How to Report Suspected Abuse
This guidance sets out what to do if you are concerned that a child may be being abused, or if a child tells you that they or another child is being abused.
Volunteers at the Young Archaeologists’ Club come into contact with many thousands of children each year. We believe that it is always unacceptable for a child to experience abuse of any kind, and recognise that it is our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, through a commitment to practice which protects them.
The information below is designed to provide protection for the children and adults at risk involved in YAC, and to provide guidance for YAC volunteers on what to do if they suspect that a child may be experiencing, or may be at risk of harm.
We use the words ‘child’ and ‘children’ throughout this guidance to mean any person under the age of 18.
If a child is at immediate risk
If a child is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention, call the emergency services and stay with the child until they arrive. Speak to the emergency services about whether it is appropriate to contact the child’s parents.
Once any immediate danger or medical need has been dealt with, follow these steps:
- Make a note of your concerns or of what you have been told. Ensure that you sign and date them.
- Contact YAC-HQ to let them know what is happening. Ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (see below) and complete the the Safeguarding Incident Reporting Form.
Who to contact if you have a concern about a child
YAC has a Designated Safeguarding Lead. DSL’s are the people to whom all concerns about child or adult protection, allegations or concerns about staff or volunteers should be reported to. They have responsibility to manage these issues, to seek advice and to liaise with statutory authorities.
YAC’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Joanne Kirton (Delivery and Engagement Manager for the Council for British Archaeology) on 01904 671 417 or on 07738591744 if it’s outside office hours. If you’re not able to speak to Jo straight away, leave a message saying that you have a child protection problem and giving your contact details, and she will return your call as soon as possible.
E mail: joannekirton@archaeologyuk.org. Use CHILD PROTECTION as the subject heading of an email and mark as RESTRICTED.
If you are unable to contact us, or if for any reason you do not feel free to do so, then please contact the NSPCC Helpline for further advice on 0808 800 5000. In case of emergency, your first contact should always be the police.
This guidance is taken from the CBA’s Safeguarding Policy: Child and Adults at Risk
If you would like further information, contact YAC HQ on yac@yac-uk.org