Earlier this year we told you that St Hugh's Parish would need to appoint a child protection representative in line with recommendations made in the Nolan Report last year.

The Diocesan Child Protection Co-ordinator has now appointed Mrs Susan Weaver and Mrs Julie Webster to be the representatives for this parish.

Over the next few months there will be some changes in the way we do things in the parish. From now on every adult working with children in any area of parish life, for example, Youth Group, Children's Liturgy, Altar Server etc, will be asked to fill an application form for their role and supply references. They will in the near future need to have a criminal record check, and they will receive training to help them recognise child abuse and what to do if they suspect or are told it is happening. They must also receive regular help and support to help them fulfil their role.

These changes are being introduced to ensure that St Hugh's parish provide a caring and safe environment for all our children. It may feel like a big change for us and the church, but in fact in most other areas of the community, for example in schools and other voluntary organisations dealing with children, it is taken for granted that such child protection procedures are in place.

Susan and Julie will be helping us put these changes into place and they will be contacting those individuals to whom these measures most directly apply in due course.