BTCV Handbooks Online

Book:	Health & Safety Overview
Chapter:	10. Capability and vulnerability of volunteers
Section:	Introduction
Metadata:	Details	Buy this book

As with any form of work there must be adequate protection for any group of participants who have a particular vulnerability. The vulnerability might be one related to age young or old with its implication of constraints on learning, retention, concentration, strength and skill. Similarly, health and physical condition need to be taken into account. An older person with evidence or a likelihood of heart problems or a fit but pregnant woman would each need special consideration, for example.

Other vulnerable groups include those with learning or physical difficulties and those with limited or no English who might not understand safety instructions or emergency warnings. It is worth noting here that checking such guidance can and has been understood is of course essential for all participants, not just those who in your particular circumstances constitutes a vulnerable group.

The work itself, when it is taking place in an urban setting, or possibly just the urban surroundings themselves, may present particular risks to some people. There may be more hazards nearby and these may be more accessible, which is an important factor some organisations have found when, for example, their teams include those with learning difficulties.

In other circumstances a particular group of people may not be regarded as vulnerable. This highlights the important action that needs to be taken: to assess the participants' capabilities and condition with regard to the work and its place and time and to make appropriate adjustments. Some factors will be obvious or readily identifiable e.g. age or pregnancy but others will not. Without being experts in medical or ergonomic science for example, conservation organisations planning work with volunteers in the field can only check whether there is reasonable cause to suspect a vulnerability, through observation and polite enquiry.

Particular attention has been drawn to working with children and young people under the age of 16. It is important to take precautions to avoid situations where these people may come to harm. The Home Office publication Safe from Harm A Code of Practice for Safeguarding the Welfare of Children in Voluntary Organisations in England and Wales, which gives suggestions on ways to minimise opportunities for abuse of young people. Similar publications exist in Scotland (Scottish Volunteer Development Agency) and Northern Ireland (Childcare Northern Ireland).

In particular the following points would be applicable in most situations:

Never allow an adult volunteer to work alone with a young or vulnerable person.
Encourage parents/guardians to work with their children.
Never take direct supervision of a group of children under the age of eight.
If direct supervision of a group of young or vulnerable people is undertaken then allow one trained leader/supervisor for every eight children between eight and sixteen years of age.
If taking direct supervision of a group of young people ensure that you have parental consent for them to be with you carrying out conservation work and for emergency treatment at a hospital/doctors, should it be necessary.
Always have a minimum of two leaders/supervisors on site.
When working with groups having their own supervisors e.g. schools, their own level of supervision will be acceptable, but your leaders/supervisors should not be included in their calculations.