Policy Information

Introduction

Rotary is the 'number one'service organisation in Great Britain and Ireland. As such it must take the lead in the important matter of child and vulnerable adult protection. Rotary clubs have been providing service to children and vulnerable adults in many settings for almost a century but the climate in society has changed considerably over that time.
There is recognition of the moral, if not legal responsibility to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. There is a need to demonstrate that an organisation such as Rotary is doing everything possible to protect those with whom they work. It is important that Rotarians plan and provide service to the community in such a manner that the reputation and interests of Rotary or of individual Rotarians cannot be brought into question.
In 1999 Rotary GB&I published 'Code of Good Practice: guidance to Rotarians involved in projects with children, elderly or disabled persons'. This was in response to 'Safe from Harm', the Home Office Code of Practice for safeguarding the Welfare of Children in Voluntary Organisations in England and Wales. This contained a list of recommendations on how all organisations should deal with children so that abuse cannot happen or is much less likely. The Code of Good Practice booklet was republished in April 2001.
Due to changes in legislation during 2002 Rotary GB&I updated that advice with the Rotary GB&I Protection Policy, published August 2003 and now in July 2007 has revised that advice. It applies to all districts and clubs in Great Britain and Ireland.

Rotary GB&I Protection Policy

An aspect of any arrangements for the protection of children and vulnerable adults is the process to meet the requirement to carry out criminal record checks. This applies to Rotary activities and projects providing service to children and vulnerable adults on a regular basis.
The advice contained in the Rotary GB&I Protection Policy, 2003 replaced that issued in the 2001 'Code of Good Practice'. The revision of 2007 did not change the Policy statements but strengthened and extended the advice. It provides:
″ The Rotary GB&I child and vulnerable adult protection policy statement.
″ Model child and vulnerable adult protection policy statements for a district and a Rotary club.
″ Explanatory notes on each part of the statement.
″ Details of the Rotary GB&I arrangements for seeking Disclosures.
″ Recommended policies and procedures related to Disclosures.
″ Appendices with additional details.

These Appendices include:
″ Code of behaviour for working with children.
″ Risk assessment.
″ The club protection officer.
″ Involving parents, carers, children & vulnerable adults as partners.
″ All about criminal record checks (Disclosures).
″ Recruitment of suitable workers and volunteers.
″ Photography of children and vulnerable adults at Rotary events.
″ Protection requirements for Rotary activities.
″ Protection requirements for specific Rotary activities.

Christmas activities.
Santa Claus.
Santa's helpers and collectors.
Pantomime outings.
Other events and activities.
Parties.
Rotary KidsOut.
Interact.
Group study exchange.

″ Protection requirements for youth exchange and related activities.
″ Insurance and legal arrangements.
″ Forms and signs of abuse.
″ Dealing with complaints, accusations and whistle-blowing.
″ Assessing district protection policy.
″ Assessing the club protection policy.
″ Useful contact names, addresses and other details.
″ Role and responsibilities of the Rotary GB&I Protection Officer.
″ Role and responsibilities of a District Protection Officer.

All these policies and procedures must be seen in the wider context of safe practice:
″Health and safety regulations.
″Traffic regulations.
″Food hygiene regulations.
Everyone has the right to have fun, feel secure and be protected when participating in a Rotary event. That is why these matters are important.

Publication Details

All clubs and districts were sent copies of the Rotary GB&I Protection Policy - July 2007. Additional copies can be purchased from the Rotary One Stop Shop (ROSS