POCSA
Voluntary Sector Training Pack
And Guide

A Code of Good Practice

A Code of Good Practice is essentially about the steps taken to reduce everyday risk of harm (particularly accidental harm) to children, young people and workers. A Code of Good Practice usually includes (for example):

• recommended adult to child ratios;
• the management of individual health, medical, special dietary and intimate care needs including procedures for administering First Aid and responding to emergency medical needs;
• procedures which promote safe use of photography;
• procedures which promote safe use of the Internet;
• procedures for transporting children and young people;
• safe touching;
• guidance on the use of restraint;
• procedures for responding to allegations of bullying and harassment such as racism and sexism;
• Health and Safety procedures.

Examples of Good Practice

Sportscotland’s publication Children and Vulnerable Adult Protection (Appendices) contains the following forms and guidance which could be adapted for use by other organisations:

• Medical consent form and guidance on the law and medical consent;
• Notification of accident form;
• Notification of incident form;
• Consent form for the use of photographs, film or video recordings of children and vulnerable adults.

Copies of this publication, together with the main document (Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection: Model Policy and Procedures for Governing Bodies of Sport in Scotland) can be obtained from Sportscotland, Tel. 0131 317 7200 or email: child.protection@sportscotland.org.uk or www.sportscotland.org.uk

The publication “Creating Safety: Child Protection Guidelines for the Arts” (the Scottish Arts Council and Children in Scotland) gives advice on how to reduce accidental risk of harm to children. Copies of the publication are available from either The Scottish Arts Council, 0131 226 6051 or Children in Scotland 0131 228 8484.

The Safety Manual published by the National Association of Clubs for Young People includes detailed guidance on Health & Safety and hazard identification and risk assessment. Further information on this publication is available from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Scotland, 88 Giles Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ, Tel. 0131 555 1729 or email: bgcofscotland@lineone.net

YouthLink Scotland has developed a Child Protection Manual which covers a wide range of issues including recruitment, support, Health & Safety and child protection procedures. Copies can be obtained from YouthLink Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ. Tel. 0131 313 2488 or email: info@youthlink.co.uk