Church of Scotland Safeguarding Policy Statement 2010
Ensuring a Safe Church for All
The Church of Scotland has a deep concern for the wholeness and wellbeing of each individual. Through its Congregations, working together with the Safeguarding Service and statutory agencies, the Church seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people who come into contact with the Church and its services.
The Gospel proclaims that it’s the responsibility of everyone within the fellowship of the Church to prevent harm, be it physical, sexual or emotional, and we will always seek to reduce risk.
The Church’s commitment to safeguarding reminds us that God cares passionately about the welfare and wellbeing of all people.
The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service
Scottish Charity Number SC008154
Safeguarding in the Church of Scotland
Protecting children and adults at risk
RECOGNISE | REPORT | PROTECT
If you suspect or witness harm or abuse, or it is reported to you, you must immediately report it to your Safeguarding Coordinator: LINDA YOUNG (safeguarding@granton.org.uk) ….who will then contact the Safeguarding service.
Harm/abuse includes ‘risk of harm’, historical abuse and risk posed by a sex offender attending worship.
Co-ordinator: Olive Gow
Olive Caldwell
Janet Grant
Remit
(All criteria as stipulated by Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service) In practice, safeguarding panels meet as and when required. They must be able to meet at short notice when there is a safeguarding incident.
The Safeguarding Panel will:
- Assist the Safeguarding Coordinator with managing a safeguarding situation in the congregation.
- Support the Safeguarding Coordinator with the safe recruitment of volunteers to work with children or adults at risk in the congregation.
- Consider how to manage a situation where an applicant is not suitable to work with children or protected adults.
- Ensure that the congregation complies with safeguarding policies and the implementation of the Safeguarding Act 2018.
- Consider how to promote good safeguarding practice and awareness-raising training.
- Ensure the procedures are followed and records maintained to the satisfaction of the Presbytery.
- Ensure safe arrangements are in place for managing those who pose a risk who wish to attend worship or be involved in the life of the congregation.