Safeguarding Policy
All Connel Hall trustees, members, staff and volunteers have a duty to safeguard vulnerable users of the Hall and those who may come into contact with vulnerable users. Vulnerable users could include: children, young people, adults with learning difficulties or physical disability, frail, elderly people and carers.
They should respond to any concerns they may have regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a vulnerable person or concerns relating to discriminatory or financial violation or exploitation of a vulnerable person. This policy is in place to protect all vulnerable persons regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or faith.
Principles
The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, financial, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children not be permitted or tolerated.
Policy Statement
1. No trustee, helper or other volunteer or staff will have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults unless they have been through the safe recruitment procedure and introductory Child Protection or Vulnerable Adults Protection training.
2. All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a vulnerable adult or child will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately.
3. All staff and volunteers need to be aware of this policy and should be offered introductory training.
4. There will be a nominated and named Vulnerable Users Representative to whom any suspicions or concerns should be reported. This person is Marion Fisher, Tel:01631 710589.
5. The trustees will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. The trustees recognise that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children, those who cannot read safety notices and physically disabled adults.
6. Any organisations or individuals hiring the Hall for the purposes of holding activities where Ofsted registration is required should show their registration and their own Child Protection Policy. Safe recruitment processes should be used to appoint staff who will be working with children or vulnerable adults in any kind of activity.
7. The trustees will ensure that hirers are made aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold to those under the age of 18. The Committee will ensure that hirers are aware that no children may be admitted to films when they are below the age classification for the film or show. No gambling or entertainment of an adult or sexual nature shall be permitted on the premises.
8. These policies and procedures will be reviewed annually and updated as appropriate in the interim periods.
The nominated Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Representative Marion Fisher, will have responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the local authority Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult lead agency. The representative may choose to have a confidential discussion with others in order to clear up any misunderstandings or to corroborate and support any suspicions before reporting a concern to the lead agency.
The nominated person should:
* Know whom to contact at the local authority
* Know whom to contact in Social Services for advice and referrals
* Know about helplines and other sources of help for children and young people and vulnerable adults
* Ensure that there is an environment in which people can raise any concerns.
Trustees of Connel Hall
November 2018
