The role and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Coordinator

All Kirk Sessions must appoint a Safeguarding Coordinator and this must always be formally minuted by the Kirk Session.

Kirk Sessions may wish to recruit and appoint more than one Safeguarding Coordinator. This allows the workload to be shared and also helps to maintain continuity if one of them retires or leaves.

The Safeguarding Coordinator is formally recruited and appointed to act on behalf of (not instead of) their Kirk Session, to help ensure that the Safeguarding Act (that is, the instructions, recommendations and legislation relating to safeguarding practice in the Church) is implemented. See Chapter 3 of this handbook for guidance on the recruitment process.

Kirk Sessions should ensure that the Congregation knows who their Safeguarding Coordinator is and what their role is.

The Safeguarding Coordinator should report regularly to the Kirk Session.

Safeguarding should be a standing item on the Kirk Session's agenda.

You will find the full job description for the Safeguarding Coordinator in Appendix 3 of this handbook.