Updated April 2026
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK
The British Province of Carmelites is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. 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.
The Trustees of the British Province of Carmelites are fully compliant with the policies and guideline issued by the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales and are committed to making a prompt response to any complaint. All houses where Carmelites live should be a safe environment for all children and adults.
If you have concerns about any safeguarding matter, please contact our Safeguarding Lead, Julie Courtney.
The Carmelite Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Lead:
Julie Courtney Safeguarding@carmelite.org Tel: 07813897999
Local Safeguarding Representative for Aylesford:
Sharon Payne SharonPayne@carmelite.org
Safeguarding Representative for Youth Ministry:
John Toryusen JohnToryusen@carmelite.org
Religious Life Safeguarding Service
We are contracted for safeguarding services with the Religious Life Safeguarding Service. If you wish to contact the RLSS, please use the following contact information:
- Safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org
- 01515 562311 (and ask for the Safeguarding Team)
If you have concerns about the immediate safety of someone who is vulnerable you should contact the Police on 999 or 101, or your local Social Services Department.
Public call for information – Survivor Engagement in the Catholic Church (England and Wales)
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) have asked every Religious Life Group (RLG) to share a public survey inviting anyone to share information that may help improve safeguarding and prevent harm. You may be a survivor, a lay employee, a parishioner, or a volunteer, or have a different role.
While our primary focus is the period from July 2024 onwards, we do not wish to limit what individuals might choose to share.
If you are a survivor of abuse in the Catholic church, we recognise what a difficult step this may be for you. For some, it may be traumatising. Support is available. We thank you for your courage in coming forward to share your experience.
Information regarding this survey can be found HERE and if you have any questions, please contact the CSSA Quality Assurance team at: qualityassurance@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk or call 020 7901 1920.
If you would like to offer us information about safeguarding in any RLG, whatever your experience or your role, you can complete a general form HERE