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Safeguarding considerations: Warm Spaces Initiative

If your church is starting a warm space initiative and it is open to all, the workers will not require PVG Scheme membership as they will not be undertaking regulated work with children and/or protected adults. Children should be accompanied by a parent or carer.

We would advise that workers are recruited, receive a role/job description and the Code of Conduct for Volunteers and Paid Workers.

It is safeguarding good practice to have at least two workers present in church run groups.

Basic Disclosure checks are required if individuals are in leadership roles and/or positions of trust where their duties may involve contact with vulnerable groups as referred to in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The Basic Disclosure guidance and forms are included under ‘Guidance on Basic Disclosure' in the Safe Recruitment section.

A risk assessment should be completed for all church groups, activities, events etc.

The Church of Scotland Insurance Services can provide advice on insurance matters.

The Church of Scotland General Trustees can provide advice on Health and Safety matters.

Please refer to our policies and procedures in the Safeguarding Handbook.

If harm or abuse is suspected or witnessed, or is reported to you, you must immediately report it to the Safeguarding Coordinator or your line manager.

Sources of help

Wi-fi

If your church is offering free Wi-Fi, consider ensuring parental controls are set, access is only via a secure password and signage about its acceptable use is prominently displayed.

Keep up to date

Safeguarding Coordinators, Safeguarding Presbytery Contacts and Safeguarding Trainers receive our regular newsletter which highlights all the latest news from the Safeguarding Service. To request a copy of this e-bulletin please contact the Safeguarding Service on safeguarding@churchofscotland.org.uk