Safeguarding Policy

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC)

Safeguarding Policy

(Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults)

1. Policy Statement

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend the Mandir. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that all individuals have the right to feel safe, respected, and protected from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

This policy applies to all priests, volunteers, committee members, visitors, contractors, and anyone acting on behalf of EHMCC.

We aim to comply with the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) legislation, and relevant UK safeguarding standards for faith organisations.

2. Definitions

2.1 Child

Anyone under the age of 18.

2.2 Vulnerable Adult

A person aged 18 or over who, due to age, disability, illness, learning difficulties, or personal circumstances, may not be able to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

2.3 Abuse

Includes physical, sexual, emotional, financial, discriminatory, institutional abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, domestic abuse, online abuse, forced marriage, and spiritual/ritualistic abuse.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Management Committee

The Committee will:

  • Ensure EHMCC has effective safeguarding arrangements.
  • Approve and review this policy annually.
  • Appoint a Safeguarding Officer.
  • Ensure safeguarding concerns are reported and acted upon.
  • Provide adequate training and PVG checks for volunteers working with children.

3.2 Safeguarding Officer (Designated Lead)

The Safeguarding Officer will:

  • Act as the first point of contact for all concerns.
  • Maintain confidential safeguarding records.
  • Report concerns to appropriate authorities (Police, Social Work, NSPCC).
  • Ensure PVG membership for relevant volunteers.
  • Deliver basic safeguarding awareness to priests and volunteers.
  • Ensure clear reporting procedures are displayed within the Mandir.

3.3 Priests & Volunteers

All priests and volunteers must:

  • Treat everyone with respect and compassion.
  • Follow the safeguarding code of conduct.
  • Report concerns immediately — do not investigate yourself.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with children.
  • Never be alone in a closed room with a child (unless parent present).
  • Ensure safe supervision during events and classes.

3.4 Parents & Guardians

Parents remain responsible for supervising their children during normal visits to the Mandir unless participating in a designated children’s activity run by vetted volunteers.

4. Conduct Expectations

4.1 Appropriate Behaviour

All representatives of EHMCC must:

  • Be patient, kind, and non-judgmental.
  • Use appropriate language.
  • Encourage safe and respectful behaviour among children.
  • Keep personal and professional boundaries clear.

4.2 Prohibited Behaviour

The following are strictly not allowed:

  • Hitting, shouting at, or humiliating a child.
  • Sexual contact, suggestive behaviour, or inappropriate comments.
  • Favouritism or giving gifts without permission.
  • Taking children into private areas alone.
  • Photographing children without parental consent.
  • Communicating privately with children via social media or messaging apps.

5. Safe Supervision at EHMCC Events

During festivals, cultural events, language classes, or youth activities:

  • Adequate numbers of vetted volunteers must supervise children.
  • Children must not be left unattended.
  • A register and sign-in/out procedure should be used for organised groups.
  • A lost child procedure must be followed.
  • First Aid kits and trained volunteers must be available.

6. PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Requirements

EHMCC will:

  • Ensure all priests and volunteers working closely with children or vulnerable adults hold an active PVG membership.
  • Keep confidential records of PVG status.
  • Conduct regular checks and renew as required.

7. Identifying Signs of Abuse

Volunteers should be alert to signs such as:

  • Unexplained injuries or bruises
  • Sudden changes in behaviour
  • Fear of specific people or places
  • Poor hygiene or neglect
  • Disclosure or hints from the child
  • Signs of controlling behaviour in vulnerable adults

If unsure: report it — better safe than sorry.

8. Reporting Concerns

8.1 If a Child or Adult Discloses Abuse

  • Stay calm and listen.
  • Take the person seriously — do not dismiss their words.
  • Do not promise confidentiality; explain you must report concerns.
  • Write down what they said using exact words where possible.
  • Report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.

8.2 If You Witness or Suspect Abuse

  • Report the concern to the Safeguarding Officer without delay.

8.3 If the Safeguarding Officer is Not Available

Reports should be made directly to:

  • Police Scotland (999 or 101)
  • Social Work (Edinburgh Council)
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

8.4 Recording

The Safeguarding Officer will:

  • Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form.
  • Store records securely and confidentially.
  • Refer cases to statutory agencies where required.

9. Confidentiality

  • All safeguarding information will be handled sensitively.
  • Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
  • Records will be stored in a secure, password-protected location.
  • Personal data will be processed in line with GDPR requirements.

10. Safe Use of Images & Social Media

EHMCC will:

  • Obtain parental consent before photographing children.
  • Avoid posting identifiable images of children online without explicit permission.
  • Never tag, name, or identify children in Mandir social media posts.
  • Ask parents not to post photos of other children without consent.

11. Preventing Radicalisation / Extremism

In line with the Prevent Duty (UK), EHMCC will:

  • Monitor for concerning behaviours or extremist influences.
  • Report any concerns about radicalisation risks.
  • Promote inclusive values, respect, and community cohesion.

12. Training and Awareness

EHMCC will:

  • Provide basic safeguarding training to priests and volunteers.
  • Ensure new volunteers receive induction about this policy.
  • Display clear safeguarding contacts within the Mandir premises.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually, or
  • After any major incident or change in legal guidance.

Approved by the Management Committee of Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre (EHMCC).
Date: 16/11/2025