Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

SECTION ONE ST JOHN SA’S COMMITMENT CONT’D

1.5 Policy and Structure: St John SA has an organisation wide commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to safe guarding children and vulnerable persons. This includes: Child and Vulnerable Persons Policy: St John SA has a child and vulnerable persons policy which is read and accepted by all members. This policy clearly outlines the expectations of members in carrying out their duties at St John SA. Refer annexure 2. Code of Conduct: St John Ambulance Australia has a national code of conduct which all members must adhere to as a condition of their appointment to their role. This code of conduct and associated policies outlines the values and behaviours required by all St John SA Members in carrying out their duties. Child & Vulnerable Persons Protection Team: St John SA has a dedicated and trained Child and Vulnerable Persons Officer who is responsible for the effective handling and management of all related issues. Contact can be made by calling the Member Assist number 08 8306 6925 or by emailing CPVO@stjohnsa.com.au The Officer is responsible for maintaining and updating the Policy and for acting as a point of reference for all St John SA Members in relation to child and vulnerable persons protection issues. They provide advice, guidance and practical support to Members to ensure that they work safely with children and vulnerable persons. This is achieved by: Ensuring that appropriate safeguarding training is available for Members to fulfil their role and to ensure best working practice throughout the organisation Advising on any issues and concerns members have about working practices Managing any causes of concern that occur.

Involving children, young people, the vulnerable and members in decision making: St John SA is open to continuous feedback from our stakeholders with a view to improving how we carry out our activities. Although we will not sway from our guiding principles and zero tolerance policy, we will use the best available evidence and feedback to improve how we deliver and maintain our safe practices. In the development and ongoing commitment to safe practices, we are committed to embedding consultation and feedback opportunities for our stakeholders. There are currently forums and feedback mechanisms so that children and vulnerable adults can have a voice on their care and the safety of their environments. These include: The Australian Youth Advisory Network St John SA Youth Task Force Operations Branch Youth Engagement and Development Team Community Care Committee Annual Community Care Focus Groups Operations Leadership Group.

8

Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc