The Safeguarding Children policy was launched in 2020 as to ensure that any events where minors or anyone considered to be vulnerable are present, the appropriate safety measures are taken into consideration.
This policy follows the guidance given by the Charity Commission (Published 6 December 2017 ) and adheres to all relevant statutory requirements. This policy acts as the Society’s Child Protection Policy and the Society’s Vulnerable Person Protection Policy. In this policy, ‘child’/‘children’ means people aged up to 18.
The Society is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable groups from harm. The Society’s staff, Trustees and volunteers uphold the position that the welfare of the child/ren and vulnerable people is paramount and that all children and vulnerable people without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, ethnicity, sexuality or beliefs or any other protected characteristic . Any concerns and allegations of abuse will be responded to swiftly and with sensitivity (this may require a referral to children’s services or relevant service and in an emergency, the Police).
Recruitment, selection and vetting
We are committed to the safe recruitment, selection and vetting of paid and volunteer staff. Any staff member or volunteer with regular contact with young people and vulnerable groups (face-to-face, by phone, by email or via social networks) will undergo a Disclosure and Barring service (DBS), previously Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), check in England, otherwise the most appropriate checks for the region they reside in (such as PVG scheme by Disclosure Scotland). All disclosures to be reported to the Head of Business and People Services.
All adult volunteers who work regularly or closely with young people are asked to register with STEMNET’s STEM Ambassador scheme. The scheme includes a DBS check and training.
Volunteers are informed of our Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Groups Policy as part of their induction.
Ambassadors and Engagement Grant holders
Ambassadors and recipients of Society Engagement Grants are not required to undergo a DBS check as the norm, however a DBS may be appropriate under special circumstances should they have prolonged or regular contact with young and/or vulnerable people. The appropriateness of whether or not a DBS check is required will be discussed and agreed by the member affected and Engagement Manager.
Data Protection and Photography
Children and vulnerable people’s contact details and images will be treated with respect. In line with the Society’s Privacy Policy, they will be used only by staff and those who have a legitimate need to do. Approval will be sought from the parents/guardians/carers before any images are used publicly or for PR purposes. Children, vulnerable persons, and their parents/guardians/carers can ask for data which identifies them/their child/ren or vulnerable person to be deleted at any time.
Reporting
Any concerns over child protection should be reported without delay either to the Chief Executive or the Head of Business & People Services, as well as any concerns related to the safeguarding of people from vulnerable groups. If neither is appropriate or available, the concern should be reported to the relevant Director within the Society. If there is a significant threat to life or serious incident concern, it may be more appropriate to inform the local social services team. Further advice can be found via Action For Children. Written, dated notes should be kept of any incident(s) and the template below should be used if possible. Guidance on what may be considered as child abuse is available from the NSPCC website.
Child Protection Policy Safeguarding Report Form
This policy is approved and endorsed by Management Group. It applies to all staff, Trustees and volunteers. Children, young people, vulnerable people, teachers and parents/guardians/carers can ask to see a copy of this policy at any time.
To be reviewed annually by the Head of Business & People Services and Engagement Manager.
Last reviewed: July 2020