Safeguarding the membership
policy
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All Leaders, instructors and other adults, whether female
or male, have an obligation to avoid creating distressing
situations. The trust required between Leader or instructor and
participant is fundamental to the learning process and therefore
should not be jeopardised. For this reason those working with girls
and young women must follow these guidelines.
Other adults
present
Leaders, instructors and other supporters should avoid
situations where they are alone with a girl or young woman.
Ideally, the third person present should be a female adult who
knows the girl or young woman. This precaution protects all parties
by removing the feeling of threat from an insecure participant, and
by providing a witness if an accusation of improper behaviour is
made.
Physical
contact
Physical contact between an individual and the Leader or
instructor or other supporter should be avoided. There are
instances when it is necessary, eg to demonstrate a skill, but such
contact should remain impersonal so there is no risk of it being
misinterpreted.
Appropriate
language
Care should be taken about what is said, and the way it is said.
Leaders, instructors and other supporters should avoid saying
anything which could be interpreted as being aggressive,
suggestive, or containing an innuendo.
Infatuation
Leaders, instructors and other supporters should discourage
girls and young women from becoming infatuated with them.
Situations where a participant develops a ‘crush’ on an adult need
to be handled sensitively. While it is important not to encourage a
participant with a crush, the adult should be aware of the damage
caused by rejection. If an adult thinks a girl or young woman is
developing a crush, she/he should mention it to the participant’s
Unit Leader or Commissioner, or other responsible adult Leader, so
she/he does not have to deal with the situation alone.
Favouritism
Leaders, instructors and other supporters should avoid showing
favouritism. There are times when an adult finds it easier to
relate to one girl or young woman. However, singling her out can
create a feeling of resentment from others in the group, or she can
become the object of their teasing. Similarly, unrealistic
expectations can be created, and the motive misunderstood.
Creating
impressions
It is important that Leaders, instructors and other supporters
do not create a false impression. Words and actions can be
misunderstood, and care should be taken to avoid awkward
situations. Should such a situation arise, it is essential to
handle it with care and consideration to minimise embarrassment to
Leaders, instructors and participants.
Support for
Leaders
Girlguiding UK endeavours to cooperate fully with any external
organisations which have a concern for young people’s safety.
Training and support is provided for Leaders and Commissioners who
may have to deal with concerns about the safety of girls and young
women.
Page last updated: 1/13/2012