Welcome to the Safeguarding Website for the Diocese of Down and Connor

The practice of safeguarding within the diocese refers to the wide range of services, plans and activities that are put in place to protect both children and adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect from being exploited or harmed.

Safeguarding within our Church community is about making our Church a safe, welcoming and enriching place for children, young people and adults and those who may be at risk of harm. Although the Safeguarding Office may take a lead role in outlining the key aspects of what needs to be in place to protect children and adults from harm, safeguarding is very much a shared community responsibility in which each and every one of us has a part to play, whether that is reporting a concern about a child or adult or by simply volunteering in your parish in any of our safeguarding activities. Read more

Latest News & Events

UPDATE August 2025 – Staffing News

The Down and Connor Safeguarding Team would like to welcome a new addition to our staff team David Burns will start with the Team on Monday 1st September 2025

Race and Ethnicity Action Plan 2025-2030

On Thursday 7th August 2025 the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched their Race and Ethnicity Action Plan at an event in Belfast. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Your Voice Matters- SBNI Barnardo’s NI- Consultation

Philip O Hara, the Director for Safeguarding for the Diocese of Down and Connor is also the Chairperson of the Interfaith Committee under the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI).  As Chairperson of this Committee, Philip sits on the Board of SBNI.

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Safeguarding Office – established 2008