Western Isles

THE Outer Hebrides Child Protection Committee is now offering to meet any groups seeking guidance in respect of child protection protocols.

The committee is also providing the opportunity for people involved with children’s activities to take advantage of free-of-charge, multi-agency child protection training.

The committee reminded people running various groups that the following arrangements require to be established in all such groups.

❒ A named contact for the co-ordination of child protection.

❒ A child protection policy and code of conduct to reflect national guidelines for working with children and young people.

❒ Access to appropriate child protection training.

❒ A procedure for recruitment and selection of those who work with children and young people – both employed and volunteers, including access to PVG scheme membership (protecting vulnerable groups) checks where appropriate.

❒ A procedure for responding to concerns about the welfare or abuse of children.

Gordon McKay, the comhairle’s co-ordinator and development officer for child protection, said: ‘Over recent months we have made significant headway in terms of accessing youth groups in the Outer Hebrides. Examples include a training event with Lochs Football Club where 12 young coaches underwent a general workforce training delivery.

‘What we want to avoid is discouraging people from volunteering. The vast majority of people volunteering with children are genuinely committed and well-intentioned. However, we require certain safeguards to be in place.’

Any club members, parents or carers who have a concern about a child protection matter should report it to social work on 01851 822749.