Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency
Board Members
Non-remunerated
The Catholic Church in Scotland is establishing the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) to improve the Church’s safeguarding approach and to rebuild trust and confidence in the ways in which children and vulnerable adults are kept safe in all Church premises and activities, and with all Church personnel.
Working independently of the Catholic Church, the SCSSA will oversee how Catholic dioceses, parishes, religious congregations and organisations safeguard all who have contact with Catholic faith communities across Scotland. Taking account of the perspectives of survivors of abuse, the agency will monitor compliance with national safeguarding standards, as set out in the core document ‘In God’s Image’. Working collaboratively, it will lead in the development of a safeguarding learning network and of training opportunities for all responsible for safeguarding in the Church.
To govern the organisation, we are putting together a new Board, led by Lady Rita Rae QC. We are looking for Board Members from a broad range of backgrounds, but with a common theme as above – to ensure safeguarding and to rebuild trust and confidence in the ways in which children and vulnerable adults are kept safe in all Church premises and activities, and with all Church personnel. We are keen to hear from candidates with a range of backgrounds and skills sets.
The main functions of the SCSSA Board will be:
- to lead the development of the culture, values and strategic direction of SCSSA in order to provide effective scrutiny of the Church’s safeguarding provision
- to ensure the provision of sound advice to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland on the implementation of its national safeguarding policy (‘In God’s Image’)
- to ensure the provision of sound advice and recommendations to dioceses, religious institutes and organisations on their safeguarding practice
- to monitor SCSSA’s operations, ensuring prudent management, sound planning and compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations
- to provide effective controls on SCSSA business strategy and financial management
- to act in accordance with the SCSSA Articles of Association.
While we do not require candidates to come from any particular faith background or practice, we are looking for individuals who have a commitment to improving safeguarding in the Church for the future.
TIME COMMITMENT
Board Directors are asked to commit the equivalent of 8-10 working days per year to the work of the Board. While the Board will meet in formal session four times per year, there will be additional opportunities to participate in other pieces of strategic work, via committees and working groups, depending on the skills, interests and availability of individual Board Directors.
TERMS OF OFFICE
Board Directors will be asked to serve a term of 3 years, with a maximum of one additional term being possible, if mutually agreed with the Board Chair.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Debbie Shields or Donogh O'Brien at Aspen on 0141 212 7555.
For more information on the organisation, role and the process, please visit the dedicated microsite at www.aspenpeople.co.uk/SCSSA
To apply, please click the apply button to submit your CV and cover letter.
Closing date for applications: Monday 28th February 2022
Please note all appointments will be subject to a PVG check.