Scottish gas engineers trained to report signs of child abuse in homes
Around 18,000 engineers are getting safeguarding training as part of a partnership with the NSPCC
Scottish gas engineers will be looking out for signs of child abuse while working in our homes, as part of a new partnership with the NSPCC.
Britain’s four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) will deliver safeguarding training to more than 18,000 workers across the country.
According to the charity, around half a million children suffer abuse and neglect a year in the UK, and almost 60,000 calls were made to the helpline last year from adults including utility workers* reporting concerns about neglect.
The training, entitled It’s Your Call, will give utility employees who cross thousands of doorways every day the "knowledge and confidence" to speak out if they notice tell-tale signs of child abuse.
'It's not about dobbing in a neighbour'
However, the NSPCC hopes people will not feel judged or spied-on due to the training.
Gail Sayles, NSPCC local campaigns manager said: "We know it is tough at the moment, especially with the cost of living crisis putting additional pressure on families.
"It's not about dobbing in a neighbour, it's actually about getting early help for families before things escalate and putting safeguards in place.
"We often hear people say 'oh, I don't want to get involved', or 'what if I have it wrong?'
"But it's not our responsibility to make it right for that family or to decide the next steps for that family.
"It's about being that voice, that spark that perhaps sets that family on the road to recovery or getting them the support they really need."
'Everyone has a role to play'
CEO of the NSPCC, Sir Peter Wanless, said: “We are hugely excited about this project, and grateful to Ofgem and all the GDNs for supporting this wonderful partnership.
"Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect.
"With this training and support, we can create a real force for good and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
“By working together and sharing our resources, experience and expertise we can help engineers and gas employees across the country play their part in supporting vulnerable families and children in their communities.”