The Open Episcopal Church in Scotland

An Independent Catholic Community Church

A Registered Charity: SC037428

Protecting Vulnerable Adults in Scotland

The Open Episcopal Church in Scotland ensures that all clergy and volunteers working specifically with vulnerable groups, whether vulnerable adults or children, are properly screened and background checked as members of the Scottish Government's PVG Scheme

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

We will:

  • Listen to what you say
  • Treat you with dignity, respect and sensitivity
  • Take action as necessary

What to do if you suspect or have witnessed someone being abused

  • DO stay calm and listen to them
  • DO take what you are being told seriously
  • DO offer support to help stop the abuse happening
  • DO be aware that medical or other evidence might be needed so keep the evidence safe
  • DO make a written note of what you have been told
  • DO contact Social Services or Police and your bishop

 

  • Do NOT press the person for more details (these can be taken later)
  • Do NOT assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will take action
  • Do NOT contact the alleged abuser
  • Do NOT promise to keep it a secret
  • Do NOT be afraid to contact social services or police to discuss it

Our Protection of Vulnerable Goups (PVG) Officer can be reached on:

0844 586 1751

 

What is abuse?

Abuse can take many forms and include:

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Sexual
  • Neglect or Deprivation
  • Imposed isolation/confinement
  • Sensory Deprivation
  • Financial/Material
  • Discrimination

SELF-INFLICTED INJURY MAY BE A SIGN THAT ABUSE IS TAKING PLACE (e.g. because someone feels disturbed)

Who can abuse?

Anyone may be an abuser, but it is often someone known to the person

Where does abuse happen?

Abuse can happen anywhere. It may happen at home,in a Care Home, Hospital, Day Centre, Church or in a public place

What do we mean by abuse?

Abuse is when someone does something to another person which damages their quality of life or puts them at risk of harm. Abuse can be a criminal act when it is an offence against another person. It can happen once or repeatedly. It may be deliberate or caused by ignorance. It is sometimes referred to as bullying

More Info...

All staff working with vulnerable adults anywhere within the diocese MUST:

Have an appropriate criminal records disclosure check undertaken. This is usually an Enhanced Disclosure

Be checked to ensure that they are not on the register of persons prohibited from working with vulnerable adults

Undertake vulnerable adult protection training

If you wish to discuss your concerns any time contact our Protection of Vulnerable Groups Officer. If you think they may be at immediate risk or harm then you should contact the Police by calling 999