If you are under 18, this matters to you!
We have worked with children and young people to adapt the Wee Book of Promises (pdf) from the Children’s Parliament, to communicate how the University supports children’s rights.
United Convention on the Rights of the Child and the University of Strathclyde
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international law that recognises that children and young people in Scotland have rights.
Rights are about making sure people are treated well and get a fair deal. They set out the sorts of things that must be put in place for this to happen. Everybody has rights, and everybody should respect the rights of other people to have a safe and happy society.
The University is committed to upholding children and young people’s fundamental human rights to be safe and live free from harm. We call this safeguarding and we explain here how rights are supported by the University when anyone, under the age of 18, participates in activity with the University of Strathclyde.
- The University recognises my right to be protected from abuse, neglect or harm and ensures that my rights as a child /young person are upheld at all times.
- I will not be discriminated against because of my age, disability, gender, religion, care status, traveller status or economic background.
- The University will listen to my ideas and respond quickly when I raise a concern or tell an adult something that is important to me, especially if it relates to my safety or wellbeing, learning, relationships or health.
- The University upholds children’s data protection rights. There may be circumstances when it is required to provide or share personal information about me when it is in my best interests. The University will share information about me if I am in danger of, or have been, harmed or to help find the right support for me.
- If I am at risk of harm, or I think someone else is at risk of harm, then I know I can speak to an adult I trust – this can be any member of University staff, a member of security, a tutor, mentor, or the University Safeguarding Team.
- If I am care-experienced, there is a designated person that I can go to if I need anything and the University supports me at all stages of my learner journey.
- The University celebrates diversity and recognises that we all have a right to enjoy our own culture, use our own language and practise our own religion.
- I feel included, that my opinions and rights are respected, and in turn, I respect the opinions and rights of others. I will not say harmful things or offend others in any of my communication, face to face or on social media.
- The University is committed to helping me develop my skills and creates an environment in which I am safe to thrive and reach my potential. When I participate in any University activity, I will be safe and I will feel welcome, supported to make friends, and discover new interests. Accessible and inclusive Student Clubs and Societies can be an important part of University life.
- I have the right to be protected from all types of abuse and neglect, being taken advantage of in any way, and illegal activity in all aspects of my life. For example, I should never be pressurised, forced, or tricked into doing anything sexual. There are also things that people should never make me do against my will, like make me marry someone. The University has zero tolerance for physical, emotional sexual abuse or neglect. This includes bullying, harassment, gender-based violence or exploitation including child sexual exploitation or child pornography.
- The University will keep me safe and ensure proper care by those looking after me by ensuring that only those suitable to work with children and young people are employed whether their job is paid or they are a volunteer. Relevant background checks will be completed with all staff who come into contact with children, young people, and protected adults.
- The University works with others to support me. For example, my school, parent or carer, doctor, important people involved in my care, programme mentor.
- If someone violates the rights outlined above, or is suspected of abuse and breaking the law, the University Safeguarding Team will contact Police, Social Work or Child Protection team. The University has disciplinary procedures for Staff and Students. Essential information about me will be shared to protect or help me.