Northern Visions recognises that everyone has a right to be protected from all forms of abuse and discrimination and to be treated equally regardless of gender, racial origin, culture, religion, language, disability or sexual identity.

  • Everyone involved with Northern Visions, in whatever capacity, has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children and preventing abuse.

  • Northern Visions role is not to investigate but to report suspected cases of abuse.

Children are defined as anyone under the age of 18 years old, or adults with a learning disability.



Northern Visions recognises its responsibility to:

  • Safeguard and promote the interests and well being of children and young people with whom we are working.

  • Take all reasonable practical steps to protect children and young people from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.

  • Respect children's rights, wishes and feelings.

All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. The responsibility for this rests with Northern Visions Board of Directors.

Accordingly: The Children's (NI) Order 1995, and Our Duty to Care, Child Care NI 1995
All programmes involving children are carried out by vetted staff. Northern Visions uses PECS.

All partners involved in Northern Visions projects and programmes involving young people  must have a Child Protection Policy and Procedures compatible with Northern Visions Child Protection Policy.

Partners should:
  • Offer safeguards to the children with whom we work and to our members of staff, tutors, freelancers and volunteers.

  • Help maintain the professionalism and standards set by Northern Visions.

We recognise that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. Northern Visions will liase with partners prior to a project, which involves children and young people taking place.


Partners should recognise that our staff, tutors, freelancers and volunteers are not experts in the field of child abuse and that it is Northern Visions duty is to report suspected cases of abuse NOT to investigate cases.


Data Protection:
Northern Visions will hold all records deemed appropriate.


Allegations of Abuse Against Members of Staff, Tutors, Freelancers and Volunteers:
Northern Visions Board of Directors should be informed of all allegations who will take the appropriate action. All allegations will be recorded. 

The Project Director has a responsibility to ensure proper supervision of people working with children on Northern Visions projects.

If the Project Director is the subject of the suspicion/allegation the report must be made to the Chairperson of Northern Visions Board of Directors. The Chairperson will then be responsible for taking the appropriate action.

Recruitment and Selecting Staff and Volunteers:
When undertaking pre-selection checks for volunteers, tutors, freelancers or paid staff who will work with people under 18 years old or adults with learning disabilities, Northern Visions will expect:

  • All volunteers and permanent staff to complete an application form.
  • Consent to be obtained from applicants for police and social services for checks to be made.
  • At least two references to be taken up, including where possible one regarding previous work with children.
  • Confidentiality of information received to be treated in confidence.