Child & Vulnerable Person- Protection Guidelines

Version 18.08.25

The parents or carers of participants taking part in activities are required to sign a form indicating that they and the participant have read and understood this document.

A major part of Lanarkshire Pride’s responsibility for young and vulnerable people in our care is to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times.

To help us do this effectively we have implemented a Child & Vulnerable Person Protection and Health and Safety policy which is designed to protect all those who participate in our activities.

In addition, there are a set of company rules which our participants needs to observe while he/she/they are participating in our activities.

Lanarkshire Pride CIC is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people so they can benefit from and enjoy all the opportunities we have to offer.

Child and Vulnerable People- Protection Policy Statement
Lanarkshire Pride CIC is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people involved in any of its activities.
We do this by:

• Recognising that all children and vulnerable people have the right to freedom from abuse.
• Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.
• Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse and providing parents and participants with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
• Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child and Vulnerable Person Protection Policy annually

Health and Safety Policy Statement
At Lanarkshire Pride CIC, we are fully committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children and vulnerable people involved in our activities. As part of our child protection policy, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment that prioritises the welfare of every participant, staff member, and volunteer.

We recognize our duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable people from harm, and we take every reasonable step to prevent accidents, injuries, or any risks to health. This includes adhering to all relevant health and safety legislation and best practices to protect children from harm in any form.

To achieve this, we will:
·       Conduct regular risk assessments for all activities, venues, and equipment used in our programs.
·       Ensure that all staff and volunteers are trained in health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and child protection.
·       Maintain clear and accessible reporting procedures for any health and safety concerns or incidents.
·       Ensure that all activities are adequately supervised, and that participants’ safety is considered at all times.
·       Review our health and safety practices regularly and update them as needed to reflect any changes in legislation or best practices.

By implementing these measures, Lanarkshire Pride CIC aims to provide a secure, inclusive, and positive space for all children and young people participating in our programs.

Addressing Peer-on-Peer Abuse Among Children and Young People

At Lanarkshire Pride CIC, we recognise that abuse can occur not only between adults and children but also between children/young people themselves. We take all incidents of peer-on-peer abuse seriously and acknowledge that such incidents can take many forms, including but not limited to bullying, sexual harassment, physical violence, and discriminatory abuse based on identity.

• Any member of staff, volunteer, parent, or participant who becomes aware of or suspects peer-on-peer abuse must report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
• Allegations or suspicions will be handled sensitively, putting the welfare of all children involved at the forefront.
• The DSO will work closely with local child protection services, social work, and—where appropriate—Police Scotland, following national child protection guidance and procedures to safeguard all parties.
• Staff and volunteers must never attempt to investigate matters themselves or mediate between the parties.

Protective and Risk Management Measures for Peer-on-Peer Incidents

• An initial risk assessment will be carried out by the DSO to determine immediate safety needs of all participants.
• Where required, steps may include:
  • Adjusting group activity timetables to separate the children involved
  • Enhanced supervision and monitoring of group activities
  • Temporary suspension or alternative arrangements for the child/children accused of harm while investigations take place, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing of all affected parties
  • Regular communication with parents/carers (within confidentiality boundaries)
• All measures will be fully documented and subject to regular review as the situation evolves.
• Appropriate emotional and practical support will be offered to all children involved, including signposting to specialist services as needed.

Lanarkshire Pride CIC Handling Disclosures Procedure

Introduction This procedure provides guidance for staff and volunteers on how to respond when an individual discloses information regarding safeguarding concerns.

1. Initial Response

Listen Carefully:

Give the individual your full attention.

Allow them to share their experience without interruption.

2.Stay Calm and Supportive:

Maintain a calm demeanour to reassure the individual.

Validate their feelings and experiences without judgment.

3. Confidentiality

Do Not Promise Confidentiality:

Inform the individual that while you will handle the information sensitively, you may need to share it to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

4. Gathering Information

Ask Open-Ended Questions:

Encourage the individual to share more by asking open-ended questions. Avoid leading or suggestive questions.

Document the Disclosure:

Record the details of the disclosure as soon as possible, noting the time, date, context, and exact words used by the individual.

5. Reporting

Notify the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

Immediately report the disclosure to the DSO or the relevant authority within the organisation, following the safeguarding policy.

Do Not Investigate:

Refrain from asking probing questions or attempting to investigate the matter yourself. Leave investigations to the appropriate authorities.

6. Support for the Individual

Provide Ongoing Support:

Check in with the individual after the disclosure to offer support and reassurance. Respect their wishes regarding further actions while ensuring they know about available resources (e.g., counselling).

7. Follow-Up Actions

Ensure Action is Taken:

Confirm that the report is acted upon in accordance with safeguarding protocols.

Keep communication open with the individual, allowing them to return with any further concerns.

8. Review and Reflect

Debrief and Reflect:

Participate in any debriefing sessions to discuss the incident and identify areas for improvement.

Utilize support services for staff and volunteers involved in the disclosure process.

Lanarkshire Pride CIC Safeguarding Policy:

1.Introduction

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved in our community interest company.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Provide guidance on reporting concerns or allegations of abuse.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and board members of Lanarkshire Pride CIC, as well as any individuals working on behalf of the organisation.

4. 4. Principles of Safeguarding

• Empowerment: Individuals should feel empowered to make their own choices.
• Prevention: We will take proactive steps to prevent harm and abuse.
• Protection: We will protect individuals from harm and respond promptly to concerns.
• Partnership: We will work collaboratively with other organizations and agencies.
• We are committed to preventing and responding to abuse in all its forms, including peer-on-peer abuse among children under 16.
• We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants, and we will take appropriate, proportionate action in line with national child protection guidance to address peer incidents.

5. Definition of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Financial abuse

6. Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Brendon McIlroy

• Responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures and training.

• All Staff and Volunteers: Must complete safeguarding training and report any concerns immediately.

7. Recruitment and Training

• All staff and volunteers will undergo thorough background checks.
• Safeguarding training will be mandatory for all personnel, with refresher courses provided regularly.

8. Reporting Procedures

• If you suspect abuse or receive a disclosure, report it immediately to the DSO.
• Maintain confidentiality and do not investigate the matter yourself.
• Complete a safeguarding incident report form.

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We respect confidentiality but recognise that safeguarding concerns may necessitate sharing information with relevant authorities.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required. Feedback from staff, volunteers, and stakeholders will be considered during the review process.

11. Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns or questions, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Officer:  Brendon McIlroy

Email address: brendon@lanarkshirepride.co.uk

Telephone number: 07506 407 438

For further information about Lanarkshire Pride CIC and its activities please e mail info@lanarkshirepride.co.uk