A EH CIC Equal Opportunities Policy and Acceptable Behaviour Code

Reviewed: 21/12/22

General

1 EH CIC Participant Care Policy Statement makes it clear that the care and welfare of all who take part in our events is a key focus of EH CIC responsibility Considering the number of participants, some of whom have specific requirements, and the duration and intensity of some of the projects, our pastoral care has to be particularly effective and efficient Supervisory and pastoral care firmly sits in the moral component of our obligations to our participants, it is underpinned by a caring ethos and is achieved through good leadership and high standards of care Effective supervisory care relies on everyone, we must all have the moral courage to highlight something which we feel is wrong, could be improved upon, or may need to be adapted

2 This directive is based on the outcome of our comprehensive Risk Assessment (RA) including an Individual Care Plan (ICP), taking into account both individual vulnerability and risk factors for all attending. It considers our legal and moral obligations to our support staff and attending participants, to ensure that their attendance is a positive experience.

3. The (ICP) documents will be reviewed by the attending medical staff and updated as necessary. All support staff, must adhere to this directive and, in addition, ask for advice from the attending medical staff as required

4. It’s assessed that individuals are most likely to feel pressure at the following points of the project: a. Arrival. Attending a new event with unknown people can cause anxiety as well as excitement. These intense emotions could exacerbate any welfare issues that the individual already experiences, and they may find that these issues are intensified in the short term. Furthermore, those who arrive late may feel that they have missed something important, or be unsure of what is happening These individuals may be at greater risk of stress and disconnection b First 3 days (F3D) The F3D is intense for everyone taking part, whether staff or participants Many people will be taking part for the first time and may be unsure of themselves and others This, combined with the stresses of learning new skills in a new environment, can be particularly challenging, therefore, everyone will need a period of training and personal support Anybody who is struggling should be referred to EH CIC medical or senior staff and be made aware of the available Welfare and Support Services c Personal Conflict At an already stressful time, any problems or worries can be magnified by personal conflicts between individuals The relevant EH CIC staff should be notified of such conflicts so that trained individuals can mediate and bring about a timely resolution d New Skills Some individuals may struggle to learn the skills required to effectively take part in the project These individuals will be supported and tutored to ensure that they feel that they can ask for help and direction throughout their time on site e Education Not everybody learns in the same way Every effort will be made to understand each individual’s learning style so that every participant benefits from their time on the project f Overseas Travel EH CIC may travel to projects held outside the UK For some this will be their first time travelling alone, which may cause feelings of stress and self-doubt Support and reassurance will be offered to help all individuals feel welcome and settled g Project Many archaeology projects involve working outside in all weathers This can prove challenging as most people aren’t used to this kind of physical exertion Support staff will be on-hand to monitor and ensure that individuals do not overstretch themselves h Additional Activities Our activities are designed to be fun but are also challenging, both physically and mentally Support staff will encourage everyone to take part in such activities, offering extra support to those who find it difficult to interact with others

PRE-ARRIVAL AND ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

5 Induction All staff and participants will receive an induction which will include details on how to raise any concerns or issues experienced on-site This briefing will be held on the first morning after arrival As this is a critical event for the individuals taking part, please remember that first impressions count Whilst all support staff must demonstrate a sympathetic and professional attitude to all attendees during their time on-site, this is particularly important on their first day Whilst attending the induction, participants will fill in their attendance form which contains their personal details such as address, next-of-kin, and medical issues These forms will be held in a secure location and can only be accessed by the site manager and welfare staff.

6. Complaints Procedure. All staff and participants will be made aware of the complaints procedure. All individuals are to be briefed so they fully understand where to find the relevant information and who they can speak to about any concerns.

7. Emails. An initial email from EH CIC will be sent to all individuals attending, which will include an explanation of our Supervisory Care Regime (SCR) as well as our other policies. The email will be circulated ahead of the project starting. Please be aware that it is the participant’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the policies etc. ahead of attending the project, and all participants will be asked to sign a document stating that they have read and understood the pertinent paperwork.

. SUPERVISORY - RATIOS.

8 Procedure: All participants require 24-hour access to at least one member of the support staff As this function can currently only be provided “on call”, participants must read the joining instructions and attend the induction brief which will detail how to contact the duty welfare staff a There is to be a designated person “on call” 24/7 b First Aid support “on call” 24/7 c These personnel will remain sober and alert during their time on-duty

D Details of the duties and responsibilities of each of the above are contained in EH CIC policies and joining instruction