ALL PILGRIMS MUST:
• treat all other pilgrims with respect.
• always be an example of good conduct that you would wish others to follow.
• ensure that there is more than one helper present during activities
with children and vulnerable adults, or at least that you are within sight and
hearing of others. Medical or sacramental protocols may be exceptions, but all
sensible precautions should be taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
• respect each pilgrim’s rights to personal privacy.
• encourage pilgrims to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out
attitudes or behaviour they do not like.
• remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter
how well intentioned.
• be aware that even caring physical contact with another pilgrim might
be misinterpreted.
• recognise that special caution and discretion is required when you are
discussing sensitive issues with other helpers or pilgrims.
• operate within the Code of Good Conduct and the procedures of the Catholic
Association Lourdes Pilgrimage.
YOU MUST NOT:
• render yourself unfit for duty through consumption of alcohol or lack
of sleep.
• have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with pilgrims.
• allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour.
• make suggestive or derogatory remarks in front of others.
• jump to conclusions about others without checking facts.
• exaggerate or trivialize issues of Good Conduct and Safeguarding.
• show favouritism to any individual.
• rely on your good name, or that of the Church, to protect you.
• believe ‘it would never happen to me’.
• take a chance, when common sense, policy and practice suggest another
more prudent approach.
• ignore Safeguarding Guidelines and Procedures.
WHAT TO DO…
If a pilgrim discloses to you abuse by someone else:
• Allow him or her to speak without interruption, accepting what is said.
• Do not investigate, i.e. do not ask questions.
• Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation. Do not pass judgment.
• Let them know that they are right to have shared this information.
• Advise the person that you must pass on this information.
• Report the matter to the leader in charge of your group/team, and/or
the Pilgrimage Safeguarding Officer.
If you suspect a pilgrim is being abused emotionally, physically, financially
or sexually, whether in Lourdes or in their normal environment:
• Report the matter to the leader in charge of your group/ team, and/or
the Pilgrimage Safeguarding Officer
If you receive an allegation about any pilgrim or about yourself:
• Immediately tell the leader in charge of your group/ team, and/or the
Pilgrimage Safeguarding Officer.
• Try to ensure that no one is placed in a position that could cause further
compromise.
In all cases:
• Any discussion concerning possible abuse must be recorded in writing
as soon as possible. The record should reflect the conversation as accurately
as possible using the pilgrim’s own words. The record should be signed
and dated, noting the time and location of the conversation or incident, and
include the names of anyone else present.
• The facts must be reported to the Pilgrimage Safeguarding Officer.
• The listener must refer, but not investigate, and should not contact
the subject of the allegation.
• There must be no promise of confidentiality, as any information received
may have to be acted on by other authorities.
The Pilgrimage Safeguarding Officer is Ms Osyth Hawke.
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