The Child Protection Group maintains records of child protection compliance throughout the Diocese, advises charges on child protection requirements, and liaises with the Provincial Child Protection Officer.
Brian Woodburn describes the Group’s role:
“From the recent annual returns I am pleased to say that the majority of Vestries understand their responsibilities regarding the protection of children and adults at risk, and are carrying them out to the best of their ability. We’ve got over the initial reaction that this was going to adversely affect the already limited number of youngsters attending our churches, which is a great relief.
“Reports to Vestries are essential even if it is limited to the appointment, or re-appointment of the Co-ordinator at the AGM. Every Charge needs to be able to demonstrate that it has a system that works, even if the system has not been tested because of the absence of children in regular attendance.
“Our Policy Statement and the Code of Good Practice now have to take into account older members of our congregations. In fact, anyone who may be disadvantaged in some way leaving them open to abuse. Of course, ‘that sort of thing can never happen in our church or in my group of friends’ is commonly heard. I am sorry to disillusion you but this is just not the case. A high percentage of both children and the elderly who are abused, are abused by members of their own families or those well known to them.
“Our policy statement will not hinder our Christian pastoral duties to those who may benefit from our attention in any way. But it does mean that some of us may have to plan a little more. Proper planning never did anybody any harm did it?
“There will still be those of our number who doubt the need for the precautions we are taking, both to keep within the law, to protect the caring reputation of our wider church and to provide as danger free an environment as possible for our worship and in the lives of those whom we serve. There may be a bit of extra work involved but there’s no doubt at all in my mind that it is worth it.
“If you think it would help, training or information sessions can be arranged in your church, if possible linked with a neighbouring church, on Saturdays around lunch time or on weekdays. More time out of busy lives I know but, again, please give it some thought.”
Further Information
For more details contact Mrs Anne Jones, Diocesan Child Protection Officer, on 0141 579 1617.
