Bo’ness Car 4U Safeguarding Policy
Safe Recruitment Bo’ness Car4U operate a policy of safe recruitment, to safeguard both service users and volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to complete an application form with some basic contact details and giving us permission to retain their data on file.
In any role which routinely involves direct contact with vulnerable service users, volunteers will also need to be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and in possession of a PVG Certificate which confirms that they are not legally prevented from working with vulnerable people. This process must be completed before any volunteer begins volunteering, and will be renewed every five years.
Prior to beginning voluntary work, volunteers must also attend a safeguarding training session. This will explore the safeguarding procedures of the organization and will ensure that you know what to do if there is any concern about the wellbeing of a service user, or if a service user discloses something of a safeguarding nature. Volunteers will also be required to attend a short annual refresher of this training.
Responding to Concerns and Disclosures At Bo’ness Car4U we have a mandatory reporting policy which means that any disclosures related to a safeguarding issue, such as abuse, may be reported to the relevant statutory authorities including Police Scotland and the local authority’s Social Work department. This means that, in the event of a disclosure, volunteers must never promise a service user absolute confidentiality. Patient confidentiality is of course, paramount and any details regarding a service user’s personal details, condition or treatment which they share with volunteers must remain confidential with the exception of details relevant to the statutory authorities on matters related to their safety and wellbeing.
Abuse can take many forms, including sexual abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse and neglect. Each of these will be considered in our safeguarding training.
In the event of a disclosure, volunteers should ensure that they follow the LISTEN – RESPOND – RECORD – REFER procedure carefully, which is explained below:
| Acknowledge information about allegations or concerns of abuse. Take the person seriously. Do not use leading questions or comments, and do not promise confidentiality |
LISTEN
| Ensure the immediate safety of the service user. In an emergency where someone is at immediate risk, contact Police / Social Work / Medical Services |
RESPOND
| As soon as possible, make a record, using our Accident/Incident Report form, of what has been said, heard and/or seen. Try to use the person’s own words where possible. Sign and date this record. Do not investigate the situation. |
RECORD
| Pass all information to the Secretary without delay, who in turn will inform our Safeguarding Advisor of the circumstances. The Safeguarding Advisor refers allegations to Social Work / Police / Medical Services |
REFER
Safe Places
Volunteers will be provided with information to support regular dynamic risk assessments of your vehicle and surroundings. Please follow this guidance clearly.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency while driving a service user, volunteers should pull over their vehicle and dial 999. Wait for medical professionals to reach you, and follow the instructions given to you by the operator on the telephone.
Code of Conduct
In ensuring that we comply with the safeguarding standards of Bo’ness Car4U, volunteers who interact with vulnerable groups must :
- Treat all people with respect
- Respect and protect emotional and physical boundaries
- Respect the rights of others to personal privacy
- Remember that physical contact can be misunderstood
- Meet with a child or vulnerable adult in an open and observable environment
- Remember that words and actions might be misinterpreted
- Be confident in sharing concerns appropriately
- Be confident in both challenging and reporting abusive behaviour
- Ensure that children and vulnerable adults know and understand what to do if they have a Safeguarding concern
All volunteers should be aware that engagement in any of the following activities, involving children or vulnerable adults, may lead to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
- Inappropriate physical or verbal contact with children or vulnerable adults
- Sexual relationships with minors and vulnerable adults
- Behaviour or language which is intrusive, derogatory or disrespectful
- Abusing alcohol while on duty supervising children or vulnerable adults
- Ignoring Safeguarding concerns raised by others
- Preventing anyone from reporting any failure to comply with safeguarding policies
- Participating in, or ignoring behaviour that is illegal, unsafe or abusive
Bo'ness Car 4U 