For some years in Scotland information has been collected about all those working with children and vulnerable adults on Church premises across the country. Parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and Catholic organisations are asked to complete an audit form, answering questions about how they are complying with the safeguarding standards of IN GOD's IMAGE. Key purposes of the annual audit are TO STIMULATE REFLECTION on safeguarding practice and to provide an evidence-based platform on which TO PLAN FOR IMPROVING PRACTICE.
Analysis of the data gathered in each year’s audit informs ongoing safeguarding work, enabling those responsible for safeguarding to see what is working well, to identify what needs to be improved and to plan for that improvement. Completed audits show where there are potential risks or vulnerabilities so that these can be prioritised for action.
Details of key dates and resources for the annual audit exercise are provided below.