Safeguarding policy

Appendix 4 - 

Lone working policy​

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It is not realistic to state that ‘one-to-one’ situations should never take place. It is however, appropriate to state that where there is a need for a worker to be alone with an individual, certain procedures and explicit safeguards must be in place, including agreement with a manager and/or parents/carers.

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Workers should be offered training and guidance for the use of any areas of the workplace which may place themselves or others in vulnerable situations. This would include those situations where workers directly with individuals in unsupervised settings within the community or in street-based projects for example (i.e. ‘detached youth work’) Further advice and guidance about detached youth work can be obtained from organisations such as Frontier Youth Trust, www.fyt.org.uk 

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‘One-to-one’ situations have the potential to make individuals more vulnerable to harm by those who seek to exploit their position of trust.  Adults working in ‘one-to-one’ settings may also be more vulnerable to unjust or unfounded allegations being made against them.  Both possibilities should be recognised so that when one-to-one situations are unavoidable, reasonable and sensible precautions are taken. Every attempt should be made to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.

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There are occasions where Elders will need to undertake a risk assessment in relation to the specific nature and implications of ‘one-to-one’ work. These assessments should take into account the individual needs of the child/young person/vulnerable adult and the individual worker and any arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis.

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This means that workers should:

• ensure that when lone working is an integral part of their role, full and appropriate risk assessments have been conducted and agreed with the Eldership

• where possible, inform a Elder/co-worker/volunteer and/or parents/carers about the contact(s) beforehand

• carefully consider the needs and circumstances of the individual when in ‘one-to-one’ situations

• avoid meeting one-to-one in remote or secluded areas

• always report any one-to-one situation where an individual becomes distressed or angry, to a Elder as soon as possible.

• Keep appropriate notes of all lone working.