ROTARY INTERNATIONAL IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND (ROTARY GB&I) PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY
applicable to all Clubs and Districts in Rotary GB&I
Policy Statement
The Clubs recognize that the services they provide are used by adults who are vulnerable or may be vulnerable at certain times.
The Clubs have a duty to ensure the welfare of vulnerable adults who may be at risk. This duty involves reporting the risk to an appropriate agency and Rotary GB&I, and by promoting a safe environment within the organisation.
The Clubs believe that vulnerable adults must be safeguarded from all forms of abuse. It recognises that it must at all times protect vulnerable adults from the risk of abuse and identify and deal with specific instances of abuse if they occur.
The Clubs will take every possible action to prevent abuse and to deal with it as promptly and effectively as possible if it occurs.
Aim of the Policy
The central aim of Rotary GB&I’s Safeguarding Policy is to inform all Rotarians of:
Rotary GB&I’s approach to the Safeguarding of vulnerable adults
ways in which the Clubs do this
the steps taken to avoid abuse taking place
the actions that will be taken by the Clubs to deal with abuse if it occurs
Definition of Abuse
Abuse of clients may take any of the following forms:
physical abuse
financial or material abuse
psychological abuse
sexual abuse
neglect
discriminatory abuse
inhuman or degrading treatment
inappropriate or excessive restraint.
Responsibility
The Clubs have a duty to report serious concerns relating to abuse to appropriate agencies including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)* as well as the Rotary GB&I Compliance Officer.
The Clubs have a duty to ensure that Rotarians or others who may be supporting Rotary activities that include working with vulnerable adults adopt safe practices, including referring to the Rotary ‘Safeguarding Manual’ and ‘Communicating Online’ guidance documents.
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©Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Reviewed March 2021)
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The Clubs will undertake DBS* checks checks where regulations deem it necessary for the activities being undertaken and will undertake regular education of its members to minimise any risks to vulnerable adults posed by Rotarians.
Rotary GB&I will:
Set out and inform Rotarians of the procedures for responding to suspicions or evidence of abuse
Incorporate material relevant to issues of abuse on the Rotary GB&I website
Maintain vigilance concerning the possibility of abuse of vulnerable adults from whatever
source
Encourage a climate of openness which enables Rotarians to pass on concerns about behaviour that might be abusive
Produce and regularly revise policies and procedures to minimise the risk of abuse
Investigate any allegations of abuse quickly and thoroughly
Implement improvements to procedures if an investigation reveals deficiencies in the way in which Rotary GB&I operates
Collaborate with other relevant agencies in combating abuse and improving the protection of vulnerable adults
Districts will:
Appoint a Rotarian as the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adult(s) Protection Officer. This Officer will have suitable experience, training and expertise.
Ensure that all Club Safeguarding/Protection Officers within their District receive regular education to minimise any risks to vulnerable adults posed by Rotarians in their District
The Clubs expect its members to:
Refrain from any abusive action in relation to vulnerable adults
Report to the Club anything they witness which is or might be abusive
Co-operate in any investigation into alleged abuse.
Refer to the Rotary ‘Safeguarding Manual’ and ‘Communicating Online’ guidance documents
Rotarians should be aware of who they may turn to for advice if they become aware or suspect that abuse is occurring.
Failure by Rotarians to report incidents or suspicions of abuse may lead to disciplinary action.
* or relevant state authority
©Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Reviewed March 2021)
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND (ROTARY GB&I) PROTECTION OF CHILDREN POLICY
Applicable to all Clubs and Districts in Rotary GB&I
Policy Statement
The Clubs recognise that the services it provides are used by children in both a physical and online environment.
The Clubs believe that children have the right to be secure from abuse, and Rotary GB&I are committed to protecting all the children in their care from harm.
The Clubs will appoint a Rotarian as the Safeguarding Children/Child Protection Officer. This Officer will have suitable experience, training and expertise, and will be responsible for liaising with appropriate outside agencies and Rotary GB&I in any child protection matter.
The Clubs have a duty to ensure the welfare of all children who may be at risk, including when engaging with children in online Rotary activities. This duty involves reporting the risk to an appropriate agency and Rotary GB&I and by promoting a safe environment within the Club.
The Clubs will take every possible action to prevent abuse and to deal with it as promptly and effectively as possible if it occurs.
Aim of the Policy
The central aim of Rotary GB&I’s Safeguarding Policy is to inform all Rotarians of:
Rotary GB&I’s approach to the Safeguarding of children
ways in which the Clubs do this, both in a physical and online environment
the steps taken to avoid abuse taking place
the actions that will be taken by the Clubs to deal with abuse if it occurs Definition of Abuse
Abuse of children may take any of the following forms:
physical abuse
sexual abuse
emotional abuse
neglect Responsibility
Rotary GB&I has a duty to ensure that all Clubs working with children adopt safe practices.
The Clubs will undertake Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)* checks where regulations deem it necessary for the activities being undertaken and will undertake regular education of its members to minimise any risks to children posed by Rotarians or others who may be supporting Rotary activity involving children.
The Clubs have a duty to report serious concerns relating to abuse to appropriate agencies including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)* and the Rotary GB&I Compliance Officer.
©Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Reviewed March 2021)
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Rotary GB&I will:
Set out and inform Rotarians of the procedures for responding to suspicions or evidence of abuse
Incorporate material relevant to issues of abuse on the Rotary GB&I website
Maintain vigilance concerning the possibility of abuse of children from whatever source
Encourage a climate of openness which enables Rotarians to pass on concerns about behaviour that might be abusive
Produce and regularly revise policies and procedures to minimise the risk of abuse
Ensure that all Rotarians are aware of the main indicators of child abuse
Investigate any allegations of abuse quickly and thoroughly in conjunction with appropriate agencies
Implement improvements to procedures if an investigation reveals deficiencies in the way in which Rotary GB&I operates
Collaborate with other relevant agencies in combating abuse and improving the protection of children
Districts will:
Appoint a Rotarian as the Safeguarding Children/Child Protection Officer. This Officer will have suitable experience, training and expertise.
Ensure that all Club Safeguarding Children/Child Protection Officers within their District receive regular education to minimise any risks to children posed by Rotarians in their District
The Clubs expect its members to:
Refrain from any abusive action in relation to children
Report to the Club anything they witness which is or might be abusive
Co-operate in any investigation into alleged abuse
Refer to the Rotary ‘Safeguarding Manual’ and ‘Communicating Online with Children’ guidance documents
Rotarians should be aware of who they may turn to for advice if they become aware or suspect that abuse is occurring.
Failure by Rotarians to report incidents or suspicions of abuse may lead to disciplinary and/or legal action.
* or relevant state authority
©Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Reviewed March 2021)