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- H&S policies and guidance
- Children, young people and vulnerable adults on campus
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- H&S policies and guidance
5. Guidance on Conduct for Working with Children
a. The following guidance notes aim to give some practical and general advice to protect and safeguard the child and also to protect members of staff from false allegations Most of this is obvious and common sense and this document provides a few reminders of good practice. It is important to recognise that all children and vulnerable adults should be treated with dignity, respect and equity regardless of their sex, race, religion, disability or any other inappropriate distinction.
- remember that you are in loco parentis until your supervisory responsibility has been transferred or discharged.
- you must only transfer responsibility to a nominated responsible adult – children should not be returned to another person without the prior written consent of the parent/carer
- while children are on the University premises University personnel must accompany them.
- the ethics of research projects involving children need to be approved by the University Ethics Committee
- always have an adequate ratio of supervisors to children and an appropriate balance of male and female supervisors.
- for the protection of all parties, ensure that you are not alone in a 1:1 situation with children - this includes transport arrangements.
- if you are using a private vehicle to transport children or vulnerable adults the driver must be insured for business use. An appropriately adjusted seat belt for each individual must be provided and fastened throughout the journey. Sufficient supervisors should be present to avoid a 1:1 situation.
- treat all children fairly and equitably
- children should not be coerced into participating in research activities and their freedom to withdraw from all or any part of the study at any time must be respected.
- activities involving children should not knowingly frighten, embarrass or demoralise self-esteem
- be aware of the ‘do's and don'ts’ of physical contact with children and vulnerable adults - avoid contact that may be interpreted as inappropriate
- if you find yourself the subject of inappropriate affection or attention by a child, you should report it and complete an Incident Report Form.
- if you have any unusual physical contact with a child you should report it and complete an Incident Report Form.
- all accidents, not matter how minor, must be recorded on an Incident Report Form.
- have a list of participants, details of medical conditions and emergency contact numbers.
- check that facilities and resources are appropriate and that equipment and the working environment are safe.
- do not let children take part in an activity unless you have a consent form signed by the parent/carer.
- do not use name labels with children in a public place.
- if a child discloses information about abuse you will need to display tact and sensitivity in responding. Re-assure them, and retain their trust, whilst explaining the need to inform other professionals. Do not promise confidentiality because you have a duty to report this further to the College Dean/Head of Service in the first instance. Following the disclosure, make careful records of what was said and complete an Incident Report Form
