The Church of Scotland has put 28,000 of its workers and volunteers through Protection of Vulnerable Groups checks
The Church of Scotland has officially become the third sector organisation with the largest number of people working with children and vulnerable adults.
It has registered more than 28,000 workers and volunteers with the Scottish Government’s Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
Run by Disclosure Scotland the scheme is designed to ensure that everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults is safe to do so by putting them through a criminal records check.
They learn that if they witness or even suspect that harm or abuse has occurred they must report it to their safeguarding coordinator
The church’s volunteers and staff help run children’s groups, the Boys’ Brigade, the Girls’ Brigade, youth groups, choirs, music groups, crèches and Sunday schools.
They provide pastoral care at home for people affected by disability or frailty, day services for people affected by dementia, prison visiting services, and other vital church-based services throughout Scotland.
The government set a deadline of 31 October for everyone working with children and protected adults to join the PVG scheme.
As a result every month the church has processed between 800 and 900 applications as part of its safe recruitment processes for volunteers and paid staff.
The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, convener of the Church of Scotland’s safeguarding committee said her team began planning the effort 18 months ago.
As well as holding training sessions, the team offered one-to-one support and problem solving to church members completing applications.
Dr Campbell said: “Working to get all of our volunteers onto the PVG scheme has involved a massive effort from the safeguarding services administrative team, as well as from the 1,800 safeguarding coordinators that work in congregations around the country.
“They have really gone the extra mile to process these applications.
“Everyone who works with vulnerable people through the Church also attends safeguarding training.
“They learn that if they witness or even suspect that harm or abuse has occurred they must report it to their safeguarding coordinator.
“Our key message is: "If you suspect or witness harm or abuse, or it is reported to you, you must immediately report it to your safeguarding coordinator or line manager.’”
