SAFEGUARDING

 Safeguarding in our Parish

 A new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Agency has been established as an independent body to oversee the Church’s safeguarding practice. The chair, Lady Rita Rae, is recruiting people to act as board directors. For more information visit bit.ly/3tyeInn
 
Introduction
In order to ensure that we can provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our parish and for those visitors who join us at Mass or at social events, we have a number of arrangements and procedures in place to help us to do so.  The Catholic Church recognises that it is the responsibility of all of us - ordained, professed, employed or volunteers - to work together to protect everyone from abuse and harm as well as ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued.  However, we all have a special responsibility for the care of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Bishops of Scotland have made a commitment to safeguarding and to the standards and procedures set out in the document “In God’s Image”, details of which can be found on the Archdiocesan website  www.bcos.org.uk
Along with our Parish Priest, Father Philip Kerr, and all those who help with the organisation of the parish and parish activities, as a parish community we are also required to commit to these standards and procedures.   Safeguarding Co-ordinators  have been appointed to help Father Kerr with this task and to provide any safeguarding support and assistance to volunteers.  Regular meetings are held to discuss safeguarding issues and a Parish Safeguarding Action Plan is in place to address any matters which may arise.  We are also required to complete an annual safeguarding audit for submission to the Archdiocese.

Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: Liz Campbell 01592 756758

Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: Liz Carty 01592 756758
Volunteers
It is very important that anyone wishing to offer their services as a volunteer within the parish meets with Father Kerr. This is to ensure that they can be provided with details of what the role entails, learn about the support which is available to them and complete any administrative arrangements (e.g.  provide contact details; obtain a copy of role description; attend any induction or training as appropriate, etc.).
Volunteers who, as part of their role, are likely to come into regular contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults (e.g. those who prepare children and young people for the Sacraments; lead or help with the Children’s Liturgy; take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound, etc.) must also apply and be accepted for membership of the national Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.  This process involves:

• Completing      a PVG application form
• Completing      an Archdiocesan volunteer form
• Providing      the names of two referees
• Attending      a Safeguarding Induction Training Session (Note:  All  volunteers, whether or not their role involves working with vulnerable  groups, are also encouraged to attend this training session)

These volunteers cannot commence volunteering until the above process has been completed and they have received a letter of authorisation from the archdiocesan safeguarding office.
Further Information

• Further  information on the Catholic Church’s Safeguarding Policy and the specific arrangements   which are in place within our Archdiocese can be found by visiting archedinburgh.org