Child Protection Policy
The Branch’s membership is open to young people under the age of 18 years, and from time to time members of the Branch may have direct or shared responsibility for the safety and welfare of young people at lectures, demonstrations, shows etc.
The Branch recognises and accepts the following principles:
§ the welfare of children is of paramount importance
§ all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse;
§ all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately; and
§ all the Association’s members have a responsibility to report concerns.
The Branch will ensure that all its members are aware of its child protection policy and the procedures in place for implementing the policy.
Procedures
Any member hearing, directly or indirectly, any allegation of abuse or having any suspicion or cause for concern, must report the matter to either the Branch's Chairperson or Secretary as soon as possible.
The Chairperson or Secretary will treat each report very seriously and take immediate and appropriate steps to either investigate the matter or report it to the appropriate authorities.
Under no circumstances should members take it upon themselves to investigate allegations, suspicions or causes for concern.
Where children are in the care of the Branch, there must be at least two members in charge with genders which represent those of the children.
All members will treat all allegations, suspicions or causes for concern with the utmost confidentiality and, apart from reporting the matter to the Chairperson or Secretary, will not report or discuss the matter with any other person other than the investigating officer from an official body.
Roger Walton
Chairperson
1st May 2006