Safeguarding

At Means Kirk we are committed to Safeguarding of all in our care particularly children and vulnerable adults. We aim to promote a safe environment and recognise that it is the responsibility and duty of everyone within the family of Mearns Kirk to minimise the risk of harm  occurring, be it physical, sexual, or emotional.

We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff or volunteers working with under 18s and adults who may be at risk have an up to date PVG certificate. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all Elders and is updated every 5 years. The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Policy can be found here.

If you suspect or witness harm or it is reported to you, you must immediately report it to the Safeguarding Coordinator or other member of the Safeguarding Panel. We also have a responsibility to follow Church of Scotland guidelines when responding to those that may pose a risk to others. Contact details of our Safeguarding Coordinator are on the notice boards in the church vestibule and in the halls. You can contact our Safeguarding coordinator at this email susanjeantaylor@hotmail.com

We record our church services regularly and livestream them on You Tube. If you have a child, young person, or vulnerable adult with you in church and have not completed a photograph consent form for them, please speak with an Elder at the door. They will give you a form to complete or advise you where to sit if you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded.

The Church of Scotland safeguarding handbook can be found here