Telephone support

A telephone support service open to all is not regarded as regulated work as per the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. However, congregations offering a telephone support service must ensure that the person undertaking the task has the necessary skills, training and equipment to carry out their role.

The person should know what to do should a person make a disclosure of harm or abuse to them. This includes where a person may indicate that they might self-harm.

If you suspect harm or abuse, or it is reported to you, it is important to share this immediately with your line manager and/or your Safeguarding Coordinator who will contact the Safeguarding Service for advice.

If you think the person is in immediate danger, contact the police in the first instance and the Safeguarding Service afterward.