Voscur Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection Policy Statement
Voscur has a core value of “equality”, which states:
“ Equality” - Effective regeneration involves everyone on an equal basis - dealing with the inequalities that people in Bristol face. We will take creative, positive action to improve the position of people who are marginalised by decision-makers and who experience oppression and social exclusion.
Implementing this core value means that all those working for, or participating in Voscur, will treat people of all ages fairly and with respect. Abusive relationships and behaviours will not be tolerated.
Implicit in this core value is that vulnerable adults, and children, must be protected from abuse. The purpose of this policy is to state this explicitly, and describe the behaviours and actions expected of Voscur staff, volunteers, and members.
What is abuse?
Abuse is “the violation of an individuals human and civil rights by any other person or persons”. It can result from the “action or inaction by a carer or any other person”.
Abuse includes: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, financial or material abuse, emotional or psychological abuse and discriminatory abuse. Historical abuse also falls within the scope of this policy statement. This is because an adult may disclose abuse which occurred in the past, or in their childhood. The abuser may still represent a risk to children, or to vulnerable adults, now, and so must be reported.
Different types of abuse may happen at the same time. It can happen in any setting.
What Voscur will do
As a “second tier” organisation Voscur does not provide direct services to individuals. However, our membership includes many groups offering services to vulnerable adults, to children, and to families. Everyone in contact with vulnerable people and with children has a duty to identify abuse and report it.
If any member of staff or Voscur volunteer/activist suspects abuse, they will report it to the Voscur Director who will then report the abuse to the Social Services and Health Directorate at Bristol City Council (SS&H). A record of this contact to go on file. Information about abuse cannot be kept confidential and that reported to SS&H will include:
- The vulnerable adult, or child’s, name and age
- Where they live and who with
- Known organisations providing them with help or services
- Why the person reporting abuse is concerned
- Details of the person(s) who may be abusing the vulnerable adult, or child.
Other actions
Voscur’s membership information will records that those seeking membership of Voscur fully support this policy statement and will protect vulnerable adults, and children, in their own organisation by complying with Child Protection Policies and Procedures and the No Secrets in Bristol Policy.
Voscur will draw attention to the “No Secrets In Bristol” Policy of Bristol City Council, by publicising the Summary Leaflet of this Policy (already circulated to all members) in the newsletter from time to time.
Voscur will make the Bristol City council model Child Protection Policy available to community and voluntary organisations in Bristol, and promote adoption of such polices through our information services.
Voscur will circulate any re-drafted “No Secrets in Bristol” leaflet to members in future