Chapter 3: The safe recruitment, selection and management of volunteers and paid staff

A downloadable version of this chapter is available for anyone who would like to save or print it out.

Advice on safer recruitment to Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries and any other employing agency of the Church of Scotland.

Safer recruitment practices are an essential part of the Church of Scotland's approach to safeguarding.

This policy and guidance set out recruitment practices for people working or volunteering with children and adults. It is designed to assist with robust recruitment processes that help to ensure that unsuitable workers do not gain access to children or protected adults. The guidance addresses two key areas: the recruitment process and criminal record checks.

Contents

Summary of the recruitment process

Criminal records checks

Determining whether PVG membership is required

Joining the PVG Scheme

Supervision of volunteers and paid workers

Allegations against volunteers, staff, and those in positions of leadership and pastoral responsibility

Children and adults lists

Safe retention and disposal of confidential information

Standard Forms

The Safeguarding Service has developed safeguarding forms (SG Forms) to assist with the safe recruitment process. The most recent versions are available to download from the Safeguarding Publications section of The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service website.

Chapter 2: Protecting children and adults at risk of harm

Chapter 4: Safeguarding Training—what is available, who it’s for, and how to access it