guidelines

Making sense of human rights: a short introduction

Guide designed for officials in public authorities to assist them in working with the Human Rights Act 1998, which has been described as the most important piece of constitutional legislation passed in the United Kingdom since the achievement of universal suffrage in 1918.

The guide is short and simple and offers a brief introduction to human rights for use in straightforward situations.

More detailed guidance can be found in the human rights handbook for public officials, Human Rights and Human Lives, produced by the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings: guidance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children - Volume 2

The government is committed to improving the protection during the criminal justice process for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children. This document is issued as part of ‘Action for Justice’, the implementation programme for the ‘Speaking Up for Justice’ report. Following the report, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 set out a range of special measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings.

Vulnerable witnesses: a police service guide

The Government is committed to improving the treatment of victims of crime. This document is issued as part of Action for Justice, the implementation programme for Speaking up for Justice, the report of the interdepartmental review of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. That report made a series of recommendations covering the investigation through to the trial and beyond, with the aim of assisting vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence.

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: children’s services guidance

Document which focuses on what you should do if you have concerns about children, in order to safeguard and promote their welfare, including those who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.

This resource also outlines what will happen once you have informed someone about those concerns; what further contribution you may be asked or expected to make to the processes of assessment, planning, working with children, including how you should share information.

The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003: guidance: (Amendment of the Definition of Child Care Position) Order 2008

Scottish Government guidance elaborating on an amendment to child protection legislation which removes from the category of child care position the work carried out by a member of a Parent Council or other parent body and the work involving an activity primarily intended for people aged 18 or over in a school or further education institution.