1. The General Assembly instruct any congregation, committee or board to make early contact with the Church’s Compliance Officer for advice when considering employing any person from outside the European Union, whether in a paid or unpaid role and regardless of the length of stay.
2. The General Assembly instruct all congregations to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the PVG Scheme, seeking advice from the Church’s Compliance Officer where necessary. In particular, they instruct Kirk Sessions to take the necessary steps to arrange for the retrospective checking of all existing workers (including volunteers) within the required timeframe.
3. The General Assembly instruct the Board of Trustees to keep developments in relation to safeguarding matters under review and to provide support to congregations in implementation of the Policy and Guidelines.
4. The General Assembly note the Board’s conclusion that there is no inherent need for Presbyteries to register with OSCR as separate charities. They remind Presbyteries that they should ensure the adequacy of insurance cover when employing individuals and carrying out activities. They further remind Presbyteries that any contractual arrangements into which they enter must not bind the central church in any way.