Safeguarding Statement
In order to uphold my duty of care I, and anyone working with me, will ensure the following:
i. Awareness: All staff and volunteers, parents and children/vulnerable adults where appropriate, contracted or otherwise, are aware of what constitutes abuse.
ii. Prevention: All staff and volunteers, parents and children/vulnerable adults where appropriate, contracted or otherwise, are aware of their duty to prevent any abuse originating from QiRoots and to work towards the reduction of abuse in wider society.
iii. Reporting: All staff and volunteers, parents and children/vulnerable adults where appropriate, contracted or otherwise, are aware of QiRoots guidelines on reporting abuse and know how to report concerns.
iv. Responding: All staff and volunteers, parents and children/vulnerable adults where appropriate, are aware of their duty to support children/vulnerable adults when issues of abuse are raised.
Good Practice Guidelines
The following are practical examples of how we will create a positive, non-threatening culture and climate, that facilitates prevention of misconduct and reporting of allegations of abusive and/or inappropriate behaviours.
Mandatory activities that QiRoots will undertake in all circumstances:
• Risk assessment of ALL new activities, whether face to face or online, to ensure maximum protection for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Always working in an open environment e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations, and avoid being in situations where staff or volunteers are alone with children/vulnerable adults.
• Securing parental/carer consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to administer emergency first aid and / or other medical treatment to children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs or any extraordinary situation.
• Obtaining written consent if staff / volunteers are required to transport children/vulnerable adults and young people in their cars.
Other expected good practice standards include:
• Being aware of personal space and keeping an appropriate distance.
• Treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Always putting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults first.
• Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust, which empowers children, young people and vulnerable adults to share in the decision-making process.
• Being an excellent role model e.g. not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Challenging discrimination and prejudice.
• Encouraging young people and adults to speak out about attitudes or behaviours that makes them uncomfortable.
• Understanding that children, young people and vulnerable adults are individuals with individual needs and appreciate that all participants bring something valuable and different to the group/organisation.
