Human Resources Division

Implementation

University staff or students may encounter children and vulnerable adults in a wide range of situations. These include activities such as:

  • Courses: PGCE, Medical/Veterinary Science, research
  • Work experience students (under 18) in both groups and one-on-one
  • Research work, which involves direct contact or via email
  • Widening participation outreach activities with schools and colleges (in Cambridge and external)
  • Cambridge Science Festival (Science week)
  • School and nursery visits
  • Community sports projects
  • Photography of children for publication
  • First aid delivery
  • Christmas parties for children (including ‘Santa’ himself)

The University recognises that implementation will vary according to the nature, length and frequency of the contact and the vulnerability of the young person or vulnerable adult. Therefore, it is not practical to provide definitive guidance that would apply to all situations at all times where staff or students are in contact with children and vulnerable adults. Institutions should consider the child & vulnerable adult protection policy and apply the relevant parts of the model procedure proposed to suit particular situations. Institutions that have developed their own procedures should compare them against this policy and only address any shortfalls.

Procedures should make clear:

  1. how staff or students will be reminded of the child & vulnerable adult protection policy and code of practice
  2. how to identify situations whereby staff or students would come into contact with children and vulnerable adults
  3. the additional checks required in the recruitment and selection process when staff or students may encounter children and vulnerable adults
  4. how to respond to suspicions and allegations
  5. how to ensure confidentiality
  6. what training and support is available
  7. the person(s) responsible for the implementation of the policy
  8. that their practice will be reviewed at regular intervals