COBBES MEADOW GROUP RDA
Safeguarding policy 2017
Cobbes Meadow Group RDA agree with the principles of the RDA Child Protection Policy Statement, Adults at Risk Protection Policy Statement, copies of which are available in the Policies file in the Linnet Room, along with the RDA Code of Conduct.
This is a brief summary of the points which are important in our day to day work with our clients.
Purpose
We are determined to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children and adults at risk who ride or drive with us.
Every child and adult who participates in the activities of the group should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every volunteer. We recognise that abuse of children and adults at risk is a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.
Cobbes Meadow recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and adults at risk by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that Cobbes Meadow provides opportunities for all our riders and drivers to enjoy their time with us while experiencing the highest possible standard of care.
Principles
Cobbes Meadow Group RDA will ensure that:-
- The welfare of the child or adult at risk is paramount.
- All riders and drivers, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- All volunteers know that they have a responsibility to report concerns to the Safeguarding Officer (Christine Sladden) or to their day’s instructor who will pass on concerns to the SO.
Cobbes Meadow Group RDA will:
- Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of our riders and drivers
- Expect all volunteers to be excellent role models and to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children and adults at risk from abuse.
- Ensure that volunteers, instructors and trustees are DBS checked in line with current requirements and RDA advice • Respond to any allegations appropriately.
- Review the policy three yearly.
Good Practice means:
- Working in an open environment, avoiding being alone and unobserved with a rider or driver.
- Treating all people equally with respect and dignity
- Always putting the welfare of each rider or driver first.
- Involving riders/ drivers/ parents/ carers wherever possible.
- Being an excellent role model.
- Giving feedback, encouraging riders and drivers in a positive way so that they have an enjoyable experience and feel good about themselves.
SAFEGUARDING: GOOD PRACTICE FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Safeguarding Officer is Christine Sladden 01227 830043
christinesladden@btinternet.com 07807737256
Our riders and drivers come to us for enjoyment and to enrich their lives. It is up to us to ensure that they are always treated with respect and consideration.
In line with the policy of RDA National, it is the policy of Cobbes Meadow to:
• have a high awareness of the issues
• act to prevent any possible breaches
• recognise and report any such breaches.
ALL VOLUNTEERS HAVE A DUTY OF CARE TO ENSURE THAT ALL REASONABLE STEPS ARE TAKEN TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR RIDERS AND DRIVERS.
The notes following are guidelines:
When helping a rider or driver:
1. Have another adult in sight.
2. Explain to the rider or driver what you are about to do, if you need to move a leg to adjust a stirrup, for example.
3. If you accidentally touch anyone in an inappropriate way, say sorry immediately, and so that another helper can hear you.
4. If a rider or driver is distressed by anything a Cobbes Meadow volunteer, including you, has done, report the matter immediately to the Safeguarding Officer, or to the instructor who will pass on your concerns to the SO.
5. Any personal care required (e.g. toileting) must be given by the carers who come with the rider.
If you suspect a client is being abused physically, sexually or emotionally:
1. Keep calm. Do not show shock. Try to act normally.
2. Listen; reassure that it was right to tell. Do not investigate, do not question, do not promise confidentiality.
3. Do not mention your concerns to carers or parents.
4. As soon as possible tell the instructor, who will tell the SO of your concerns, or tell the SO yourself.
5. Make a full written record ASAP. Keep it factual. Date and keep it.
