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East Antrim Rambling Club SAFEGUARDING POLICY AND GUIDANCE Policy statement The
East Antrim Rambling Club (EARC) is committed to following good practice and
this includes having clear, consistent policies, procedures and processes for
everyone to follow. The
EARC takes its responsibilities for safeguarding extremely seriously. We have a duty of care to all our club
members and members of the public. We
are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and
accept our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of anyone who attends and
participates in our events and activities, in accordance with current
legislation. Aims and scope This
policy aims to provide everyone involved with the EARC Club with the
fundamental values that guide our approach to safeguarding. It also aims to be proportionate and
appropriate to the level of risk involved.
This
policy applies to all individuals involved in the activities of the
EARC. Principles Why do we need
safeguarding? The EARC recognizes
that though it does not work directly with children or vulnerable adults,
nevertheless: ·
Abuse, harassment and harm can
happen to anyone – people we work with, staff or volunteers. It’s not always
visible and often not spoken about. ·
Abuse, harm and neglect are
wrong. We have a duty to do something about it. ·
When everyone understands safeguarding
and their right to be safe, people who have nowhere else to turn are
protected. ·
An organisation
that does safeguarding well is an organisation that
is trusted. The
guidance given in the policy is based on the following principles: ·
The welfare of children and adults is paramount in all the work,
activities and programmes and events carried out as
well as organized by or for the EARC. ·
It is important to value, listen to and respect all views and
opinions. ·
All children and adults, regardless of age,
ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, ethnic origin,
sexual orientation, marital or gender status have the right to be protected
from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. ·
The
EARC will seek to ensure that in its own organisation,
we are inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any ability, disability
or impairment, we will also commit to continuous development, monitoring and review. ·
The rights, dignity and worth of all children
and adults will always be respected. ·
We recognise that
ability and disability can change over time and that some children and adults
may be additionally vulnerable to abuse, in particular those with care and
support needs. ·
We all have a shared responsibility to ensure
the safety and well-being of all and will act appropriately and report
concerns whether these concerns arise within the or in the wider community. ·
All allegations will be taken seriously and
responded to quickly in line with our Safeguarding policy and procedure documents. ·
The EARC recognises
the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding and
is committed to complying with their procedures. Good practice, poor practice and abuse It can be difficult to distinguish poor practice from abuse, whether
intentional or accidental. It is not
the responsibility of any individual involved to make judgements regarding
whether or not abuse is taking place, but everyone is responsible for recognising and identifying poor practice and potential
abuse, and to act on this, if they have concerns.
Training Everyone involved in the EARC will have access to the Safeguarding
policy and Safeguarding procedure and is expected to help implement this
across the club. Accessibility and inclusion The EARC is built on the belief that everyone deserves
the right to experience the joy of walking outdoors. We strive to be diverse, inclusive and
accessible in how we offer and promote our activities. Definitions Safeguarding Safeguarding
children means protecting children from abuse and maltreatment, preventing harm to children's
health or development, and ensuring children grow up with the provision of
safe and effective care Safeguarding
adults means protecting the rights of adults to
live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Abuse is a violation of an individual’s
human and civil rights by another person or persons. Children and young people: for this policy
document and practice within the EARC, a child is defined as anyone under the
age of 18. Adult is anyone aged 18 or over. Adult at risk is a person aged 18
or over who has care and support needs, is experiencing, or is at risk of,
abuse or neglect, and as a result of those care and support needs is unable
to protect themselves from the risk
of abuse or neglect. Adult in need of care and support is determined by a
range of factors including personal characteristics, factors associated with
their situation or environment and social factors. Capacity means having the
ability to make a decision about your own life on your own and is sometimes
referred to as ‘mental capacity’. This
can be affected either temporarily or permanently. Some people have the capacity to make
simple decisions but not major ones, for example financial. Further information
Practical guidance for walk
leaders and event organisers Walk leaders and others in
authority should take time to familiarise
themselves with this quick reference to good practice when in the company of
under 18s as well older vulnerable adults, such as people over 18 with
learning or physical disabilities). Planning Do · Plan activities for young
people and vulnerable adults carefully to ensure that there is maximum
protection at all times. · Attend to health and safety
requirements. · Make sure that young people
are accompanied by their own adult carers (e.g. parents, teachers or youth
leaders) and that these adults are directly responsible for those in their
care. · Make sure you know which
young people are in your charge, the extent of your responsibility, where
they are and what they are doing. Supervision Do · Arrange for an appropriate
number of adults to be present, bearing in mind the activity, number, ages
and any particular needs of the young people. · Have a minimum of two
adults when working with small groups and work in view of other colleagues if
supporting an individual on your own. · Have male and female
helpers where practical. Other practicalities Do · Insist on relevant training
or instruction if you are expected to oversee something that you aren’t
confident about or don’t feel competent to carry out. Do not · Allow rough activities
which could lead to inappropriate behaviour or
injury. · Permit abusive youth peer
activities (e.g. ridiculing or bullying). Awareness Do ·
Inform
young people about the safety issues involved in their activity and how to
cope (e.g. always tell someone where they are going). ·
Be
alert to potential harm or inappropriate behaviour
by others to young people in your care. ·
Provide
access for young people to talk to another adult about any concerns they may
have. ·
Be
alert to any evidence of drug or alcohol use by young people in your care. Conduct Do ·
Remember
you are a role model for young people and always provide an example you would
wish them to follow. ·
Bear
in mind that some actions, no matter how well-intentioned, may easily be
misinterpreted. ·
Respect
a young person’s right to privacy unless you feel they are at risk of harm. Do not · Show favouritism
or get drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour
(e.g. tantrums or crushes) · Allow or engage in
suggestive remarks, gestures or touching which could be misunderstood Always remember · Plan activities carefully
and be alert to potential harm. · Where possible ensure young
people are accompanied by their own adult Carers and that they take direct
supervisory responsibility. · Arrange for an appropriate
number of adults to be present – try to have at least two at all times. · Avoid being left alone with
young people if you can. · When one-to-one contact is
unavoidable, keep it short, be accessible and make sure someone is informed. If you have a concern about the safety and
well-being of a young person or vulnerable adult: 1.
Immediately
tell the walk leader or event organiser 2.
Write
careful notes of what you witnessed, heard or were told 3.
Sign,
date and pass your notes to a designated child protection officer 4.
If
possible, ensure that no further situation arises which could cause any
further concern
1.
Allow
that person to speak without interruption, accepting what is said 2.
Offer
immediate understanding and reassurance, while passing no judgement 3.
Advise
that you will try to offer support but that you must pass the information 4.
Assess
whether there is any ongoing immediate danger 5.
If
there is take immediate action to stop or minimise
that danger 6.
Write
careful notes of what you were told 7.
Sign,
date and pass your notes to your designated child protection officer 8.
If
possible, ensure that no further situation arises which could cause any
further concern Childline 0800 1111 In an emergency– call the
Police on 999 or 112 21/6/2021 |
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