6.1.1 Each Bishop is ultimately responsible for the Safeguarding arrangements within his Diocese. In appointing appropriate personnel to key Safeguarding posts, he must ensure that the organisation of Safeguarding is secure and well regulated. By facilitating quarterly meetings of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Group (DSAG), he must demonstrate leadership and serious personal concern for keeping people safe. In giving serious consideration to, and acting upon, the written recommendations of his Diocesan Risk Assessment Management (DRAMT) team in relation to convictions and allegations, he must be seen to act justly for all. In his meetings with clergy, he must show his determination to promote the wellbeing of the Diocesan community and to ensure that every parish offers a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. Above all, in his manner of responding to survivors, he must provide a powerful example of Christian love and compassion.
6.1.2 The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and other key Safeguarding personnel must support their Bishop by offering sound advice, by planning to ensure the recruiting and development of Diocesan Safeguarding Trainers and by working together closely, not only in their Diocesan teams, but with Safeguarding colleagues across the country.
6.1.3 Membership of DSAG must include the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and any key individuals charged with Diocesan Safeguarding responsibilities, as well as representatives of relevant Diocesan groups: Pilgrimage leaders, SPRED, Youth Office etc. The National Safeguarding Co-ordinator may be invited to these meetings to share information about national developments and to discuss resource needs and training development. The responsibilities of DSAG include:
- advising the Bishop on Safeguarding matters in the Diocese
- ensuring compliance with national Safeguarding standards within all Diocesan groups
- responding to issues emerging from the Safeguarding Audit
- organising training for parish clergy, Safeguarding volunteers and Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinators
- liaising with the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service on national developments, resources, legislative changes etc.
6.1.4 The main function of the DRAMT is to offer recommendations to the Bishop in relation to situations of risk, convictions on PVGs, allegations or cases in relation to anyone involved in the life and work of the Diocese who has contact with children and vulnerable adults. The DRAMT must comprise a small number of individuals with relevant expertise, including those with experience of working in the legal profession, healthcare, social work and the Police. Its composition should be balanced, in numbers of both ordained and lay members, and in their gender.
6.1.5 It is for each Bishop to decide if he wishes to preside at meetings of the DRAMT, or if he wishes to receive its recommendations in writing. The group must discuss each case, agree the recommendations that it has made to the Bishop and record these in writing. It is the ultimate responsibility of the Bishop to decide the action he will take in each case. The Bishop must communicate his decision in writing to the individual concerned.
6.1.6 The DRAMT must meet as often as is required, as cases are brought to its attention. The content of any meeting must ensure the anonymity of the individuals discussed, as far as is reasonably possible. Minutes of meetings must be written and retained securely, in accordance with the Diocesan Data Protection Policy. All members of the DRAMT must declare any real or potential conflicts of interest at the start of each meeting.