Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland are determined to ensure that there is public confidence in the arrangements for Safeguarding in Catholic parishes, religious communities and organisations throughout Scotland. Having learned from the Church's past failings and omissions, in 2011 the Bishops established the McLellan Commission to review Safeguarding practice throughout the Catholic Church in Scotland. Following publication of the commission's report in 2015, the Bishops committed to implementing its recommendations.

One key action was the publication of IN GOD'S IMAGE as an 'Instruction', directing the approach to Safeguarding which must be followed in every Catholic diocese in Scotland.

It was first published in May 2018 for a 3-year 'ad experimentum' period to give time for its effectiveness to be tested. In November 2020 views were sought on the changes required to reflect new guidance from the Holy See, evolving legislation and, above all, experience of its use.  IN GODS IMAGE version 2 was published on 8th September 2021. Subsequent versions have been developed recognising that legislation, research, and good practice are continuously evolving and the most recent version is available here online.

For more information about the Church's Safeguarding approach, visit the website of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA).