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SAFEGUARDING
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Safeguarding is about preventing harm and abuse and making a timely and appropriate response if it occurs. 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".
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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.
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The Church of Scotland has a Safeguarding Service that can give advice and training for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults
They have expertise in
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Responding to suspected or reported abuse
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Safeguarding policy and procedure enquires
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Safe recruitment (PVG Scheme and Disclosure and Barring checks)
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Child protection
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Adult protection
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Supporting survivors of historical abuse
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Work with convicted sex offenders
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The provision of tailored safeguarding training programmes
The Safeguarding Service contributes to the national Public Protection agenda and our work is overseen and scrutinised by the Church's Safeguarding Committee. The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service conatc details are:
The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service
The Church of Scotland
121 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4YN
Telephone: 0131 240 2256
Email:safeguarding@churchofscotland.org.uk
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Auchterarder Parish Church has a Safeguarding Team consisting of 2 Elders, 1 Co-opted member from the Congregation and the Minister. The Team's responsibilities are:
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ensuring the legal requirements of the Church of Scotland are adhered to
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providing reports to Presbytery each year
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maintaining records for the safeguarding requirements​
Volunteers working with any vulnerable group, children or adults, should check if they are required to undergo the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certification process.
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The Safeguarding Coordinator for Auchterarder Parish Church is Anne Seaton and she can be contacted on
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