What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the shared responsibility of everyone to ensure the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is also about ensuring the professional and safe behaviour of everyone who has a duty of care within our Catholic communities, whether ordained or lay and whether in a paid or volunteer position. Safeguarding is not only a way to respond to harm but must be proactive in the prevention of any form of abuse or harm.

Safeguarding in St Columbkille’s
In our parish, we warmly welcome and fully appreciate the contributions made by all those who volunteer, in whatever way, through various Ministries and Groups, to enhance the spiritual and temporal life of our Parish.  Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme helps to ensure that those who have regular contact with children and vulnerable adults through paid or unpaid work, do not have a history of harmful behaviour.

Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator
The main role of the PSC is to help the Parish Priest to ensure that all policies approved by the Bishops of Scotland are effectively implemented in the Parish.  Our PSC is Miriam McKernan.  In line with the Church’s Safeguarding procedures, and through the Diocesan Safeguarding office, we have ensured that all adults working with children and vulnerable adults in our Parish are PVG Scheme members.

Diocesan Safeguarding Office
Click here to see Safeguarding information provided by the Diocese of Motherwell.

In God’s Image
Our parish fully subscribes to the standards, commitments and procedures contained within the document  “In God’s Image”, published by the Bishops of Scotland.