We recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount and that all; regardless of ability or culture, have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care and we will do everything we can to provide a safe, caring and secure environment whilst they are engaged in our activities.  

Girls Club of Glasgow CIC seeks to ensure that its policy and procedures comply with statutory duties and reflect available guidance on good practice in safeguarding children, young peoples and vulnerable adults, and that safeguarding arrangements are proportionate to the risks involved and in accordance with Scottish Government national guidance for child protection.  

 

SAFEGUARDING / CHILD PROTECTION OPERATIONAL CONTACTS

The responsibility of managing the safeguarding of children can be both demanding and challenging, and therefore must be appointed at managerial level to personnel who are available when we are operational.  

Our Designated Safeguarding / Child Protection Officer:
Amy Rewcastle
Coordinator
amy@glasgowgirlsclub.org

Their role is to oversee and ensure that our safeguarding children policy is fully implemented and in accordance with Scottish Government national guidance for child protection.  

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He/she will also handle any complaints for allegations against the nominated lead if appropriate.

 

DEFINITIONS

Members: refers to all participants in Girls Club of Glasgow CIC activities including Children, 
Young People, and Vulnerable Adults. This policy also applies to members who are attending settings 
in which Girls Club of Glasgow CIC operates but who are not directly involved in Girls Club of 
Glasgow CIC activities.

Child: A child can be defined differently in different legal contexts.

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a. Section 93(2) (a) and (b) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 defines a child in relation to the 
powers and duties of the local authority. Young people between the age of 16 and 18 who are still subject to a supervision requirement by a Children’s Hearing can be viewed as a child. Young people over the age of 16 may still require intervention to protect them.
b. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to anyone under the age of 18. 
However, Article1 states that this is the case unless majority is attained earlier under the law 
applicable to the child. – Ref Scottish Government National Guidelines for Child Protection 2010.

 

Vulnerable Adult: Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines Adults at Risk, through 
a three-point test, as adults, aged 16 years or over, who:

 

a. Are unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests;
b. Are at risk of harm; and
c. Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental 
infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.

 

Volunteer: In this document, a Volunteer is a person who is engaged in any activity which involves 
spending time, unpaid (except for traveling and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing 
something which aims to benefit some third party other than or in addition to a close relative. For 
the purposes of this policy this encompasses but is not limited to Company Based Volunteers, Class 
Based Volunteers, Area Board Members and Directors.

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Freelancer: A Freelancer is anyone hired by Girls Club of Glasgow CIC to carry out work on a 
freelance basis. For the purposes of this policy this encompasses but is not limited to Teaching 
Artists, Paid Deliverers, Associates and Secondees.

Staff Member: A Staff Member is anyone employed by Girls Club of Glasgow CIC. For the purposes of 
this policy this encompasses but is not limited to Permanent Staff.

Position of Trust: A position of trust, for the purposes of this policy, is one where a member of 
Girls Club of Glasgow CIC's Staff, Volunteer or Freelancer is in a position of power or influence 
over a member by virtue of the work or nature of the activity being undertaken.

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RECOGNISING ABUSE (“Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010”)

Physical: Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, 
drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing significant harm to a child. Physical harm may also be 
caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a 
child.
Emotional: Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause 
severe and persistent adverse effects on the Childs’s emotional development. It may involve 
conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as 
they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express 
their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. 
These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as 
overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in 
normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may 
involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened 
or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is 
involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone, may feature age or 
developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children.

Sexual: Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual 
activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware 
of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration 
(for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and 
touching outside clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children 
in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging 
children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse 
(including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also 
commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological 
needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may 
occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may 
involve a parent or carer failing to:

 

a. Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
b. Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
c. Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
d. Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

 

RIGOROUS RECRUITMENT

Safe recruitment practices are utilised to prevent unsuitable people working with vulnerable 
individuals, including the use of the following disclosure checks where necessary for eligible 
Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers:
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme), which delivers on the provisions outlined in 
the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007, will:
 

a. Help to ensure that those who have regular contact with children and protected adults through 
paid and unpaid
work do not have a known history of harmful behaviour.
b. Be quick and easy to use, reducing the need for PVG Scheme members to complete a detailed 
application form every time a disclosure check is required.
c. Strike a balance between proportionate protection and robust regulation and make it easier for 
employers to
determine who they should check to protect their client group.
 

VOLUNTEER / FREELANCE RECRUITMENT

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a. The completion of a registration form.
b. A formal interview process.
c. A disclosure check at enhanced level depending on the nature of the role.
 

STAFF RECRUITMENT:

 

a. The completion of an application form.
b. At least two written references from previous employers including the most recent employer.
c. A formal interview process.
d. A disclosure check at enhanced level depending on the nature of the role.
 

INDUCTION AND TRAINING VOLUNTEER / FREELANCE
 

a. Onboarding session with senior staff member which will give an overview of the organisation and 
ensure individuals know the purpose, values and structure of Girls Club of Glasgow CIC.
b. Relevant support will be provided on an on-going basis.
 

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STAFF
 

a. Clear induction and training strategy detailing clear job descriptions and responsibilities and 
all relevant policies and procedures.
b. Probationary period of 6 months with clear goals and then provide appraisals at regular 
intervals.
c. Relevant training and support will be provided on an on-going basis.
d. Training on specific areas such as care and welfare of vulnerable people, identifying and 
reporting abuse, and confidentiality of personal information will be given as a priority to new staff and will be regularly reviewed.

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WHISTLEBLOWING

Girls Club of Glasgow CIC recognises that children and vulnerable adults, although fully entitled 
to do so, cannot be expected or relied upon to raise concerns in an environment where Girls Club of 
Glasgow CIC Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers fail to do so.

All Girls Club of Glasgow CIC Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers have a duty to raise 
concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues and appropriate advice should be sought 
initially from the Designated Safeguarding / Child Protection Officers who will, if necessary, seek 
further advice from the appropriate authorities.

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SAFE AND SECURE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

We endeavour to treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults with respect, regardless of 
ability or culture. We ensure that everyone signs up to make available to everyone, all our 
policies and procedures.

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a. All Girls Club of Glasgow CIC Programmes are designed to be delivered to groups of people with 
the involvement of a Girls Club of Glasgow CIC Programme Executive, Link Teacher/Lecturer, 
Freelancers and Volunteers.
b. Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers may be present within schools when liaising with 
school contacts during programme delivery and must adhere to the Girls Club of Glasgow CIC Staff 
guidance to minimise risks or potential misunderstandings.
c. Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers must recognise that they are placed in a position of 
trust with regard to all members, and must undertake to uphold that trust at all times.

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SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

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a. Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers
dealing with social media should be aware of the potential risks to
children and young people (Appendix 1).
b. Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers should also be aware of potential indicators of online 
grooming and sexual exploitation of children and young people (Appendix 2).
c. Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers hroughout the organisation should be familiar with the 
procedures on reporting of potentially illegal/abusive content or activity and how to manage 
inappropriate comments.

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IMAGES

Staff Members, Volunteers and Freelancers should be aware of the procedure for using images and 
videos of children and young people in regards to Girls Club of Glasgow CIC activities, events, 
social media sites and promotional material.

 

MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH

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a. Girls Club of Glasgow CIC is committed to working in partnership with public agencies and other 
organisations, where in the extremely rare event that an abuse of trust would be reported to an 
agency, for example, the local authority and therefore requires cooperation and assistance from a 
Girls Club of Glasgow CIC representative.
b. Representation at multi-agency meetings will be decided on an individual basis.
 

 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE

Staff, Volunteers and Freelancers within Girls Club of Glasgow CIC are placed in a position of 
trust with regard to the members taking part in Girls Club of Glasgow CIC activities. Anyone who 
abuses that trust may be subject to disciplinary action or in the case of a Volunteer or 
Freelancer, being made ‘no longer engaged’ with Girls Club of Glasgow CIC.

 

HANDLING DISCLOSURES

A disclosure may be made verbally or through play or through the behaviour by a child, young person 
or a vulnerable adult and it is important for everyone to remember the following:
If you are concerned about a child it is important that this information is communicated to the 
child protection lead and deputy by filling out a Child Protection Referral Form. You may become 
aware of suspected or likely abuse by:

 

a. Your own observations and concerns.
b. Being told by another person that they have concerns.
c. The person tells you.
d. The abuser tells you.

 

Remember:

a. Do not delay.
b. Do not investigate.
c. Seek advice from the child protection lead or deputy.
d. Make careful recording of anything you observe or are told.
 

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CLEAR REPORTING GUIDELINES

We ensure and emphasise that everyone in our organisation understand and know how to share any concerns immediately with the child protection lead. Everyone including both the child protection lead will deal with concerns by following the procedures set out in the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.
It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  child  protection  lead  to  ensure  that  these  procedures  
are rigorously adhered to.

 

RECORD KEEPING
All records will be securely kept, and only be kept as long as necessary.

All records should be factual. It is equally important to record the reasons for making the 
decision not to refer to children’s social care services as when the decision is taken to refer. 

Always sign, clearly detail name and job role of the person making the record, date and time these 
records.

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PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Appendix 1 – What are the potential risks to children and young people using social media?

With all emerging technologies there is also the potential for misuse. Risks associated with user 
interactive services include cyber bullying, grooming and potential abuse by online predators, 
identity theft and exposure to inappropriate content including self-hate, racist, hate and adult 
pornography(1).

Most children and young people use the Internet positively but sometimes behave in ways that may 
place themselves at risk. Some risks do not necessarily arise from the technology itself but result 
from offline behaviours that are extended into the online world and vice versa. Potential risks can 
include, but are not limited to:

a. Bullying by peers and people they consider ‘friends’.
b. Posting personal information that can identify and locate a child offline.
c. Sexual grooming, luring, exploitation and abuse contact with strangers.
d. Exposure to inappropriate content.
e. Involvement in making or distributing illegal or inappropriate content.
f. Theft of personal information.
g. Exposure to information and interaction with others who encourage self-harm.
h. Exposure to racist or hate material.
i. Encouragement of violent behaviour, such as ‘happy slapping’.
j. Glorifying activities such as drug taking or excessive drinking.
k. Physical harm to young people in making video content, such as enacting and imitating stunts and 
risk taking activities.
l. Leaving and running away from home as a result of contacts made online.
 

1. EUKids online project : Hasenbrink, Livingstone, Haddon Kirwil and Ponte

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Appendix 2 - Potential indicators of online grooming and sexual exploitation of children and young 
people

There is also concern that the use of social networking services may increase the potential for 
sexual exploitation of children and young people. Exploitation can include exposure to harmful 
content (including adult pornography and illegal child abuse images), and encouragement for young 
people to post inappropriate content or images of themselves. There have also been a number of 
cases where adults have used social networking and user interactive services as a means of grooming children and young people for sexual abuse. The Home Office Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet identifies that online grooming techniques include:

 

a. Gathering personal details, such as age, name, address, mobile number, name of school and 
photographs.
b. Promising meetings with celebrities or offers of merchandise.
c. Offering cheap tickets to sporting or music events.
d. Offering material gifts including electronic games, music or software.
e. Paying young people to appear naked and perform sexual acts.
f. Bullying and intimidating behaviour, such as threatening to expose the child by contacting their 
parents to inform them of their child’s communications or postings on a social networking site, 
and/or saying they know where the child lives, plays sport, or goes to school.
g. Asking sexually themed questions, such as ‘Do you have a boyfriend?’ or ‘Are you a virgin?’
h. Asking to meet children and young people offline.
i. Sending sexually themed images to a child, depicting adult content or the abuse of other 
children.
j. Masquerading as a minor or assuming a false identity on a social networking site to deceive a 
child.
 

Using school or hobby sites (including sports) to gather information about a child’s interests 
likes and dislikes. Most social networking sites set a child’s web page/profile to private by default to reduce the risk of personal information being shared in a public area of the site.

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