Policies

  • Introduction

    1. Hillcrest Centre embraces equal opportunities and seeks to promote the benefits of diversity in all of our activities. We are committed to developing an organisational culture which is free of discrimination, prejudice, harassment and bullying and which actively integrates persons with protected characteristics as per the Equal Opportunities Act of 2010.

    2. Hillcrest Centre abides by the legislative framework in place for equality and diversity, chiefly the Equal Opportunities Act of 2010 as well as adjacent laws and regulations.

    3. Hillcrest Centre will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, HIV status, political beliefs, full time/part-time status, membership or non-membership of a Trade Union or spent convictions. This applies to all of our children, leaders, partners, suppliers and visitors.

    Aims and objectives

    1. We promote the principle of fairness and justice for all through the education and training that we provide in our centre. We value diversity and differences. We recognise that doing this may entail treating some people differently.

    2. We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning for some groups.

    3. We ensure that all recruitment, promotion and training systems are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone.

    4. We challenge personal prejudice, inappropriate attitudes and practices and stereotypical views whenever they occur.

    5. We value each person’s worth and we show respect for all minority groups. All are included, valued and supported in the centre.

    6. We are aware that prejudice and stereotyping are caused by poor self-image and by ignorance. Through positive educational experiences, and support for each individual’s legitimate point of view, we aim to promote positive social attitudes, and respect for all.

    7. All our benefactors are encouraged to value and respect others through social, moral and cultural education, the mentoring system, class discussions, talks and the emphasis on character development.

    8. Hillcrest Centre is committed to working with parents and other agencies as required in order to ensure that our aims in terms of equal opportunities are met.

  • All adults working with young people need to maintain the highest professional standards in their work relationships with young people. Hillcrest Centre outlines its code of good practice to be followed by all involved in this valuable work.

    1. Adults must always treat each young person with equal respect and consideration, ensuring his or her safety and welfare.

    2. All workers and volunteers working in the group who have unsupervised access to children & young people must be subject to criminal record checks through the Disclosure & Barring Services. All to have sound DBS checks.

    3. All to have followed safe recruitment practices:
      i. A written application form should be completed for all posts checking for any past convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings as well as any pending cases and complaints of abuse against them.
      ii. Interviewing applicants
      iii. A full investigation of applicants’ employment history
      iv. Taking up two references
      v. Proof of identification

    4. All must familiarise themselves with all guidelines on child protection and safety issues while involved in running activities carried out on behalf of Hillcrest Centre

    5. While understanding their position as leaders of young people, they must take care about what is said and also the way it is said at all times.

    6. Each leader will have a clearly specified role within each activity to be understood both by the adults and young people in attendance.

    7. A risk assessment is to be carried out in the planning stage of each activity and safety procedures (including first aid) must be followed.

    8. The leader of an activity will ensure that all attendees know of all safe conduct and emergency procedures.

    9. There will normally be at least two leaders involved in each activity. The minimum ratio of 2:10 will be maintained for activities where attendance is below thirty in number.

    10. Parents or guardians are to fill in a consent and contact form with dietary and medical details, before any major activity away from the centre.

    11. A clear indication of start and end times will be published for each programmed activity.

    12. All activities are to be planned so as to reduce to the minimum those situations where it may be possible for children to be abused.

    13. All the situations, actions and language that compromise a relationship of trust with young people are to be avoided.

    14. Leaders are to think and act carefully about taking risks and about situations which could lead to difficulties, accusations or temptation. They must ensure their actions cannot be misunderstood or cause offence.

    15. Leaders and volunteers are to be clear about what is inappropriate physical contact with children, avoiding any contact that could be misunderstood.

    16. Leaders must avoid physical horseplay and contact games, remembering that someone else might misinterpret their actions, no matter how innocently intentioned.

    17. There must always be separate sleeping accommodation for leaders and young people, similarly if there are showers.

    18. If an adult needs to talk privately with a young person, any one-to-one conversation should take place in a public place or in rooms designed to be seen by others with ease