Safeguarding Statement
English Province – Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS – Fransalians)
The Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS – Fransalians), English Province, are committed to ensuring that all people we encounter in our ministry are treated with dignity, respect, and care. Safeguarding is an essential part of our mission and of the trust placed in us through the ministries, apostolates, and responsibilities entrusted to the Congregation and its members.
Our safeguarding commitment flows from our Christian faith and from the conviction that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. For us, safeguarding is not simply a policy or procedure; it is part of our way of life and ministry. In this sense, we strive to cultivate what may be called a spirituality of safeguarding, recognising the dignity, vulnerability, and worth of every person we encounter.
We recognise our responsibility to protect children, young people, and adults who may be at risk, and to ensure that our churches, ministries, and communities remain safe places for all. Safeguarding therefore applies to every aspect of our life and work: pastoral ministry, mission, apostolic activities, and any service carried out in the name of the Church and the Congregation.
Members of the English Province serve primarily in parish ministry and other apostolates across several dioceses in England and Wales. We therefore work closely with the safeguarding structures of the dioceses in which we serve and follow their safeguarding policies, procedures, and training requirements. At the same time, as a province, we take seriously our own responsibility to ensure that safeguarding remains embedded in the life, ministry, and accountability of our members.
The English Province of the MSFS affirms that everyone we come into contact with—regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or background—has the right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Any form of abuse or misconduct by a member or associated personnel is taken seriously and will not be tolerated.
Safeguarding within the Province is guided by the principles of prevention, reporting, and response. In practice this means that:
• Members undertake the required Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and safeguarding training appropriate to their ministry.
• The Provincial Safeguarding Lead maintains oversight to ensure that safeguarding checks and training remain current.
• Safeguarding matters are regularly reviewed and discussed within the Province, including at leadership meetings and provincial gatherings.
• Any safeguarding concern or allegation is taken seriously and reported promptly to the appropriate safeguarding authorities, including the diocesan safeguarding office and the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS), in accordance with Church and civil procedures.
We are committed not only to responding appropriately when concerns arise but also to nurturing a culture where safeguarding is understood as a shared responsibility. In this way we seek to protect the dignity and wellbeing of those we serve, uphold the integrity of our ministry, and safeguard the good name of the Church.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have a safeguarding concern relating to a member of the English Province of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, or any employee or volunteer who come under the Province, you may contact:
Safeguarding Lead
Telephone: 01285 652087
Email: Maria.Alexander@cliftondiocese.com
Provincial Superior
Telephone: 01666 822195
Email: provincialmsfsengland@gmail.com
Postal Address
MSFS English Province
26 Cross Hayes
Malmesbury
Wiltshire
SN16 9BG
United Kingdom
All safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously and handled with sensitivity and confidentiality in accordance with safeguarding procedures.