The Catholic Church is committed to respecting, protecting and nurturing the dignity of all people.

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service requires each diocese to prepare an audit of Safeguarding practice and procedures on an annual basis.This is completed at diocesan and parish level. Parish Priests are supported in this task by the Parish's Safeguarding Coordinators

For more in formation visit the Diocesan Website :  [Diocesan Safeguarding Dept.]

All parishes must appoint a Parish Safeguarding Coordinator (PSC) who is able to work competently and professionally with the Parish Priest. Some parishes wisely appoint more than one PSC. The main function of the PSC is to ensure that recruitment procedures are followed and that volunteers attend training. An important activity is to assist in the annual Parish Audits. They are also a key figure in ensuring that registered sex offenders who wish to attend Mass in the parish are on a Contract which is met with full compliance. Essentially PSCs must be skilled in knowing what to do to prevent abuse or harm and also how to act if there is a disclosure of concern or current/non-recent abuse.

Mrs Therese MacCormack
Mrs Susan Toal

Any person volunteering to actively help with activities involving children and/or vulnerable groups in the Parish must complete the following:

1. Diocesan Registration/Application Forms.
2. Self-Declaration which ask for the following:

• Details of all previous convictions (current legislation means that some past convictions are not considered during the application process).
• Details of any health condition might prevent the person from volunteering.
• Details about having had any child/ren placed in care.

3. Two referees (not the Parish Priest or a relative).
4. PVG Scheme Membership (or update).

The PVG Scheme Membership is a criminal record check for everyone who is in ‘regulated work’ with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Membership is mandatory for anyone in such a role whether as a volunteer or in a paid post.

5. Safeguarding Training Induction Part 1

(attendance at Safeguarding Training Induction Part 2 to follow within 18 months)

6. Diocesan Letter of Approval.

[Training video for volunteers]