Safeguarding policy and code of practice

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has the strategic aim of engaging a range of audiences with astronomy, geophysics and other closely related branches of science. Key groups for this work are children and young adults.


This procedural guidance refers to the RAS Safeguarding Policy and Code of Practice for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk of abuse.


The Safeguarding Policy and Code of Practice apply to all staff, Fellows and representatives of the RAS. This includes senior managers, Council members and trustees, paid staff, unpaid employees, casual workers, volunteers, students, sessional workers, agency staff and anyone working on behalf of the RAS for events either hosted by the RAS, or in which the RAS participates, such as the National Astronomy Meeting.


These guidelines give information on working with children, young people and adults at risk of abuse. They offer advice on what to do in the event that you suspect a child, young person or adult at risk of abuse may be experiencing harm, or where you reasonably consider a child, young person or adult at risk of abuse may be at risk of harm.