St Andrew’s Church fully complies with the Church of Scotland guidelines.
Harm or abuse of children and adults at risk can happen anywhere, even in church communities. We have a duty to Ensure a Safe Church for All. This means protecting children and "adults at risk". The Church aims to minimise the risk of harm occurring. If harm or abuse does occur, with appropriate support and training, it will be recognised and reported. If it occurs we will work with the Police and Social Work services if appropriate. The Church of Scotland support congregations by providing the Safeguarding Service which is currently based in Edinburgh. The Safeguarding Service aims to:
Ensure best practice in preventing harm or abuse
Ensure that the Church makes a timely and appropriate response when harm or abuse is witnessed, suspected, or reported
Our key safeguarding message is a simple one for current and historical abuse:
'If harm or abuse is suspected or witnessed, or is reported to you, you must immediately report it your Safeguarding Coordinator or line manager'.
And then, if appropriate, information is shared with Police Scotland or local authority social work departments. This ensures multiagency working.
