Confidentiality & data protection
We will treat all safeguarding information sensitively and store it securely. We will only share information on a need-to-know basis and in line with legal requirements and our Data Protection Policy. Where necessary, we will share information with statutory agencies to protect a person from harm.
Pastoral care & sacramental context
As a Catholic religious order, we are committed to offering compassionate pastoral care to anyone affected by abuse or harm. We recognise the importance of spiritual and emotional support and will signpost to appropriate counselling and support services while ensuring that safeguarding responsibilities to report and act are upheld.
Safeguarding under the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS)
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) provides professional safeguarding support for religious congregations and societies of apostolic life within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
The RLSS works to ensure that children, young people, and adults at risk are protected from harm, and that all allegations or concerns are managed promptly, transparently, and compassionately.
RLSS Safeguarding Policy
- Standards RLSS follows the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards overseen by the Catholic Safeguarding Agency (CSSA).
- Each Religious Life Group (RLG) is expected to have its own safeguarding policy aligned with these standards.
- All allegations of abuse are reported to statutory authorities, regardless of when or where the abuse occurred, or whether the alleged person is living or deceased.
Reporting concerns to RLSS
If you have a safeguarding concern relating to a religious community that is supported by RLSS:
- Call 0151 556 2311
- Email safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org
- Visit religioussafeguarding.org for further details and contact options.
In an emergency, always contact the police on 999 or your local authority’s Children’s or Adult Social Care team.
Confidentiality and victim support
All information shared with the RLSS is handled sensitively and shared only when necessary to protect someone from harm. The RLSS and the local congregation can help signpost spiritual, emotional, and counselling support for anyone affected by abuse.
Designated Safeguarding Contacts
| NAME | ROLE |
| Sr. Jennifer Ekeigwe | Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) |
| Tel: 07943784309 | Email: safeguarding@ddlenglishregion.org |
| Sr. Basilia Ezike | Deputy DSL |
| Tel: 07968027482 | Email: safeguarding2@ddlenglishregion.org |
If the DSL cannot be reached, contact the Deputy DSL. For immediate risk, call 999.
Local Authority & emergency
Contact your local council’s Children’s Services or Adult Social Care team for advice and to make statutory referrals. If unsure which council covers you, use your postcode to find local authority contact details online.
Emergency: 999
Resources
RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service)
Provides safeguarding support for Catholic religious congregations in England & Wales.
Tel: 0151 556 2311
Email: safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org
Website: religioussafeguarding.org