Work undertaken In the diocese from 2020 has included:

Supporting Survivors:

In the Diocese of Galloway, we aim to put the needs of survivors at the heart of all that we do. By establishing stronger links with local support organisations who work with survivors of abuse, we are developing ways of enabling survivors’ voices to be heard within our communities.

Please contact Tony Fisher Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) for more information.

Development of a Strategic Management Team:

The SMT will be responsible for determining Safeguarding priorities within the Diocese on an ongoing basis.

Development of an Operations Team:

The OT is responsible for ensuring all work activity identified by the SMT is carried out effectively and robustly. The membership of the OT is made up of Hilary McKenzie, Geraldine Butcher, Mari Biondi and Tony Fisher.

Development of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group:

Father William McFadden has been appointed as Independent Chair to ensure the DSAG operates effectively, and membership of the group is reviewed continually to ensure all areas of Diocesan life are represented.

Development of the Diocesan Risk Assessment Management Team:

An Independent Chair has been appointed to ensure the DRAMT operates effectively, and members have received training to ensure they can advise the Bishop according to best safeguarding practice as the need arises.

Please contact Judex Paul for more information.

Development of policies and procedures:

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team have developed a range of policies for diocesan use, and have inputted to further policies for national use.

Ensuring safe recruitment of all parish personnel:

We follow robust recruitment and selection,vetting and training procedures.

Training:

We have identified additional training needs as a result of the pandemic, and ensured parish personnel who have key roles in safeguarding have accessed this training. The Training Suite is now being redeveloped by the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA).