The Bishops' Conference of Scotland wish to ensure that there is transparency in the arrangements for Safeguarding in Catholic parishes and organisations throughout Scotland. In 2013 the Bishops established the McLellan Commission to review Safeguarding practice in the Catholic Church in Scotland. Its report was published in 2015, at which time we published our own plan for implementing its recommendations. This plan led to the publication of IN GOD'S IMAGE as an 'Instruction' from the Bishops of Scotland, directing the approach to Safeguarding which must be followed in every Catholic Diocese in Scotland, with effect from 21st May 2018.
IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) emerged from a 9-month period of consultation, reflection and discussion. It makes reference to key statements made by Pope Francis and to instructions and norms published by the Holy See in recent years. It came into effect on 8th September 2021. The text of IGIv2 is available ONLINE here.
The SCOTTISH CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS AGENCY has been established to monitor and assure compliance with safeguarding standards set out in IN GOD'S IMAGE. Registered with Companies House as a 'Community Interest Company', it operates independently of the Bishops' Conference, with its own employees and Board of non-executive Directors. For more details, visit this website.