BEG Child Protection Policy

POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

1. Statement of Intent

Brathay Exploration Group recognizes that all members, leaders and employees have a right to be treated with respect and able to take part in group activities in an environment free from physical or mental abuse from others, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation or beliefs. It is the responsibility of all parties to ensure that abuse is not intentionally or by neglect inflicted on others. This is particularly important when dealing with children or vulnerable adults.

2. Introduction

The Brathay Exploration Group accepts that in all matters concerning the protection of children and vulnerable adults, the major aim is to protect them from neglect and from physical, emotional and sexual harm. These terms are defined in Section 3.

The Group seeks to protect all its Leaders and Members but these Guidelines apply especially to Children and Vulnerable Adults.

The Brathay Exploration Group is not an investigative agency and its leaders and members are not trained for this work. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Children Act 1989 matters will normally be placed in the hands of Social Services and/or the Police.

The Group’s Child Protection Officer (CPO) is the Secretary. If he/she is unavailable then the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer should be contacted in that order.

Whilst these Guidelines are based on the requirements of the Children Act 1989 it is recognized that some limited variants may be necessary in the case of Overseas Expeditions.  In the case of overseas expeditions the same principles apply: the cause of alleged abuse information received will be quietly ended and the facts recorded and passed to the CPO as soon as possible. Investigations by the police/social services will have to await the return of those involved. The child will be offered maximum support, but no further investigations will be carried out on the spot unless the Main Leader is unable to contact the CPO and is convinced that they are absolutely necessary and expects to have to justify this decision. If a national of the host country is involved, the matter should normally be reported to the local Police.

Because prevention of abuse is vital the Brathay Exploration Group requires its Leaders (and other adults) to observe a Code of Behaviour which reflects and implements this policy and which is regularly reviewed and reinforced.

In an expedition situation members may disclose information on abuse unrelated to the actual expedition. Such information should be handled in the same way as other information received about child abuse.

3. Definitions

Neglect: This means a failure to safeguard health, safety and well being, and includes nutritional neglect, failure to provide medical care, and failure to protect from physical and social danger.

Physical Abuse: Physical injury to a child where there is definite knowledge or reasonable suspicion that the injury is not accidental in its nature and was inflicted or knowingly not prevented. This includes hurting or injuring a child by, for example, hitting or shaking him/her or through any form of bullying, by plying the child with alcohol or inappropriate drugs, or forcing a child to participate in an activity where the nature and intensity of that activity exceeds the capacity of the child’s body.

Sexual Abuse: The involvement of children in, or their intentional exposure to, sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, or that violate the social taboos of family roles. This includes an adult using his/her power, authority or position to use a child sexually to satisfy his/her own needs. It ranges from sexually suggestive comments to full intercourse and includes involving the child in any form of pornography

Emotional Abuse: This is the severe adverse effect on the behaviour and emotional development of a child caused by persistent or severe emotional ill treatment or rejection. This includes depriving a child of help and encouragement and replacing it with derision, ridicule or ostracising, and includes racially and sexually abusive remarks. All abuse involves some emotional ill-treatment: this category should be used where it is the main or sole form of abuse.

Child: For the purposes of this document a Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children Act 1989) and all statements here should be also taken to apply to Vulnerable Adults.

4. Appointment of Leaders, Employees and Helpers

The Brathay Exploration Group Trust expects its leaders, employees and any other person acting on behalf of the Charity, to take a professional approach of the highest standards when dealing with ALL expedition and course members.

Any form of abuse, be it physical, sexual, verbal or mental is unacceptable whether it is directed at children, adult member or leaders. Any leader, who perpetrates, encourages or through neglect allows such abuse to take place acts in opposition to the policy of the group.

Prospective Leaders, helpers and employees must agree to CRB and any other checks thought necessary being made before their appointments are confirmed.

Brathay Exploration Group Trust

July 2010