Local Safeguarding Policies
The Prelate of Opus Dei has issued a Prelature Safeguarding Policy (PSP) which contains the general norms and principles applicable in every part of his international jurisdiction.
The Regional Safeguarding Policy (RSP), issued by the Vicar in each Region of the Prelature, is the adaption to the circumstances of his jurisdiction of a model regional policy issued by the Prelate containing more detailed safeguarding provisions to complement the global policy (PSP) applicable to the whole Prelature.
The North-West Europe (NWE) region of the Prelature of Opus Dei comprises nine civil jurisdictions, covered by five Episcopal Conferences. Accordingly, the NWE Regional Vicar has also issued a Local Safeguarding Policy (LSP), incorporating the provisions of the PSP and the RSP, for each of four areas of the NWE region:
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
Ireland (North and South)
The Netherlands
Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
The Regional Safeguarding Policy also includes a Checklist of Safeguarding Standards to be met in external civil entities with which the Prelature collaborates in activities which include Christian formation for minors.
Local Safeguarding Policy | Main Topics
The provisions of each LSP - in a variety of forms - address the following areas of safeguarding responsibility:
Section 1 PREVENTION of harm
Section 2 RESPONSE to concerns
Section 3 COMPLAINANT care
Section 4 RESPONDENT procedures
Section 5 TRAINING of personnel
Section 6 COMMUNICATION of policies
Section 7 AUDITING of compliance
Local Safeguarding Policy | Topic Groups
- PREVENTION
Assessing suitability of personnel
Adults’ Code of Behaviour
Minors’ Code of Behaviour
Risk Assessment
Response to accidents
External groups using premises
Complaints procedure - internal (whistleblowing)
Complaints procedure - external
Use of Social Media and IT
Individuals working with other entities
- RESPONSE
Procedure on receipt of a concern or complaint
Documentation of handling of a concern
Communication of a concern with other agencies
- SUPPORT OF COMPLAINANT
Pastoral care of complainant
Trained personnel available
Specialist organisations consulted
- CARE OF RESPONDENT
Personnel trained to represent needs of respondent
Informing the respondent of allegation
Preliminary Investigation
Monitoring the respondent
- TRAINING
Preliminary induction and training
Annual assessment of training needs
Basic training programme
Role-specific training
Training participants and parents
Support safeguarding responsibilities
- COMMUNICATION
Written plan for communication message
Information available to all
Other language groups
- AUDITING
Annual audit
Triennial safeguarding plan