Girlguiding's Statement of purpose

'Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do in Girlguiding and it is the responsibility of all of us.' The full statement can be found here 

 

As Girlguiding volunteers, we at St. Andrews Rainbows, Brownies and Guides share this important responsibility to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of girls, young women and adults within our units, as we aim to help them reach their full potential through fantastic guiding experiences. We are therefore committed to ensuring that Girlguiding's safeguarding policies are adhered to. As part of this, it is important that all volunteers must understand the procedures for recognising, responding to and referring any concerns, allegations or disclosures of harm or abuse in accordance with the Process for receiving disclosures and the Process for  allegations and concerns.'

 

What is Girlguiding’s commitment to safeguarding?

'It is Girlguiding’s policy to safeguard our members whilst they take part in Girlguiding activities, especially those who are more vulnerable. We believe that everyone has a right to live free from abuse, exploitation, harm and fear and to enjoy being safe and well.

By following our Safeguarding Policy, procedures and guidance we make Safe Spaces for great Girlguiding, protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our girls, young women and adults.'

 

St. Andrews Girlguiding - Policy

It is our policy at St. Andrews Rainbows, Brownies and Guides to follow the systems, structures and procedures laid out in Girlguiding UK safeguarding. This includes both child protection and the more proactive elements of safeguarding that ensure we create a safe space for girls and young women. It also explains our values around safeguarding and how safeguarding influences all aspects of our work.

 

We at St. Andrews Girlguiding recognise and accept our responsibility to act 'in loco parentis' during organised activities. We also have a responsibility towards all our adult volunteers to take safety and wellbeing seriously.

 

We will take steps to minimise any possibility that abuse or harm could occur and to make sure we act quickly and appropriately if a concern, allegation or disclosure arises.

 

We are committed to maintaining good links with the statutory safeguarding authorities and, in particular, will refer an adult volunteer if we have significant concerns about their suitability to work with children and young people or if we have had to withdraw membership.

 

We only share information outside of Girlguiding about individuals when we really need to, for example when we know or have concerns that someone has been abused or harmed or is at risk of abuse or harm. This applies to girls, young women and adults alike. We also share information when a crime has taken place or we are told it will take place.

 

Sometimes we are asked to share information about individuals with other organisations when there isn’t a concern about abuse or harm. If this happens, we will only share information when we have that person’s explicit consent to do so.

 

 

What to do if you have a concern

If you have a concern about a girl, young woman or adult in Girlguiding then in the first instance please speak to your unit leader and or local commisioner.

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Reporting a concern

• Make a written record of your concern, including the date, time and all relevant details of the person involved, the young person concerned, others involved and witnesses if there are any.

• Contact your local Commissioner or the Safeguarding team at Girlguiding HQ who will inform you of the next actions to take.

• Email your written record to safeguarding@girlguiding.org.uk.

 

If it is an emergency - and the child is at risk, inform the police or social services first, then the Safeguarding team.