Welcome to A Safe Space Training November 2015

Aims This module introduces Girlguiding’s Safety and Safeguarding Policy to Leaders, to help them create a safe space for girls and to support them in dealing with safeguarding concerns.

Objectives By the end of the session you should have a greater awareness of safeguarding issues affecting children and young people and have had the opportunity to: 1.discuss Girlguiding’s Safety and Safeguarding Policy and procedures 2.identify where risk assessment fits within planning a unit programme 3.identify the signs of different types of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and neglect 4.explore different types of bullying, including cyberbullying, and how these can be addressed 5.discuss how to create a safe cyberspace for young members.

A Safe Space and the Leadership Qualification By attending and contributing to this session, you will have completed the following parts of the Leadership Qualification. Module 3 Part 2a: Read ‘How to make guiding a safe space’ in The Guiding Handbook and discuss it with your Mentor. Part 2e: Know who to report to locally in the event of an accident or serious incident involving members of the unit. Part 2f: Complete Girlguiding’s A Safe Space training.

Positives of guiding Increases self-esteem and self-confidence. Opportunity for adventure and challenge in a safe space. Encourages young members to think for themselves and make their own decisions. Boosts confidence with adults through relationships with non-authoritarian adults and adults who listen. Shows Leaders and Young Leaders as role models. Example of a mutually respectful environment.

Safety and Safeguarding Policy It is the policy of Girlguiding to make every effort to safeguard its members from physical, sexual and emotional harm while participating in guiding activities. The Guide Association takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through relevant procedures and training, children, young people and adults taking part in guiding activities do so in a safe environment.

Myths and facts – A Safe Space True or false statements

Code of Conduct for Volunteers As a member of Girlguiding you are expected to: respect everyone as an individual set a good example in your own behaviour respect everyone's right to privacy show understanding when dealing with sensitive issues adhere to the organisation's policies, as found in The Guiding Manual abide by UK laws and legislation.

Code of Conduct for Volunteers As a member of Girlguiding you must not: permit abusive behaviour have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others jump to conclusions or make assumptions about others without checking facts show favouritism to anyone encourage inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour make suggestive or inappropriate remarks or actions deliberately place yourself or others in a compromising situation.

Safety and managing risk

Risk assessment guidelines Risk assessments allow activities to run safely – not prevent activities from happening. Risk assess all activities in guiding. Incorporate everything you are responsible for. Continue to assess the risks throughout the activity.

Safety checklist How safe is your meeting venue? What else might you need to check?

Safety in the meeting place Do you: have a register and contact numbers? know where exits, fire extinguishers etc are and have fire drills? have a qualified first aider, first aid kit, accident recording file, and Notification of Accident forms? have a current programme record? know if there are others using the building? check furniture and other hazards and ensure adequate space for games?

Safety outside the meeting place Do you update your risk assessment and discuss with all Leaders? visit the venue beforehand if unfamiliar? check for a mobile phone signal/telephone access? maintain adult to child ratios and include children of volunteers? check The Guiding Manual for specific requirements? complete Information and Consent for Event/Activity form and ensure all signed by parents? give information to your Commissioner and Home Contact? consider the transport arrangements?

Planning activities Using your activity scenario, list: a. the risks b. actions you would take.

Risk – other points to consider You can update existing risk assessments. Some risks can not be foreseen. Many risks can be avoided by having adequate adult supervision. The majority of accidents are from preventable slips, trips and falls. Be careful not to over-risk- assess.

Types of abuse and bullying - recognising the signs

Types of abuse Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse Neglect Peer-on-peer abuse Child sexual exploitation (CSE) Domestic abuse (DVA) Important points All forms of abuse involve emotional abuse. Abuse often involves neglect. Children who are vulnerable often suffer from multiple forms of abuse. Female genital mutilation (FGM) Forced marriage

Bullying Deliberate hurtful behaviour repeated over a period of time against an individual or a group.

Types of bullying Physical Verbal Emotional Sexual Racist Homophobic Transphobic

Types of bullying - definitions Physical - hitting, kicking, biting etc, or the threat of such abuse. Verbal - name calling, spreading rumours and constant teasing. Emotional - persistent deliberate exclusion and or isolation within a peer group. Sexual - unwanted physical contact and/or abusive comments. Racist - targeting someone because of their race, ethnic background or skin colour. Homophobic - targeting a person because of their sexual orientation. Transphobic - targeting a person because of their gender identity.

Signs of bullying include: changes in behaviour possessions ‘go missing’ improbable excuses being left out, called names or teased unexplained cuts or bruises missing unit meetings becoming irritable, defensive or paranoid seeking acceptance from different people.

Handling bullying situations Offer support Never dismiss Listen without interruption Tell someone Create an open safe space Provide reassurance Educate your unit

Cyberbullying Bullying that makes use of electronic technologies. It can take place via , social networking and gaming sites, online chat or text.

Cyberbullying and digital communication Private inbox messaging Adverts and spam Unwanted images Viewing adult content Block and report it Tell an adult Save the messages Age restrictions Photos/videos Passwords Privacy settings Accepting ‘friend’ requests

Web safe codes When using the internet, I promise… to tell an adult what sites I want to visit and the games I want to play to not say hurtful things to others to tell an adult if something upsets me to tell an adult if a stranger speaks to me.

Girlguiding’s Digital Communications Policy Do not contact under 14s directly. When contacting parents/carers or young members over the age of 14: – use appropriate language – ensure any images are appropriate – check any external links you share – copy in another member of the unit team. Individual texting between girls and Leaders is discouraged.

A Safe Cyberspace How can you make girls aware of online safety? A young member has informed you that she has been talking online to someone she does not know and they won’t stop sending her messages. What should you do?

Issues affecting young people

What signs might you notice? What action could you take? Eating disorders Self-harm Alcohol, illegal drugs and smoking Over-the-counter and prescription drugs Legal highs Bereavement/loss Mental health Sex and relationships

Disclosures and reporting a concern What would you do?

Reporting a concern – dealing with a disclosure Listen carefully Trust what is being said Offer support, reassurance and understanding Explain you cannot keep it a secret Stay calm Do not investigate Use open questions Keep a record Contact your Commissioner

Making a referral Is there reason to be concerned about the child’s immediate safety? Have you taken account of the child’s right to know what action, if any, will be taken? Have you provided for the child’s immediate support needs?

Dealing with a disclosure Listen Believe Affirm Refer Support

Reporting a concern 1.If a young member is at immediate risk, you must contact the police. Write a report and inform your Commissioner and Volunteer Support. 2.If you have concerns about a young member, call the NSPCC to refer the information. Write a report and inform your Commissioner and Volunteer Support. 3.It may be appropriate to monitor a young member and keep a record of your concerns. Inform your Commissioner and if necessary, escalate to point 1 or 2.

And finally! Guiding has always been about offering young members fun, adventure and activity. All activities, even those in the meeting place, carry an element of risk. The Girlguiding’s ‘A Safe Space’ guidelines form a framework for activities to be carried out safely.