The congregation is committed to the principles of openness, probity and accountability. In line with that commitment, we expect anyone who has a serious concern about any aspect of our congregational life to voice those concerns in good faith without fear of victimisation, discrimination or disadvantage. Kingshill Parish Church has a Whistleblowing Policy that provides a procedure enabling concerns to be raised. This policy covers all employees and volunteers and can be accessed through the following link :

​Church of Scotland Safeguarding handbook

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Groups
in the Church of Scotland



Our congregation has the structure and procedures in place to meet current legislation and also to meet Church of Scotland requirements.  We strive to operate with best practice and work continues to maintain compliance.  We have two trained Safeguarding Co-ordinators to guide us through the procedures and liaise with the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service. 
 
To contact Kingshill Parish Church Safeguarding Coordinator direct – send an email to
[email protected]
 
or contact the Church Office by telephone on 01224 742512 or by email to secretary.kingshill[email protected]
 

For more information and resources http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/safeguarding_service

To access the most up-to-date publications, follow this link  https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/safeguarding-service/safeguarding-publications
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Vigilance in safeguarding is a duty for all of us, and as the “Church of Scotland Policy Statement - Ensuring a Safe Church for All” says:  “..... it is the responsibility of everyone within the fellowship of the Church to prevent harm, be it physical, sexual or emotional, and we will always seek to reduce risk…..”

We are fortunate that Kingshill Parish has such an able and dedicated complement of volunteers and workers (more than 60), cleared to work in the many groups and activities organised.  We continue to work hard to protect our children and young people (and vulnerable adults where appropriate) following Church of Scotland policies and procedures, but without being complacent or overly restrictive. There are many occasions in Skene Kirk, Trinity Church and elsewhere, when groups of children and young people gather in fellowship to learn, play, perform, challenge or just chill out.
 
Jesus said “Let the children come to me --- because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” Matthew 19:14.  He demonstrated that all vulnerable people are included.  Kingshill Parish Church greatly appreciates and supports all those whose leadership, vigilance, dedication and sheer hard work is evident in the well-being of our organisations and members.
 
All reasonable steps are taken to provide a safe environment that promotes and supports the well-being of children and young people. This includes carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, and responding robustly where concerns arise.

All new applicants wishing to be involved with young people or adults at risk within the church situation, must apply for PVG membership (Protection of Vulnerable Groups).  Membership is portable between jobs or roles.  All volunteers must attend a Safeguarding Training Course.

Our Kirk Session  is regularly updated on changes and developments  made by The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Team, and  discusses various aspects of safeguarding, emphasising our deep concern for the well-being of all young people and adults at risk. 
 
As well as courses for volunteers, Gordon Presbytery organises training courses for Safeguarding Co-ordinators, Safeguarding Panel members and Kirk Sessions.  Kingshill Parish Church ensures that all church members, involved with safeguarding, have attended the appropriate training.
 
It is the duty of everyone to seek advice or take action if they become aware of a child protection issue anywhere.
 
If you have a concern about a church matter -
Contact one of the Safeguarding Co-ordinators by sending a confidential email to:
[email protected]
 
If the matter is urgent and you think a crime is being committed: 
Call the police on 101 or  Phone 999 if the child is at immediate risk.
 
You may also contact Aberdeenshire Council emergency lines if you are worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused:  or

Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Tel 01467 533100 (Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm and 9am – 6pm at the weekend)
For 24 hour contact 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - Call 0808 800 5000 
 
Anyone can call the 24 hour NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or online at  http://www.nspcc.org.uk, where counsellors are available to advise on appropriate action; their motto is “...don’t wait until you are certain...”
 
Children and young people can talk on absolutely any issue and be listened to at ChildLine direct by telephone 0800 1111 or online http://www.childline.org.uk

Together we can keep our young people and adults at risk safe

​(Page last updated July 2023)