Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy for the Rotary Club of York

The Rotary Club of York has adopted this statement of policy in its work with children, the elderly, the vulnerable and those with disability.

§ The needs and rights of the child, the elderly, the vulnerable and persons with disability take priority.

§ It is the duty of every Rotarian to safeguard to the best of his or her ability, the welfare of and prevent the assault, physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect of all children, the elderly, persons with disability or otherwise vulnerable persons with whom they come into contact during their Rotarian duties.

The Rotary Club of York will endeavour to ensure safeguarding by:

• Actively encouraging a climate through which protection issues are regarded as an essential part of Rotary activities and events.
• Appointing a Rotarian with responsibility for protection issues in the Rotary club: the Club Protection Officer.

• Adopting protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for all Rotarians, staff, other helpers and volunteers associated with the club.
• Planning all events and activities so that protection issues are properly addressed.
• Sharing information on protection and good practice with children, parents and carers, Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club.
• Following the agreed guidelines on how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of abuse and sharing information about concerns with agencies that need to know.
• Providing appropriate training for Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club, in the processes and procedures of child and vulnerable adult protection.
• Following carefully the procedures for the recruitment and selection of Rotarians, staff, helpers and volunteers associated with the club to assist with projects and activities.

§ Monitoring and reviewing this policy and the associated procedures on a regular basis, at least annually.

This policy must be read in conjunction with the Explanatory Notes and Appendices that accompany it – please see the Club Protection Officer.

Dated: - 15^th March 2004

This statement of policy was formally agreed and recorded in the minutes of the Club Council meeting, dated 15^th March 2004, and the Council directed that the organiser of any Rotary event that involves children or vulnerable adults must refer to the Club Protection Officer at an early stage for advice. The Club Protection Officer is Steve Burton.