Safety of Junior and Vulnerable Adult Members
Safeguarding Protocol – Association Rules and Practical Guidance
This document should be read in conjunction with the British Beekeepers Association Safeguarding Policy May 2021 and any subsequent updates.
Introduction –
There are various types of abuse and neglect that may be experienced by children and young people. These are commonly broken down into physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect.
Vulnerable adults can be defined as anyone over the age of 18 unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation by reason of illness, age, mental illness, disability or other types of physical or mental impairment.
As a Beekeeping Association there must also be consideration that bees pose a physical danger through stinging, which may not only result in physical harm, but also emotional and mental trauma.
Safeguards are measures that an organisation should put in place to help reduce the risk of children, young people and vulnerable adults being harmed.
Safeguards also help to protect other Association members against false allegations.
The following deals only with young people but the general principles can be adapted on a case by case basis for vulnerable adults under the direction of the Chairperson and Safeguarding Officer.
Association Activities –
Association Meetings – generally held in the evening with a lecture format, but also occasionally outside and/or during the day. Includes group meetings on social media. No contact with bees.
The Beginners Theory Course – generally held in the evening with a lecture format, but also occasionally outside and/or during the day. Includes group meetings on social media. No contact with bees. Minimum age 14 years.
Beginners Course Practical Sessions – may involve exposure to bees. Minimum age 14 years.
Apiary Visits – exposure to bees.
Social Events without alcohol.
Social Events with alcohol.
Committee Meetings – in person or on social media. Only elected Committee Members.
One to one mentoring – in person – may involve exposure to bees.
One to one mentoring – on the telephone, email, text or social media. No exposure to bees.
BBKA Basic Certificate practical assessment – includes exposure to bees. Minimum age 14 years.
Association Protocols –
Safeguarding Protocol– Association Rules and Practical Guidance to be posted on the HBKA Website
A Safeguarding Officer be appointed from the adult membership to monitor and review Safeguarding.
All adult members to confirm that they have read, understood and agree to adhere to the – Safeguarding Protocol – Association Rules and Practical Guidance – when taking out/renewing membership.
Parents or guardians to sign that they have read, understood and agree to adhere to the Safeguarding Protocol – Association Rules and Practical Guidance.
It is the responsibility of all Association Members (adult and junior) and all parents or guardians to report any Safeguarding concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Officer or Chairperson.
Young people may be photographed while participating in Association Activities. However the Association will remove any images from the website or social media at the request of a parent or guardian.
Young people under the age of 14 years –
Can attend –
Association Meetings.
Apiary Visits – exposure to bees.
Social Events without alcohol.
Social Events with alcohol.
– under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or the Authorised Adult who is a member of HBKA (authorised in writing by a parent or guardian). It remains the responsibility of the parent, guardian or Authorised Adult in attendance to supervise the young person at all times, including in the event of bee stings, and to make sure both they and the young person are suitably equipped with appropriate protective equipment whenever there is direct contact with bees.
Young people aged 14-16 years –
Can attend on their own –
Association Meetings.
The Beginners Theory Course.
Social Events without alcohol.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide/arrange safe transport for the Junior Member to and from these meetings and to ensure good behaviour. Can include public transport should the parent or guardian feel this is appropriate.
Under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or the Authorised Adult who is a member of HBKA (authorised in writing by a parent or guardian) the Junior Member can attend –
Beginners Course Practical Sessions – may involve exposure to bees.
Apiary Visits – exposure to bees.
Social Events with alcohol.
One to one mentoring – in person – may involve exposure to bees.
BBKA Basic Certificate practical assessment – includes exposure to bees
It remains the responsibility of the parent, guardian or Authorised Adult in attendance to supervise the young person at all times, including in the event of bee stings, and to make sure both they and the young person are suitably equipped with appropriate protective equipment whenever there is direct contact with bees.
One to one mentoring – on the telephone, email, text or social media is permissible but it is the responsibility of the mentor to keep the parent or guardian informed on a regular basis that such contact is taking place and confirm the content, and it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to check regularly with their child and the mentor whether such contact is occurring and confirm the content. Wherever possible emails, texts and social media posts are to be copied in to the parent or guardian.
Young people aged 16-18 years –
Can attend on their own –
Association Meetings.
The Beginners Theory Course.
Beginners Course Practical Sessions – may involve exposure to bees.
Apiary Visits – exposure to bees.
Social Events without alcohol.
Social Events with alcohol.
Committee Meetings – if an elected committee member.
One to one mentoring – in person – may involve exposure to bees.
One to one mentoring – on the telephone, email, text or social media. No exposure to bees.
BBKA Basic Certificate practical assessment – includes exposure to bees
The parent or guardian is responsible for the young person’s good behaviour at all times.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide/arrange safe transport for the young person to and from these meetings – may include public transport if the parent or guardian feel this is appropriate.
Where there is exposure to bees the parent or guardian will make sure the young person is supplied with appropriate protective equipment and will always be welcome to attend. Should the young person attend on their own the parent or guardian will provide written permission for Association members in attendance to take appropriate action in the event of accident, illness or bee sting until the parent or guardian can be contacted.
Where there is one to one mentoring in person the parent or guardian will be informed in advance wherever possible by the mentor, advised they can attend, and in the absence of a parent or guardian two adult members (mentor and observer) will always be in attendance.
One to one mentoring on the telephone, email, text or social media – it is the responsibility of the mentor to keep the parent or guardian informed on a regular basis that such contact is taking place and confirm content, and it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to check regularly with their child and the mentor whether such contact is occurring and confirm the content. Wherever possible emails, texts and social media posts are to be copied in to the parent or guardian.
For the BBKA Basic Certificate practical assessment a parent or guardian is welcome to attend, and an adult Association Member will always be in attendance in addition to the BBKA Examiner.
General points –
If the Chairperson or Safeguarding Officer recognises that a young person has particular needs he/she may implement stricter Practical Guidelines for that individual than outlined above.
Parents and guardians of young people wishing to take up beekeeping are encouraged to become a HBKA member, and attend a Beginners Course, such they can acquire at least basic understanding and practical expertise so they can assist/collaborate with the young person. There will also be emphasis on the risks of dealing with what are potentially dangerous insects both for the beekeeper, and members of the general public, with potential public liability implications.
Should you have questions or comments please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Chris Dale, who will be happy to help with any queries.
Telephone – 07736 161005
Email – chris.j.dale@btinternet.com