It is the policy of the church to take reasonable steps, within the provisions of legislation currently in force, to protect children from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, in the meaning of the Children Act (Scotland) 1995, while in the care of the church.

Specifically, the church will apply procedures to ensure that, as far as possible:

1. Matters relating to child protection are handled within the church in a proper way, and the proper authorities are informed without delay whenever necessary;

2. Persons who are appointed to positions of responsibility within the church, by virtue of which they may have “privileged access” to children or young people under the age of 18, have no history of conduct prejudicial to their safety, and are themselves at least 18 years of age;

3. Unvetted assistants are used only in an appropriate manner;

4. Any allegations of abuse or improper conduct against church personnel, arising from church activities, may be referred to an appropriate independent person;

5. Any other persons or organisations who work with children or young people under the age of 18 and regularly use church premises have policies on Child Protection which substantially accord with those operated by the church;

6. The premises are safe for the purposes for which they are being used;

7. While giving absolute priority to the protection of children in the care of the church, the right of adults to proper confidentiality and fair treatment is safeguarded.

Note: Procedures and guidelines for the implementation of this policy have been drawn up and are available on request from the Church Secretary or from the Convener (Ian Tweedie) or Vice Convener (Susan Fiddes) of the Child Protection Committee.