Safeguarding
Our Core Safeguarding Message

We regard as our paramount concern the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
We demonstrate zero tolerance of abuse.
We report all allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities.
We show compassion for all who have suffered experience of abuse.
We acknowledge and learn from our past failings.
We open our safeguarding procedures to independent scrutiny.
We provide training and support to all who are responsible for safeguarding.
Together we commit to continuous improvement in our safeguarding practice.
 
Our Safeguarding Culture

Everyone in the Catholic Church in Scotland – especially those in positions of leadership and responsibility – values the lives, wholeness, safety and well-being of each individual person within God’s purpose for everyone. We seek to uphold the highest safeguarding standards in our relationships with people of all ages who are involved with the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us – ordained, professed, employed and volunteer lay people – to work together to uphold these safeguarding standards that have been designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or harm.

 
 “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient.  Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated. The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain, and so it is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults”
(Pope Francis, page 35 of ‘In God’s Image’ version 2)

We want you to know that the church cares about you and that you are valued. You matter a great deal to us, and there is help and support available for you.