Safeguarding
There is a very well organised Volunteer preparation and selection process across the Catholic Church in Scotland.
It is guided and monitored by the Catholic Church's instructions on Safeguarding known as "In God's Image".
It was published on 19th March 2018 and is in use in the Catholic Church across Scotland with immediate effect and calls on all in the church to exercise these best practice rules and principals in every activity and in every place.
In God's Image (v2) - Instruction on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland
Galloway Safeguarding Statement, Oct 2024
The Catholic Church In Scotland Safeguarding Policy - With QR code
The McLellan Report
On 25th November 2013, the Bishops' Conference of Scotland announced that Dr Andrew McLellan would chair a Commission whose remit was to review the suitability and robustness of the Safeguarding procedures and protocols of the Catholic Church in Scotland.
On 18th August 2015, Dr McLellan published his Commission's Report. It contains many recommendations and will present challenges for the Church in future.
The Bishops of Scotland have agreed unanimously to accept its recommendations in full to ensure that Safeguarding standards are as high as possible. You may view the full report on www.mclellancommission.co.uk or view the PDF version below.
The McLellan Commision Report - A review of the current safeguarding policies, procedures and practice within the Catholic Church in Scotland
Contact Details:
Parish Safeguarding Co-Ordinators:
John: 07980 635345.
Theresa: 07968 175922
Parish Priest:
Fr Uchenna can be contacted at the usual parish number: 01387 252603
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:
Our Adviser is: Mr Tony Fisher
The Diocesan Adviser, Diocese of Galloway, Safeguarding Office, 8 Corsehill Road, AYR. KA7 2ST.
Telephone: 01292 266750 or Email: administration@gallowaydiocese.org.uk
National Advisor:
0141 353 1177
RAPHAEL COUNSELLING SERVICE
This service now exists to provide individuals who have been abused within the Catholic Church (recently or some time ago) professional free counselling support and therapy from an independant professional counselling service through the auspices of "Health In Mind".
To access this confidential service please contact the diocesan adviser:
Mr Tony Fisher,
Diocese of Galloway,
Safeguarding Office,
8 Corsehill Road,
Ayr.
KA7 2ST.
Tel: 01292 266750
or email: administration@gallowaydiocese.org.uk
POLICY STATEMENT (Our Commitment to Safeguarding. In God's Image, Section A)
"All components of the Catholic Church in Scotland, especially those in positions of leadership and responsibility, value the lives, wholenss, 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 in whatever capacity with the Church and its organisations.
And therefore, as a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us-ordained, professed, employed and voluntary members-to work together to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or harm."
Parish Safeguarding Co-Ordinators
The Parish Priest is responsible in ensuring the national Instructions, "In God's Image" are operative within his parish.
He is assisted by appointed Safeguarding Co-ordinator(s).
The Safeguarding Co-ordinators for our parish are: Mr John Lawson and Mrs Theresa Lawson.
They may be contacted on any matter relating to the safety and wellbeing of children or adults at risk at church run activities and/or events:
John: 07 980 635 345.
Theresa: 07 968 175 922
Fr Uchenna can be contacted at the usual parish number: 01387 252603
Volunteering
Volunteers must complete the necessary procedures before they can commence their work with the church or parish.
This consists of an initial interview (which in essence is a friendly informal chat) and the completion of the PVG form or if you are already registered the request for an update from the PVG scheme using your registration reference number. It will also entail the completion of the Diocesan Volunteer registration paperwork. It is a very clear, uncomplicated and friendly process and we know it will make you feel much more confident in your role within the church, as it makes others feel, knowing you have put so much effort into volunteering. Following this and once you have completed our Level 1 Induction training session you are well prepared for your work among us.
To volunteer for work in the parish you must first have a chat with our Parish Priest.
Please contact Fr Uchenna, John or Theresa - they will be happy to assist.
If you have a concern about any child, young person or adult at risk's safety in a church property or activity please contact the police.