Safeguarding Children and Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy, July 2019
BGAS promotes the study of the history and archaeology of Bristol and Gloucestershire and supports the conservation of the historic environment. This may occasionally include direct services or support for children, young people or vulnerable adults and BGAS recognises that safeguarding these members of society is everyone’s business and that all may become vulnerable at some point in their lives.
BGAS is therefore committed to ensuring that its Trustees, volunteers and those who participate in its activities have an appropriate understanding of Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults, and where to raise concerns if abuse is suspected or reported.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development
- Ensuring children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children have the best outcomes
(Working Together to Safeguard Children, July 2018)
Currently BGAS meetings may involve children or young people.
Definition of Vulnerable Adults
Someone ‘who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself or protect him or herself from significant harm or exploitation’
(Safeguarding Adults, NHS England 2014)
Currently BGAS activities may involve vulnerable adults.
Definition of Abuse
“Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons”
(No Secrets: Department of Health, January 2015)
It includes:
- physical abuse, hitting, slapping, punching, burning
- sexual abuse, rape, indecent assault, inappropriate touching
- emotional abuse, belittling, name calling
- financial or material abuse, stealing, selling assets
- neglect and acts of omission, leaving in soiled clothes, failing to feed properly
- discriminatory abuse (racist, sexist, based on a person’s disability and other forms of harassment)
The Guidance annexed to this Policy is therefore for the use of leaders of meetings involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
Record Keeping, Reporting and Managing Allegations
If a concern is raised this will be documented and sent to the Honorary General Secretary of BGAS. Any specific allegation will be reported to the relevant Authority(ies) and BGAS will support those involved in any consequent investigation(s).
Review of This Policy
BGAS will review this policy if it becomes likely that it will undertake other activities which will involve children, young people or vulnerable adults, or if changes in legislation require it.
Adopted July 2019
