Q Do all volunteers need to be checked?

A No, only those who have regular (however infrequent) contact with children or 'look after' another person's child and/or have regular contact and responsibility for a vulnerable adult.   In practice this means traditional groups like Sacramental Programme volunteers, Children's Liturgy volunteers, Eucharistic Ministers, SVDP volunteers etc. visiting parishioners in their homes.

'Father Christmas' never 'takes care' of a child and therefore does not meet the definition of a 'regulated person'.

Q If I have a conviction ... can I still be a volunteer?

A Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working within the Catholic community.   This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstance and background of your offences.   Once the Diocesan Adviser receives a  confidential declaration that discloses past offences we invite the applicant to the Diocesan office to discuss and assess the nature of the offences.   The discussion is written up and taken to the Diocesan Risk Assessment Management Team of the Diocese for a final decision on an individual's suitability.   This is conveyed to the applicant and to the Parish Priest unless special circumstances exist that the Parish Co-ordinator needs to be informed.   All information is dealt with discreetly and confidentially.

Q What does CRBS stand for?

A CRBS stands for Central Registered Body in Scotland.  

 In the past people talked about 'Police Checks'.   This system replaces that and much more beside.   The CRBS system, through Disclosure Scotland, accesses the Police National Computer for people who have convictions, it also accesses the various lists of people who are banned from working with children and it also gives relevant 'soft intelligence' information that did not lead to a conviction.

Q What about visiting Priests/Religious from abroad?

A Any visiting Priest/Religious from the UK or abroad who wishes to engage in public ministry should have notified the Diocesan Office.   The Bishop will have asked either for evidence of an unblemished Disclosure and a Testimonial of Suitability from a Priest's/Religious Bishop or Superior.

Q The Safe Recruitment procedures involve a lot of papwework.   How do I know that this is kept safe?

A The recruitment forms are kept safely in Church premises.   No parish worker should keep your information in their home unless it is justified.   For instance - a Priest is taken sick and the volunteer has no access to the house, or in order to facilitate a group it is necessary to have information to hand for instance 'an altar servers outing'.