OCMM Safeguarding Policy 

“In their lives and ministries Religious witness God’s love for every human person by sensitivity, reverence and respect in their relationships” [Integrity in Ministry – Conference of Religious 2015]

OCMM Sisters seek to extend God’s love in action towards all. Acknowledging God’s love for God’s creation, the Sisters commit to recognising the right of others to be treated with dignity and respect. To that end OCMM complies with the Safeguarding policies of the Church of England, the Diocese of Blackburn, and statutory and legal regulations in our ministry and our community life.
 
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35). [The Rule of St. Benedict]”

• All guests, visitors, and community members will be treated with sensitivity and courtesy.All Sisters and those residing with the community for an extended period will require DBS clearance.
• Discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, is not acceptable.
• The physical and emotional boundaries appropriate to relationships with adults and minors will be respected at all times.
• Any Sister who undertakes a ministry of Spiritual Direction will abide by the code of conduct and requirements of the Blackburn Diocesan Spiritual Direction network.
• Any Sister who is ordained and holds the Bishop’s Licence will abide by the Blackburn Diocesan Safeguarding requirements and the C of E Professional Conduct of Clergy regulations.
• Any disclosure made by an adult, young person or child or if a Sister has cause for concern, will be reported to the Mother Superior who will seek guidance from the Diocesan Safeguarding team and/or the Episcopal Visitor for OCMM and take any appropriate action. Serious criminal allegations will be reported immediately to the Police.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
CONTACT:

THE MOTHER SUPERIOR 
The Order of the Companions of Martha and Mary 
St Joseph's House of Prayer
New Vicarage
Church Lane
Tunstall
Carnforth
LA6 2RQ
Tel: 03330 119563
email: sistersocmm@gmail.com                                   

THE BLACKBURN DIOCESAN                          
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER:
Cath Smith
Diocesan Offices
Clayton House
Walker Office Park
Blackburn
BB1 2QE
Tel: 07711485170
email: catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org 

 
NB:  this is a digest of our safeguarding policy; a copy of the full version is obtainable from OCMM on request.