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Fleet & District Beekeeper Association

FBKA wishes children and vulnerable people to enjoy their involvement with the fascinating life of honeybees in safety.

It is the responsibility of every member to ensure the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Take this responsibility seriously & remind your colleagues.

Check these notes on the scope of this expectation.

Our principal safeguarding measure is to ensure that children or other vulnerable people are accompanied by their parent or carer while interacting with the association and its members.

If you are working with a child or other vulnerable person ensure that you are not left alone with that person, there is more information here.

If you have the slightest concern about the welfare of anyone for any reason contact Den Hopper 07775757292 or click here for alternative contacts.

There is more guidance on dealing with concerns here.

Safeguarding

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Dealing with allegations of abuse

or other concerns

If you have ANY concerns regarding the welfare of children and vulnerable persons raise it through the contacts provided here . There are three likely scenarios, which you should be aware of and be prepared to deal with if necessary:

a) There is suspicion or evidence that a person associated with the event is abusing a child

b) A child accuses a person associated with the event of abusing them�c) A child discloses abuse happening elsewhere e.g. at home

In all cases you must:

Act in a calm manner and as quickly as you can without causing any further distress to the child.
Keep any details strictly confidential and share only on an absolute ‘need to know’ basis. This should include reporting to the nominated FBKA Safeguarding member contact details are here In the event of the FBKA Safeguarding member not being available the report should be made to the Chair.
Contact Social Services for advice ASAP.
Do not question the child further or give any undertaking of confidentiality to the child.
Make your own verbatim written notes as soon as practicable.

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Aims and Background

These pages are here to help members to provide the expected protection of children and vulnerable adults and to avoid situations in which well-intentioned actions could be misinterpreted.

All members who interact with the public as part of their involvement with the association must take note of these pages.

These pages aim to define the reasonable and responsible practice and procedures for members in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable people with whom we come into contact in relation to our activities within FBKA.

It is aimed at protecting both the individual child or vulnerable adult and the member.

To respond swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, and to ensure confidential information is restricted to the appropriate individuals within FBKA and appropriate external agencies.

Who do we mean by children and vulnerable persons?

"Children” up to the age of 18.�"Vulnerable adult", means a person aged 18 or over who has: i) a learning or physical disability; ii) a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise; or iii) a reduction in physical or mental capacity.

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Scope

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The policy applies to any member of FBKA whose beekeeping activities brings them into contact with children or vulnerable persons. This may include:

Organised visits to an apiary*
Attending training courses
Attending any shows or events*
Attending any planned meetings and social events

Remember that all children have a right to protection from harm, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that right.

FBKA expects all members to apply this Policy to all of their work with children and vulnerable people. You have a duty to do everything reasonable in your power to ensure their safety and welfare while they are in contact with FBKA and to act in accordance with the guidelines below.

Open discussion of Child Protection should be encouraged since this helps to make members more comfortable with the issues involved. Do not keep it ‘under wraps’ for fear of upsetting or embarrassing people.

*There are BBKA Advisory leaflets referring to good practice in relevant situations:

B1 Bee Stings, B5 Managing live bees at shows, B6 Organizing an apiary meeting.

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Don’t be alone with a child

1. In addition to the beekeeper, a responsible adult must accompany children or vulnerable people e.g. parent, teacher, carer or other group leader and primary responsibility for them lies with that person. Make sure that these adults understand their responsibilities. The beekeeper remains responsible for safe beekeeping within the apiary. If, owing to illness or another unexpected event an FBKA member is left in charge of a child or vulnerable person then they should act in accordance with this Policy and Guidelines.

2. You should NOT undertake activities where you are the only adult present with children. In all cases: Plan the activities and make decisions during the event following the principles set out in this Policy and Guidelines. The only exception is when the responsible adult is the parent/guardian and a FBKA member.

3. Non-members should not be involved

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Expectations

To treat everyone with respect. Any mis-use of power could be regarded as an abuse.

Not to physically, emotionally or sexually abuse any child or young or vulnerable person.
Take all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any child or vulnerable person in contact with the FBKA.
Remember that children regard adults as role models and to ensure your behaviour, language, gestures etc. are appropriate and above reproach.
Be aware of Child Protection issues in relation to the work you do and do not become complacent.
Ensure that appropriate consent forms are signed.
Ensure that no adult is ever alone with a child or vulnerable person
Prevent any other person from putting any child or vulnerable person in a situation in which there is a significant risk to their health and safety.
Take appropriate action if you become aware of anyone physically, emotionally or sexually abusing a child or vulnerable person.
Report any evidence or reasonable suspicion that a child has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused whether by an adult or another child to the nominated FBKA Safeguarding member and the Local Authority Social Services Child Protection Team.

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Emergency Help & First Aid

A member taking responsibility for emergencies should be in attendance at all events organised by FBKA, with adequate means of communication to promptly contact the relevant emergency services. A written record of all incidents should be made.

Anyone with a known serious allergic reaction to bee stings who wishes to attend a practical apiary demonstration must inform the organisers of their condition beforehand and carry their medication (e.g. an Epipen) with them. Should they wish anyone to assist them to administer this medication they must put this in writing and ensure that they have shown the nominated person how it is to be used.

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Protecting information

Use of Information relating to children

Information about children e.g. names and addresses must be treated in strictest confidence. It must be kept securely by a responsible adult, used only for the purpose required, retained only as long as necessary for that purpose and disposed of in a way which maintains the young persons’ confidentiality.

Photographs of Young Members and Children attending Events

Permission should be sought from parents or responsible adults to take and/or use photographs of children attending events. Any information that can allow the young people to be identified by name or home/school location must not accompany the use of photographs of children in promotion or display materials.

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