GLASGOW (SCOTLAND)
The Scottish Sun
June 15, 2019
By Laura Paterson
THE Catholic Church in Scotland have been urged to create independent safeguarding watchdog to “rebuild trust” following abuse scandals.
The Independent Review Group (IRG) believes it would be a “crucial step to promote transparency and restore credibility” of the church.
They are also calling for the church to provide more support for abuse survivors within the community.
The group found a good start had been made on implementing the McLellan Commission recommendations but much more needs to be done.
IRG was set up by the church in 2017 to monitor its response to a major review of safeguarding and child protection.
They want each diocese to have a clear policy statement on access and support for survivors, an independent person they can approach for advice, and to consider including survivor representation on safeguarding decision-making bodies.
It also recommends further refining safeguarding audits, which should be independently scrutinised, and having a national training plan on the issue.
The report states: “The Bishop’s Conference of Scotland should give detailed and urgent consideration to the creation of a strengthened, resourced and independent SCSS with appropriate professional support as a crucial step to promote transparency and restore credibility.”
It continues: “Much still needs to be done to ensure victims of abuse are seen, heard and supported by the church and the process of healing begins to take place.
“Improvement in policy and openness to learning from the audit process will start to shift culture.
“However, investment is required to develop a properly resourced professional safeguarding service.
“Commitment to create a dedicated, independent safeguarding service which supports the development needs of the eight dioceses; drives consistency; is empowered to independently investigate concerns or complaints and can act without bias in all its affairs is critical to rebuilding trust with congregations and the general public.”
Group chairwoman Baroness Helen Liddell said: “The problem of how the church is perceived is a universal one and signals the need for real and far-reaching change.
“The vigour with which change is brought about, and is seen to be brought about, will determine whether credibility and trust can ever be restored.
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