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Child Protection Policy

Cults Library Trust
 Adopted on: 30th January 2025
 Review Date: 30th January 2027

1. Policy Statement

Cults Library Trust is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children and young people. We believe that the welfare of the child is paramount, and we take our duty of care seriously.

We will take all reasonable steps to protect children and young people from harm, abuse, or exploitation, and to promote their wellbeing during any activity or interaction facilitated by the Trust.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all trustees and volunteers involved in the work of Cults Library Trust, including outreach and community engagement. The Trust does not currently employ any staff.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:

  • Children (Scotland) Act 1995
  • Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021
  • Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020
  • OSCR safeguarding guidance for charities

4. Key Principles

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or background, have the right to protection from abuse.
  • All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
  • We will work in partnership with children, parents, carers, and other agencies.
  • Volunteers will be made aware of and follow safeguarding policies of schools or host venues when working in partnership or on-site.

5. Safeguarding Coordinators

The Trust will appoint a designated Safeguarding Coordinator and a Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator, both of whom must be trustees or volunteers. Their responsibilities include:

  • Acting as the main points of contact for safeguarding concerns
  • Ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed
  • Liaising with external agencies such as Social Work or Police Scotland
  • Maintaining safeguarding records securely and confidentially
  • Supporting and advising volunteers on safeguarding matters

Safeguarding Coordinator:
Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator: David Laing
📧 Email: cultslibrary@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 07983390607

6. Working in Schools or External Venues

Where Cults Library Trust volunteers engage in activities held in schools, community centres, or venues with their own safeguarding policies, we will:

  • Ensure volunteers are made aware of the venue’s child protection policies and procedures in advance
  • Require volunteers to adhere to the host organisation’s safeguarding standards while on site
  • Collaborate with venue staff to ensure that children’s welfare is prioritised

7. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may be:

  • Physical – hitting, shaking, burning, etc.
  • Emotional – persistent emotional ill-treatment, verbal abuse
  • Sexual – sexual activity with or in front of a child
  • Neglect – failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs

All volunteers should be alert to the signs of abuse and know how to respond.

8. Responding to Concerns

If a child discloses abuse or a concern is raised:

  1. Listen without interruption or judgment.
  2. Reassure the child they are being taken seriously.
  3. Do not promise confidentiality – explain that the information may need to be shared.
  4. Record the facts clearly (who, what, when, where).
  5. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Coordinator or Deputy.

In an emergency or if a child is at immediate risk, contact Police Scotland (999) or Children’s Services directly.

9. Safer Recruitment and Disclosure Checks

  • All volunteers working directly with children will undergo a PVG check (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme) through Disclosure Scotland.
  • Volunteers will be provided with appropriate safeguarding guidance and supervision.

10. Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers must:

  • Treat all children with respect and dignity
  • Avoid being alone with a child whenever possible
  • Not engage in inappropriate physical contact or communication
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Report any concerns promptly to the Safeguarding Coordinator

11. Record Keeping and Confidentiality

  • Safeguarding concerns will be recorded promptly, factually, and stored securely.
  • Access to records will be limited to those who need to know in line with data protection regulations.

12. Training and Awareness

  • Volunteers will receive a safeguarding briefing before taking part in any work involving children.
  • The Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy will complete relevant child protection training.

13. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or earlier if required by changes in legislation or the nature of our activities.

Signed by Chair: David Laing
Review Due: 30th January 2027