Our Core Safeguarding Message:
– We regard as our paramount concern the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
– We demonstrate zero tolerance of abuse.
– We report all allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities.
– We show compassion for all who have suffered experience of abuse.
– We acknowledge and learn from our past failings.
– We open our safeguarding procedures to independent scrutiny.
– We provide training and support to all who are responsible for safeguarding.
– Together we commit to continuous improvement in our safeguarding practice.

Our Safeguarding Culture
Everyone in the Catholic Church in Scotland – especially those in positions of leadership and responsibility – values the lives, wholeness, 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 with the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us – ordained, professed, employed and volunteer lay people – to work together to uphold these safeguarding standards that have been designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or harm.

We want you to know that the church cares about you and that you are valued. You matter a great deal to us, and there is help and support available for you.

To discuss in confidence how we may be able to help you, please contact Patricia Merchant, St Columba’s and Upper Deeside Parishes Safeguarding Coordinator: stcolumbabanchoryPSC@rcd-abdn.org

For more information on Safeguarding, please visit the Diocesan website.