National Safeguarding Conference

On Saturday 7 November 2026 the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) National Safeguarding Conference will take place once again in Strathclyde University’s Technology & Innovation Centre. This year’s conference will follow on from the challenge issued by last year’s keynote speaker, Matthew McVarish – What have I done to make my parish a safer place?

While the morning session will focus on providing delegates with ideas for practical ways in which they can take up this challenge, informed by survivors of abuse and research by our two speakers, Prof. Lisa Oakley and Prof. Clare Watkins, the afternoon session will be an interactive dramatisation of real examples of work being done in parish communities. We are delighted to announce that the arts company ACTive INquiry will lead this session.

The Conference is aimed at those involved in Safeguarding – primarily Parish Safeguarding Coordinators (PSCs), Parish Clergy, Safeguarding trainers, DRAMT (Diocesan Risk Assessment Management Team) members, and Safeguarding Staff. Conference costs for PSC’s and Parish Clergy are paid for by the parish.

For those undertaking diocese-wide roles (such as Safeguarding Trainers), costs are covered by central budgets.

Save the date, registration details forthcoming.