Honest Toun’s Association
Vulnerable Groups Protection Policy
The Honest Toun’s Association (‘The Association’) recognises the need to protect members of
vulnerable groups from physical, sexual and emotional harm whilst they are attending any events
organised by, or under the auspices of, the Association. The Association takes all reasonable steps to
ensure that, through relevant procedures and training for the event organisers, people can take part in
these events in a safe environment.
This policy details the steps to be followed by members who either receive a disclosure of abuse or
neglect or have cause for concern regarding a child or adult at risk of harm or abuse.
Members should follow this policy, which includes a point of contact within the organisation for such
concerns - Vulnerable Groups Protection Officer. It will be the responsibility of the Vulnerable Groups
Protection Officer, to collate available information and pass this without delay to police, health or
social work children & families department, who are the professional Core Agencies responsible for the
assessment and management of such referrals.
The Association will ensure that all members of the Executive Committee and other associated
committees are aware of this policy and have received appropriate support to ensure its full
implementation.
Where a member is dissatisfied with the response of the organisation, they have a clear responsibility to
contact one of the Core Agencies directly and convey their concerns.
The Association aims to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from
harm while they are attending any events organised by the Association. The Association is committed to
developing and implementing policies and procedures which ensure that everyone knows and accepts
their responsibility in relation to a duty of care for children and vulnerable groups. The Association
recognises that it is not the responsibility of those individuals working within the association to
determine if abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility to act upon and report any concerns, in
accordance with this policy.
If any person within the Association has a doubt as to the relevance of this policy to their role and
duties, then please contact the Vulnerable Groups Protection Officer for the Association for further
information.
The Honest Toun's Association and those involved with it will abide by the following principles and
statements:
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All people attending events organised by the Association regardless of age, gender, race, religion,
sexual orientation, ability or disability, have the right to be protected.
All people participating in these events have a right to do so in a safe environment.
Adults volunteering for the Association will provide a safe, positive and fun experience for all people.
All volunteers in the Association will understand and be supported in their roles and responsibilities
with regard to the Duty of Care for those in vulnerable groups.
All suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously, managed and dealt with swiftly and
appropriately, in accordance with the guidelines for reporting in the Association’s Vulnerable Groups
Protection Policy.
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It is the responsibility of the designated professionals from the Core Agencies to determine whether
or not abuse has taken place. However, it is the responsibility of all those working within the
Association to report any concerns.
The Association will assist all members to remain up-to-date with the latest issues surrounding the
protection of vulnerable groups, which may include provision of training.
The Association will appoint an Officer for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups, whose role is to be
responsible for issues concerning protection of the members of these groups at events run by the
Association.
The Association will carry out regular risk assessments to ensure the safety of those participating in
events organised by the Association.
Children, young people and members of vulnerable groups have the right to express views on all
matters which affect them, should they wish to do so.
The Association will promote and implement appropriate procedures to safeguard the wellbeing of
vulnerable groups and protect them from abuse.
Selection
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All potential members of the Executive Committee will complete an application form
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All members of the Executive Committee will be required to undertake level one training covering
the protection of vulnerable groups.
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Any successful members and elected officials of associated committees, including the Official
Party will be given a copy of the Vulnerable Groups Protection Policy and will be expected to
refer to it when necessary.
Screening
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Any successful member maybe required to complete a Disclosure Record prior to joining any
committee.
Supervision
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It is an offence for an individual who is barred from working with vulnerable groups to volunteer
to undertake the type of activities from which they are barred.
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It is an offence for an organisation to allow someone to act as a volunteer who is barred or fail to
remove a person from volunteering if they have been notified that they are barred from working
with vulnerable groups.
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It is an offence for an organisation not to refer an individual to Disclosure Scotland where the
grounds have been met.
Procedure When Abuse is Witnessed or Suspected
If a member of the Association witnesses or suspects abuse or receives a report of abuse the guidelines
below should be followed:
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Stay calm; try not to appear shocked or anxious
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Make factual notes; keep these notes up to date, keep them safe
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Offer support, understanding and reassurance; explain that this cannot be kept secret.
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Do not investigate but ask open questions to get the basic information, for example: what, when
where, who (do not ask ‘why’ – this could convey feelings of responsibility / guilt to the child)
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Contact the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Officer, who will give you support and advice. They
are the first point of contact within the Association. If the Officer is involved in the report of
abuse then the Honorary President should be the first point of contact.
The Association understands that in addition to making a referral (a written report) to Disclosure
Scotland, protection issues concerning volunteers, children and young people must always be referred to
the Core Agencies for appropriate investigation.
Emergency Social Work Services (ESWS) handle urgent social work situations that occur in East Lothian
out with office hours or at weekends.
It is available to anyone experiencing an urgent social work situation when the main office is closed.
Referrals can be made through an agency or by phoning ESWS directly.
Calls will be handled by experienced ESWS staff who will prioritise cases to be dealt with as an
emergency. Their main priorities are to provide statutory assessments for child protection, access to a
mental health officer and urgent community care assessments. Non-emergencies will be referred to a
daytime service.
If necessary in an emergency, the service can visit a member of the public at their home, in hospital or
in another relevant location.
ESWS also acts as an initial contact point for social work response to major incidents and will work with
other agencies as appropriate. They work jointly with City of Edinburgh and Midlothian Councils to
provide this service.
Social Work Emergency Number
Freephone 0800 731 6969
Musselburgh Police
0131 665 9696
Glossary
Vulnerable groups –adults at risk of harm or abuse and children.
Core Agencies – Social Work Children & Families Department, Police, Health
Vulnerable Groups Protection Officer – first point of contact within the Association for reporting concerns
or for further information.