Introduction
Rotary is the ‘number one’ service organisation in
Great Britain and Ireland. As such it must take the lead in the
important matter of child and vulnerable adult protection. Rotary
clubs have been providing service to children and vulnerable adults
in many settings for almost a century but the climate in society
has changed considerably over that time.
There is recognition of the moral, if not legal responsibility
to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. There is a need to
demonstrate that an organisation such as Rotary is doing everything
possible to protect those with whom they work. It is important
that Rotarians plan and provide service to the community in such
a manner that the reputation and interests of Rotary or of individual
Rotarians cannot be brought into question.
In 1999 RIBI published ‘Code of Good Practice: guidance
to Rotarians involved in projects with children, elderly or disabled
persons’. This was in response to ‘Safe from Harm’,
the Home Office Code of Practice for safeguarding the Welfare of
Children in Voluntary Organisations in England and Wales. This
contained a list of recommendations on how all organisations should
deal with children so that abuse cannot happen or is much less
likely. The Code of Good Practice booklet was republished in April
2001.
Due to changes in legislation during 2002 RIBI updated that advice
with the RIBI Protection Policy, published August 2003 and now
in July 2007 has revised that advice. It applies to all districts
and clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. More...
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