Safeguarding
AA Chiltern Thames - Safeguarding Policy
AA Chiltern and Thames has drafted this safeguarding policy in line with current legislation, the Charities Commission guidance and the AA charity and the General Service Board.
The primary purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. We acknowledge that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and every member has a role to play in this.
1. Personal Responsibility:
Every member of AA has a responsibility to:
· Look out for the well-being of others.
· Report any concerns to the Group Service Representative (GSR) or the meeting's secretary.
· Abide by the 12 traditions, ensuring that unity, safety, and the primary purpose of AA are upheld at all times.
2. Group Responsibility:
Each AA group is responsible for:
· Ensuring their meetings are conducted in a manner that is safe and respectful.
· Each group is self-regulated.
· Being aware of the vulnerabilities of its members.
· Offering support to vulnerable members while also seeking guidance when required.
3. Roles & Responsibilities:
· Group Service Representative (GSR):
o The GSR acts as the main point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.
o The GSR is responsible for liaising with the Safeguarding liaison officer for guidance and support on safeguarding matters.
· Meeting's Secretary:
o The secretary is the secondary point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.
o They work closely with the GSR to ensure the safety of the group.
· Safeguarding Liaison Officer for AA C&T Intergroup:
o This officer provides support, direction, and guidance on safeguarding concerns on a case-by-case basis.
o While they cannot prevent unwise decisions, they act as an important resource in the management of safeguarding issues.
4. Recommendations:
· It is highly recommended that AA members seek a sponsor and work through the 12-step recovery program. A sponsor can provide additional support and guidance on a personal level.
· It is suggested to read approved literature relating to safeguarding some of which is listed at the end of this document.
· AA suggests men for men and woman for woman (notwithstanding LGBTQ being considered ) when getting a sponsor.
5. Adherence to the 12 Traditions:
All members and groups must abide by the 12 traditions of AA, ensuring that the primary purpose, unity, and anonymity of AA is upheld. This serves not only to promote unity but also to provide a safe environment for all members.
6. Reporting and Management:
· Any concerns about an individual's safety should be reported to the GSR or the meeting's secretary immediately.
· Serious concerns will be escalated to the safeguarding liaison officer for guidance and or support.
· If a situation arises that requires external intervention, the group would support a member in accordance with AA traditions and the law.
To be clear, no member of AA is above the law for any offences committed prior to joining AA or any offences committed whilst attending AA. We as a Fellowship believe that Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions (Tradition Twelve), but this does not mean that we allow the protection of anonymity to anyone to exploit or abuse our Fellowship, or any individual member of AA.
Conclusion:
The safety and well-being of AA members is essential. This safeguarding policy, rooted in the principles and traditions of AA, aims to ensure that all members can benefit from AA meetings in a safe and secure environment.
GSO has provided guidelines
See also The AA Structure Handbook for AA GB, The Group, pt. 5 Safeguarding, page 83.
Leaflet Code 3386 Violence and Personal Conduct.
Your safeguarding officer is Sarah – safeguarding@aachilternthames.org.uk
Sept -23