About Us
We believe we can create a safer Church when we place those with lived and living experience of abuse at the heart of safeguarding practice; creating a culture rooted in empathy.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Purpose
We aim to empower Religious by providing tailored training, support, advice, and casework, ensuring they feel confident, informed, and fully supported in their safeguarding responsibilities.
Through embracing a unified ‘One Church’ approach to safeguarding, we strive to deliver the highest standards of professional service, ensuring that everyone who interacts with us receives relevant, appropriate, and proportionate support and guidance.
Our Values
We believe transparency is essential in safeguarding, and we commit to being open in all our actions, including explaining clearly when information cannot be shared and the reasons behind such decisions.
We are devoted to addressing safeguarding concerns with promptness, thorough attention, and unwavering commitment.
We will be professional and respectful to all who come into contact with our service.
Our Commitment to You
We are dedicated to listening to and learning from everyone who has experienced harm within the Church.
If you would like to speak to someone in person to learn more about our commitment to supporting anyone that needs our help, what our service offers, and how to access assistance, please click the button below.
Meet the Team
At the RLSS we have a specialist Safeguarding Team, Training Team and Membership Team who are always happy to help.
To find out more about the people who will be working alongside you to offer their support and expertise, please click the button below.
Our History
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) began its operations in February 2022 to provide professional safeguarding services within the Catholic Church. Since its establishment, approximately 238 Religious Life Groups have become members, representing over 4,000 Religious individuals.
Given that the estimated number of Religious residing in the UK is around 4,500, the RLSS has attracted the vast majority of them as members. This widespread participation grants the RLSS a unique position and perspective within the safeguarding efforts for Religious communities. It allows us to have a comprehensive view of the safeguarding needs and concerns across various Religious Life Groups, ensuring that best practices and accountability are upheld while fostering a safer Church environment.
Independent Review Began
This review was later called the Elliott Report due to the author Ian Elliott. The Report was started in October 2019 and finished in October 2020.
Review and IICSA Findings
In September and October the final reports from IICSA and Ian Elliott were given to the Church.
Recommendations Accepted
In November 2020 the Bishops accepted the recommendations.
Consultation with Religious Started
From Jan 2021 – June 2021 a consultation with Religious Life Groups began. The purpose was to design the service they need in order to feel they have all the safeguarding training, support and advice they require.
RLSS Created
In June 2021 RLSS was created. The Board was recruited over the summer and they had their first meeting in September 2021. Staff were recruited from November 2021- January 2022.
RLSS Began Operating
The RLSS began offering safeguarding services on 2nd February 2022 and now has over 220 member organisations.
Reporting Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns
If you have experienced abuse or have any safeguarding concerns, we encourage you to reach out through our Make Contact With Us link below. All reports are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and care.