Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy

The Rotary Club of Letchworth Garden City has adopted this statement of policy in its work with children, the elderly, the vulnerable and those with disability .

• The needs and rights of the child, the elderly, the vulnerable and persons with disability take priority.

• It is the duty of every Rotarian to safeguard to the best of his/her ability, the welfare of, and to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect of, all children, the elderly, the vulnerable and those with disability or otherwise vulnerable persons with whom they come into contact during their Rotarian duties.

The Rotary club will endeavour to ensure safeguarding by:

• Actively encouraging a climate through which protection issues are regarded as an essential part of Rotary activities and events.

• Appointing a Rotarian with responsibility for protection issues in the Rotary club: the Club Protection Officer.

• Adopting protection guidelines through procedures and a club code of conduct for all Rotarians, staff, other helpers and volunteers associated with the club.

• Planning all activities so that protection issues are properly addressed.

• Sharing information on protection and good practice with children, parents and carers, Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club.

• Following the agreed guidelines on how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of abuse and sharing information about concerns with agencies that need to know.

• Providing appropriate training for Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club, in the processes and procedures of child and vulnerable adult protection.

• Following carefully the procedures for the recruitment and selection of Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club to assist with projects and activities.

• Monitoring and reviewing this policy and the associated procedures on a regular basis, at least annually.
   

This policy must be read in conjunction with the Explanatory Notes and Appendices that accompany it and which are available from the Club Protection Officer or Club Secretary.

This statement of policy was agreed at the Club Council meeting on l5th January 2004 and recorded in the minutes.

GUIDELINES to be followed at all times by members of The Rotary Club of Letchworth Garden City

• Members will note well and remember who the Club Council has appointed for the time being as Club Protection Officer. Check with the club's annual card.

• Whenever an event or activity is planned which may involve children, the elderly, the vulnerable and those with disability, the Club Council will name the Rotarian to take charge of the event and s/he/ will inform the Club Protection Officer and invite his/her opinion with regard to any procedures which need to be followed.

• If considered necessary , a risk assessment will be undertaken particularly in respect of health and safety legislation, mini-bus and coach regulations, health and hygiene regulations with food preparation and the club's insurance.

• Consideration will be given to the suitability of volunteers, helpers or contractors that may be involved and how and when they will be made aware of any procedures to be followed.

• All concerned in the event (staff and participants) should be infomled (where practical in writing) of the name of the person in charge and how he/she may be contacted in order to report any complaint or incident.

• A Rotarian who has any concerns regarding an event should report these to the Club Protection Officer even if they seem to be trivial. When in doubt - share your doubt

• With events such as The Christmas Grotto and Kids Out most difficulties will be avoided if one ensures:

(1) whenever practical, parents and/ or carers are present.
(2) one is never alone in room with a vulnerable person.
(3) doors of rooms are kept open.
(4) physical contact, ( e.g. harmless but unnecessary touching) is avoided.
(5) conversation, jokes etc. that may be misunderstood or misinterpreted are avoided. When in doubt - don't!

Remember that these guidelines are for the protection of you, the Rotarian or helper, as much as for the children, the elderly, the vulnerable and those with disability.