SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH OF ANNECY CIO

(Registered Charity Number 1214227)

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. POLICY OVERVIEW

The Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy (SSJA), throughout the world, takes seriously the responsibility of safeguarding all children and adults. This commitment directly relates to the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Church's common belief in the preciousness, dignity and uniqueness of every human life. We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of protection, love, encouragement and respect.  

Following on from the safeguarding reviews in 2020, we, the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy in the English Province, are committed to the One Church Approach to safeguarding by implementing the changes needed and by ensuring that we respond to victim/survivors promptly and compassionately.    

2. SCOPE/COMMUNICATION PLAN  

2.1 This policy and procedure applies to all within the Province – Religious, Lay, Voluntary or Employee – regardless of their role or the activities they undertake. This policy, which highlights our commitment to take our safeguarding responsibility seriously, is communicated to all within the Province, and indirectly to all with whom we come into contact. We, the Sisters of St Joseph of the English Province, communicate our policy/safeguarding message through Training (see Section 3 below), through discussion at leadership level (Council meetings and Safeguarding Sub-Committee meetings), through feedback at annual Province Days, by emails, through circulation of RLSS Newsletters, and by displaying contact information posters and our policy – both full and summary in each of our Communities. We review our communication plan regularly, as part of our safeguarding policy.

2.2 It is the responsibility of all the Province to prevent, whether by action or omission, abuse. Abuse in this policy refers to: physical; sexual; emotional; spiritual; neglect; self-neglect; organisational; material; psychological; financial; domestic or verbal. Additionally, behaviour which effectively results in modern day slavery or where there is evidence of discrimination or radicalisation, needs to be recognised and addressed as a safeguarding issue, in accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 6.

3. TRAINING  

3.1 All Province Sisters and Staff will undergo Safeguarding Training relevant to their role.

Listed below are the minimum standards for training in each role:            

• Provincial Sister – RLG Leader Training (equivalent to Level 2)  
• Safeguarding Lead – Safeguarding Lead Training (equivalent to Level 3)
• Council/Trustee Board members – Trustee Training (equivalent to Level 2)  
• Bursar – Bursar/Trustee training (equivalent to Level 2)
• Province Sisters who work with the public – Advance Safeguarding Training (equivalent to Level 2)
• Province Sisters who are not infirm and not in regulated activity – Basic Safeguarding Training (equivalent to Level 1)
• Clinical staff have SOVA training (this looks at all the various forms of abuse and highlights the various agencies, etc.)
• 3.2 Refresher training
• Safeguarding Sub-Committee members will undertake yearly refresher training.
• Province Council/ Trustees, and Sisters who work with the public will undertake biennial training, (every two years)
• Staff will undertake yearly refresher training, organised by the Admin Manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

 4. 4.1 The Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy Council/ Trustee Board

The Board has a duty to maintain appropriate governance and oversight of Safeguarding in line with this policy and national guidelines. Certain functions of the Board will be delegated to the Safeguarding Sub-Committee as indicated below.

4.2 The Provincial/Trustee for Safeguarding

The Provincial /Trustee for Safeguarding is responsible for ensuring appropriate policy, procedures and best practice are in place for the effective delivery of safeguarding, including any related due diligence checks. Certain functions of the Provincial/Trustee for Safeguarding will be delegated to the Safeguarding Sub-Committee, as indicated below.

4.3 The Safeguarding Lead/Safeguarding Sub-Committee

The Safeguarding Lead and the Safeguarding Sub-Committee (SGSC), which includes the Trustee responsible for Safeguarding, the Safeguarding Lead and suitably qualified lay members have direct oversight of the Province’s safeguarding policy and guidance, including management and oversight of documentation, case progression/management and the secure, legally compliant storage of safeguarding reports and related material as well as oversight of the relationship with and input on the work of the RLSS. The SGSC has its own ‘Terms of Reference’.

4.3.1 The Safeguarding Lead/Sub-Committe may delegate some of this responsibility to the RLSS by passing the case to them but will remain as key contact for the case duration unless another individual is identified to assume case responsibility.

4.4 All other roles

All Sisters, Staff and volunteers have an obligation to ensure they know how to respond to safeguarding concerns by being familiar with the content of this policy/relevant staff policies and the procedures contained within them and any other associated policies/procedures.  

4.5 General  

Everyone involved in the work of the Province has a duty to disclose to the Safeguarding Lead / Provincial/ Admin Manager (staffing) any safeguarding concerns that have been raised about them.

5 PRACTICE GUIDANCE  

5.1 Action must be taken if a concern is raised that a child or adult is suffering or is likely to be suffering from significant harm. This includes, but is not limited to:  

• Someone who is at serious risk of harm from self or others  
• Someone who poses a serious risk of harm to someone else  
• A concern about a child or adult at risk of harm from someone else  
• Concerns over someone’s mental capacity

5.2 Action must also be taken in line with the Church’s mandatory reporting policy. This means that action must be taken if there are reasonable grounds to suspect or believe, that someone who holds any type of role within the Church is going to or has committed a crime, is going to or has caused harm, poses a risk or is otherwise unsuitable to work in a public facing role.  

6 PROCEDURE  

                                           LISTEN                                 RECORD                            REPORT

If someone becomes aware of a Safeguarding issue they should:  

Listen carefully, without asking further questions or investigating.  

Record what they were told.  

Report the issue to the Provincial and/or Safeguarding Lead, (Admin or Clinical Manager if a staff member is involved).  

The Province will then act as follows:

6.1 If the Province becomes aware of a safeguarding issue, they should contact the RLSS Safeguarding Team on 0151 556 2311 option 1, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   and pass the concern and all associated records to them immediately. Ensure the person who made you aware of the issue knows you are doing this.  

6.1.1 The RLSS / Safeguarding Lead/ Admin Manager (staffing) of the Province who has casework responsibility should:  

• Ensure the victim/survivor or individual has been informed of the next steps  
• Explain what will happen, give them options if possible and an indicative timescale.
• Contact any relevant bodies
• Complete the safeguarding paperwork and ensure appropriate record keeping of all communications including phone calls, meetings and discussions in relation to the case are recorded  Inform the Provincial/ Safeguarding Lead of the new safeguarding referral.
• All referrals/ reports outside of the RLSS should be made within 24 hours of receiving the information, unless there are exceptional circumstances to postpone making this referral/report.  The decision to delay a referral/report must be authorised by the Provincial/ Trustee for Safeguarding.
• The victim/survivor will be given details of SAFE SPACES – the free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church.

T. 0300 303 1056

 Monday to Friday: 09:00-21:00

Saturdays: 09:00-13:00

Sundays: 13:00-17:00

Safe Spaces is delivered by First Light

https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/resources/

6.1.2 When the concern needs to be reported to a statutory agency, the individual making the referral must be informed that all information about safeguarding will not be kept confidential, and that the details must be passed on to the police and any other appropriate body but they may be able to remain anonymous depending on the circumstances. Sisters/ Staff should be supportive of the individual making the disclosure but should not seek more details than necessary for an initial statutory referral.  

• The RLSS will make recommendation about when to report to safeguarding bodies or external agencies based on risk and need and the national policy guidance supplied by the CSSA.  
• The Province will update the relevant people recommended by RLSS.  

• RLSS: T. 0151 556 2311 option 1, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Police: 999 or 101
• Local Authority SG Teams:

Gwent: https://www.gwentsafeguarding.org.uk/  Gwent Safeguarding out of hours, Tel: 0800 328 4432.

Torfaen ; Tel: 01495 762200  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Newport   Tel: 01633 656656  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Blaenau Gwent Tel: 01495 315700  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Cwm Taf Morgannwg /  www.cwmtafmorgannwgsafeguardingboard.co.uk

Rhondda Cynon Taf - 01443 425 003, out of hours - 01443 743 665

• CSSA: https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/contact-us-and-otherinformation/contactus/
• DBS: T. 0151 5562 311, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Charity Commission: T. 0300 066 9197, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguardingfor-charities-and-trustees

Case management – all those involved will be offered support, whether victims, survivors, alleged perpetrators, etc.

7 WHISTLE BLOWING

7.1 The Province will encourage and enable anyone with a serious concern, to raise the concern without fear of victimisation, or disadvantage.  

7.1.1 If that concern is in regard to malpractice, illegal acts, or omissions in the Province relating to safeguarding, then the RLSS should be made aware.  

7.2 The action taken by the RLSS will depend upon the nature of the concern referred. However, an investigation will be undertaken if appropriate, followed by appropriate action and written feedback will be provided, including a rationale documenting the reasons why identified actions have been taken. This can be delegated to RLSS.

8 RECORDING AND STORAGE OF SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS AND CASE FILES  

8.1 The Province Safeguarding Sub-Committee has a responsibility to ensure that all case files held are accurate, up to date and stored securely.  

8.1.1 This record will include:

• Relevant contact details
• Details of how/when the concern or allegation was received.  
• Details of the concern itself
• Relevant historical information  
• Identified past and present risk factors  
• Any actions or investigation undertaken including those by the Province or RLSS and from statutory agencies.
• Rationale for actions and or outcome of case

8.2 All records are potential evidence in a criminal trial civil case or statutory/public Inquiry and must be stored in a safe and retrievable format with an auditable record of provenance and integrity.  

9 SAFER RECRUITMENT PRACTICE GUIDANCE

9.1 The Province will ensure that staff are subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (including enhanced DBS) in line with both statutory and Catholic Church requirements.

9.2 Appointments will be based on the person's experience, skills and ability to meet the set criteria and job specification for the specific role. It is essential to ensure that all documentation relating to the applicant is stored in a secure place and remains confidential.

9.3 Appointment to a role will not be confirmed until a satisfactory DBS Disclosure check has been received and previous employment references confirmed as being acceptable.

9.4 On appointment, all new employees should be provided with and sign to say they understand all relevant policy and procedures, including a copy of this document and their responsibilities within it highlighted.  

9.5 All persons seeking to work with children or adults whether in a paid or unpaid capacity must be provided with the opportunity to self-disclose relevant conviction information. This  

is a DBS Code of Practice requirement and applies to anyone being asked to have an Enhanced Disclosure.

10 POLICY REVIEW

10.1 This policy is approved by the Province Trustee Board and will be subject to an initial review in November 2027 and then annually or sooner, where there is a significant change or need.

If you have any concerns regarding the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy please contact:

Sr. Maureen Davies (Safeguarding Lead for the English Province)  

T. 07395818031

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or if unable to contact the above please contact:  

Sr. Susan Armond (Provincial of the English Province)  

T. 01633 872330

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

October 2025

Name: S E Armond (Provincial)                        Date: 6^th November 2025

Name: M E Davies (SG Lead)                          Date: 6^th November 2025

                                                                                                                                                                                    Date of next review: November 2027

Sister Hélène Marie

On 5 July 1929, Lydie, Sr Hèlène Marie, was born in Cordon, the fourth child in a family of farmers. Very soon, tragedy struck the family. Her father died of pneumonia. He was 52 years old, Lydie was three months old, and the other children were 12, seven and three years old. Her mother, helped by her 12-year-old son, continued to work on the farm. The family had to survive. Unfortunately, five years later, her mother also died. The two youngest girls were entrusted to their aunts. For over a month, Lydie remained confined in her grief. Usually so cheerful, always singing, she stopped talking. Sad! Blocked! Finally, after a month, and to Aunt Hélène's great relief, she hummed a little tune.

Lydie and Eva grew up together. The school was 3 km away. In winter, they had to trudge through the snow. 6 km every day. But they had what mattered most: the warmth of a loving home.

At the age of 18, Lydie went to work at the hospital in Sallanches for a year. She has some bad memories of that time, but she is still touched by the affectionate presence of Sister Françoise Anthonie and Mother Pauline. She entered the novitiate in 1948. She was 19 years old. As soon as she took her first vows, she was sent to the St Joseph boarding school in Monthey. It was a big change! She had a hard time settling in. The arrival of Sr Monique Dentand, with whom she had been in the novitiate, helped her find her feet. For 69 years, following the example of Mary and Joseph, whom she loved very much, she devoted herself to humble and simple tasks: cleaning, helping in the kitchen, looking after jobs and employees, shopping at Migros...

Then, suddenly, a major shift occurred in her well-ordered life: an assault in 2002 left her with injuries on her back and legs. From then on, she became increasingly anxious about keeping doors locked and bolts drawn, etc. A little later, an unfortunate fall in town resulted in a fracture of her leg, her vulnerable spot.

But in the midst of all this, there were still moments of escape into the blue sky: returns to her father's house in Cordon, which she never stopped admiring; visits from her nephew Régis, a priest; her sister Eva, a source of devotion; her nephews Alexandre, Océane and all the others; the joy of singing with a clear voice for God and for the community.

After 69 years of humble work, she was welcomed to the Grand Chêne in 2019. She remained deeply attached to her family and participated in all events. The bonds were mutual, as shown by the many photos that hang in her room. The last few months were difficult. The fear of dying gradually gave way to the desire to die. She never accepted her dependence and was a little demanding. But she was well cared for by the staff and the Sisters. Sr Marie Philomène was at her side to receive her last breath.

Glory be to God for this life of humble service!

Sister Anne Félicie

Sister Anne Félicie was the eldest of a family of eight children: seven girls and one boy. She was born in Chilly in a small farm. Material poverty was largely compensated by the affection that bound parents and children together. Is this not true wealth?

At the outbreak of the First World War, her father had to leave for the front, leaving his young wife alone with three children. He was demobilized at the birth of the fourth. Sister Anne Félicie was of fragile health in early childhood. She had to walk 3 km to go to school ; a long way to go, especially in winter. She recalled a day when unexpected snow fell for several hours. Her shoes sank into the thick layer of snow, which penetrated inside them. She took them off and ran home barefoot.

After completing primary school, she attended a home-economics school for one year. To help her parents, she went to work for an aunt in a small hotel. This first separation from her family was very painful for her. She then met Sister Anne Thérèse, who offered her a job at the hospital. She was delighted. She began working in the operating room: disinfecting surgical instruments, doing laundry, cleaning, and more. On Sundays, she took part in ACO meetings (Catholic Worker Action). She observed the sisters, loved to pray, and gradually felt her vocation take shape, especially after meeting the Superior General, Mother Louis Joseph, and receiving a letter from an aunt who wrote: “Jesus is the only true Friend.”

She never regretted her decision to enter the novitiate, at “17 years and 8 months,” as she liked to specify. She loved her period of religious formation. She was then sent to Saint-Julien Hospital, to the medical ward. She was quickly entrusted with nursing-assistant duties. The physician in charge of the unit taught her basic nursing care: blood sampling, taking blood pressure, and more. She clearly had the calling of a nurse. She prepared for and easily passed the entrance exam. Very early on, she was given responsibilities in various departments. She especially loved paediatrics and flourished in this work, entirely devoted to others.

In 2017 she wrote:

“This evening, I feel an immense sense of thanksgiving and gratitude toward God, our Father. I feel like singing: ‘The Lord has done great things for me; holy is His name.’ From a shepherdess of Chilly, He has made a happy woman, consecrated to His service, on mission for His love among her sick and suffering brothers and sisters. Thank you, Lord, for everything.”

She also said:

“Every evening, I invoked my guardian angel. In the morning, as I left for my training placements, I prayed to the Holy Spirit. I placed my trust in the Lord.”

Sister Anne Félicie worked for 34 years at Saint-Julien Hospital, two years in Évian providing home care, and three years at the opening of Le Grand Chêne. In addition to caring for the sick, she assumed many responsibilities within the Congregation: several times community leader, two terms as provincial councillor, and ten years with REPSA, the network of professional sisters in healthcare.

In 2004, the time of professional retirement arrived, but not that of her service to her sisters. She excelled at welcoming visitors at the reception desk, always with a smile, inquiring about their families. She never forgot to send a warm message on each sister’s feast day. After a first stroke, she lost the use of her right hand. With courage, she learned to use her left hand and continued her correspondence. In 2007, definitive withdrawal came, and the cross grew heavier — oh, how heavy! Another stroke followed. She lost the use of speech. Despite all her efforts, she could no longer articulate a single syllable. What a cross for her and for us! Yet she did not withdraw into herself. She continued to go out to meet the sisters, visiting them in their rooms, and taking part in physical exercises.

Sister Anne Félicie left us on January 3rd at the age of 91, after a long journey marked by hardship but also in gratitude for the wonders God accomplished in her life.

Dear sister Anne Félicie, with you, we sing our gratitude and say: Until we meet again! You continue to help and love the family into which you were born and your religious family. You will be there, with your beautiful smile, to welcome us.

Farewell! In God, Pure Love, of whom you were a radiant reflection throughout your life.