How do we define 'those who pose a risk'?

Those who pose a risk (or "subject") includes:

• Any person who has been convicted of any offence within the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 or associated legislation (or any modification, replacement or re-enactment thereof); and/or
• Any person who has been convicted of any other sexual offence
• Any person who admits to having committed a sexual offence; and/or
• Any person who is currently or who has at any time been a Registered Sex Offender; and/or
• Any person in respect of whom the Safeguarding Service receives a notification from any of the responsible authorities that such person poses a risk of harm; and/or
• Any person found responsible by a court of law or by their professional body or regulator for committing an act which has, even in part, a sexual element, whether or not that individual accepts that finding; and/or
• Any person who, after risk assessment by the Safeguarding Service, is believed to pose a risk of violence or sexual harm and who has contact with the Church of Scotland, its members and adherents or those individuals who use and access worship, groups and services run by or on behalf of the Church.

The Church of Scotland welcomes everyone into its fellowship, without prejudice, but recognises that some individuals need to be managed in a Church environment to ensure the safety of everyone in that environment (including that individual).

These individuals (or subjects) may have convictions for sexual or other serious offences or they may not.

The Church's Safeguarding Service has an excellent working relationship with the responsible authorities such as police, criminal justice social work, health, prison service, Disclosure Scotland and other public bodies.

Through consultation with these professionals and congregational safeguarding panels, we will assess whether a Covenant of Responsibilities is necessary.