Code of Behaviour and the Protection of Vulnerable People

 It is Odyssians aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants regardless of age, intellect, or ability by protecting them from physical, sexual, or emotional harm.

Criminal Records Bureau Screening

 In meeting this aim, we ensure that wherever possible all care providers are screened by the Criminal Records Bureau for their suitability to work with vulnerable people, and that those for whom a screening cannot be obtained in time are not permitted to undertake ‘personal’ care alone, and will be screened prior to their next holiday activity.

Code of Behaviour

 All participants in Odyssians activities are expected to abide by the following code of behaviour in order to protect others and to protect themselves from unnecessary allegations of improper behaviour.

Do            plan all activities, and especially ‘personal’ care, so that they involve more than one other person being present or at least within sight or hearing of others

Do               respect a vulnerable person’s right to personal privacy and dignity

Do               ensure that at all times vulnerable people are not accommodated alone or in pairs

Do               ensure that where vulnerable people share accommodation with helpers, at least two helpers are accommodated

Do               ensure everyone has access to their Group Leader or Camp Leader if they wish to talk about any concerns they may have

Do               encourage everyone to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes and behaviours they do not like

Do               remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned

Do               recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such as when dealing with a distressed person

Do               treat everyone with respect

Do               provide an example you would wish others to follow

Do NOT      permit abusive activities (e.g. ridiculing, bullying, denying care)

Do NOT      have any inappropriate non-consensual contact with others

Do NOT      jump to conclusions without checking facts

Do NOT      allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes

Do NOT      let suspicion, disclosure, or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported

Do NOT      rely on just your good name to protect you

Do NOT      believe “it could never happen to me”

What happens if …?

You suspect a person is being abused:

1.      immediately tell the Camp Leader

2.      record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the Camp Leader

3.      ensure that the individuals concerned have access to an independent adult advocate

4.      ensure that no further situation arises which could cause any additional concern

Someone tells you about abuse by someone else:

1.      allow the person to speak without interruption, accepting what is said

2.      alleviate feelings of guilt and/ isolation, while passing no judgement

3.      advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on

4.      follow the same steps 1-4 above as in suspecting an individual is being abused

You receive an allegation about any person or yourself:

1.      immediately tell your Camp Leader

2.      records the facts as you know them and give a copy to the Camp Leader

3.      try to ensure that no-one is placed in a position, which could cause further compromise.

 You must refer; you must not investigate

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please use our Contact Us form.

[This policy was last revised and updated February 2005]