This guidance excludes Bishops, Supreme Moderators or their equivalents as defined in Vos estis lux mundi. For guidance on the process for these members of Church personnel see Guidance 2.3.  This guidance also excludes other Church authorities outside of the definitions contained in Vos estis lux mundi. For guidance on the process for these members of Church personnel see Guidance 2.39.

At the conclusion of the process outlined in S4.39, two levels of risk assessment will have been completed:

  1. Initial enquiry to establish if the threshold for reporting has been reached
  • On receipt of an allegation, the DLP should ensure that a child protection referral form is completed by the person who initially heard the allegation S4.34.
  • The DLP will then conduct an internal inquiry to establish if the threshold for reporting to the statutory authorities has been reached. This will involve:

– Establishing the name of the complainant, the nature of the allegation and the name of the respondent;

– Checking if the respondent was in the reported location at the time of the alleged abuse.

  • The DLP will conclude this stage by informing the statutory authorities. If there is any uncertainty about whether the suspicion, concern or allegation meets the threshold for reporting, the DLP should consult with the statutory authorities who will advise on the requirements for notification.
    The Bishop will inform the CDF if the allegation relates to sexual abuse and the respondent is a cleric.
  1. Initial assessment of risk, which results in notification to comply with the child safeguarding policies and procedures, or an interim management plan
  • At the conclusion of the process of informing the respondent (2.24), the DLP will provide an initial assessment of risk (2.25; S4.39) for the Bishop, to help him to judge the level of risk. The DLP may advise on restrictions to the respondent’s ministry, if appropriate (2.26).
  • The assessment of risk is used to complete the risk management update tool. This form is used to give a brief overview of the risks associated with the case. It must be regularly updated as required.
  • This assessment of risk is used to develop an interim management plan if required (that can be initiated by precept if necessary), which the respondent is asked to sign and date (S4.41)