Chapter 1:
Introduction to the procedures for safeguarding adults
Aim of the chapter
- To introduce procedures for keeping adults safe when engaging in our ministries
- To connect the procedures with our Safeguarding Adults policy (as adopted at general Assembly 2025)
Our commitment to safeguard
We aim in these procedures overall to promote confidence that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is safe for all.
We want to clearly state the arrangements for adult safeguarding, including preventative and protective measures.
We will put effective working structures in place to respond to concerns.
The central PCI Safeguarding Team will ensure that the policy and these procedures remain in line with both current regional legislation and policy and The Code (the constitution and government of the Church). Add link to Policy here
PCI promotes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, wherever it occurs or whoever is responsible.
Scope of the procedures
The policy and associated procedures are applicable to all clergy, staff and volunteers working within PCI.
This includes all those who occupy a position of leadership, paid or unpaid, within our denomination.
This policy outlines the expectation for behaviour for all those who come into contact with our churches and ministries.
This policy applies to all aspects of ministry and work within PCI, whether this be within a church building or an individual’s own home or workplace.
We accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues that cause adults harm, and to establish and maintain a safe environment for all.
We are committed to practices that promote the welfare of adults and prevent harm.
Therefore, we will:
- Adhere to these adult safeguarding procedures
- Follow the procedures laid down for the recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers
- Provide effective management for staff and volunteers through support and training
- Implement clear processes for raising awareness of and responding to abuse within the Church in a compassionate and timely manner
- Report concerns to statutory agencies that need to know, while involving adults at risk and their carers appropriately
- Ensure that general safety and risk management procedures are adhered to
- Promote full participation and have clear procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints
- Manage personal information, confidentiality and information sharing
- Implement a Code of Behaviour for staff and volunteers
We understand that many of our members and leaders operate across borders between Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). These are the safeguarding procedures that apply to all ministries that have an operational base in ROI, that is, extend from a church within ROI. This includes, for example, if you are running a home group in your home in NI for the church you attend in ROI.
However, we recognise that at times these procedures will not fit easily into this scenario (for example, if the person is harmed via a ROI church but their domicile is in NI).
Parallel policies and procedures exist for Northern Ireland and adhere to NI legislation, policy and arrangements.
Therefore, advice can be sought from the central PCI Safeguarding Team. This should NEVER DELAY making a statutory report and, when necessary, taking immediate advice from An Garda Síochána/PSNI or HSE/social services.
Outline of the legislative context
Human Rights Act in Ireland
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 is a key piece of legislation in Ireland that establishes the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to protect and promote human rights and equality. The Act aims to build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in Irish society. IHREC plays a crucial role in advocating for vulnerable and marginalised groups, monitoring compliance with human rights standards and conducting research to inform policy decisions. The Act also empowers IHREC to provide guidance and support to individuals who have experienced discrimination or human rights violations. Public bodies in Ireland are required to carry out their functions in a manner that respects human rights and promotes equality. This requirement underscores the government’s obligation to ensure that policies and practices align with international human rights standards and do not perpetuate discrimination or inequality.
Additional areas of legislation and policy that inform this policy and procedures include:
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures (2014)
- Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information of Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
- The Health Act 2004
- Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)
- Domestic Violence Act 1996 and Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act 2002
- National Standards for Adult Safeguarding 2019 (HIQA)
- Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012
Awareness and Implementation
The PCI Adult Safeguarding Policy Statement will be displayed in each church. Procedures will accompany this policy and be available to all on request. They will remain accessible on the PCI website.
Churches vary in size, structure and in local delivery of ministry and services. The adult safeguarding procedures provide a framework that should be customised as appropriate to local activities.
Therefore, each local congregation and PCI ministry must adapt the central PCI adult safeguarding policy and procedures for their own local level.
Each local congregation must have its own adult safeguarding policy and procedure as part of its safeguarding practice and this must be displayed.
Everyone involved with leadership in any sector of the ministries of our church must receive or have access to a copy of the full safeguarding policy and procedures.
PCI’s central Safeguarding Team has responsibility for ensuring the dissemination of the policy and procedures across the denomination.
Information sessions on the safeguarding policy will be arranged at least annually.
Provision of alternative formats, when necessary, for example, large print or easy read versions, can be accessed via PCI Safeguarding Office.
Approval, governance and review
The central PCI Safeguarding Team will review the wide-scope policy, procedures, code of behaviour and practice at least once every three years.
Each local congregation must do the same with its localised version.
It is the responsibility of the Council for Social Witness (CSW) to direct the development of the policy, through the Safeguarding Development Committee.
This will include to write, review and ensure that the policy remains in line with regional legislation and procedures.
The Safeguarding Lead will ensure that it is fully implemented and reviewed every three years.
The central PCI Safeguarding Team will endeavour to help local congregations to write their own policy and procedures at all times; these procedures form the basis for all congregations and can be copied and adapted at a local level.