PART 1: POLICY STATEMENT   

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We are committed to the protection and safety of everyone who visits or uses the Village Hall.  We are also committed to promoting wellbeing, preventing harm and responding effectively if concerns are raised.

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We recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk is paramount.

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All children, young people and adults at risk have the right to protection from abuse and maltreatment and consequently safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and each person and organisation must play their part.  All suspicions and allegations must be properly reported to the relevant internal and external authorities and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

We are aware of the work of our local safeguarding Board/Partnership and other support organisations on the development and implementation of procedures for the protection of adults vulnerable from abuse. The policy is about stopping abuse where it is happening and preventing abuse where there is a risk that it may occur.

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This Policy is intended for the benefit of all those who attend any activities or events at the Village Hall, all visitors and contractors, volunteers and the trustees and we will take reasonable steps to protect from harm people who come into contact with the Village Hall. 

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   PART 2:  DEFINITIONS   

 

Children and young people means persons under the age of 18.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as: 

·      protecting children from maltreatment

·      preventing impairment of children’s health and development

·      ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care 

·      taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

 

Adults at risk mean persons over the age of 18 who:

·      have care and support needs,

·      are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect and

·      as a result of their care and support needs are unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

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   PART 3: PROCEDURES   

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3.1 All trustees have been made aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and support the principles enshrined in the Policy Statement set out in paragraph 1.  They will undertake training on safeguarding issues, including whistleblowing as appropriate. 

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3.2 One of the trustees has been appointed to be responsible for children, young people and adults at risk safeguarding matters.  That trustee will have responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency to the relevant safeguarding agency.

 

3.3 The trustee responsible for children, young people and adults at risk safeguarding matters is Sarah Thompson.

 

3.4 All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child, young person or adult at risk will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately. The appointed person will know who to contact and where to go for support and advice in relation to an allegation a concern about the quality of care or practice or a complaint. An allegation may, for example, relate to a person who works with children or adult at risk who has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, young person or adult at risk or may have harmed a child, young person or adult at risk.

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, young person or adult at risk; or

• behaved towards a child, young person or adult at risk in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

 

3.6 We will ensure that all hirers of the Village Hall have signed a hiring agreement which requires all hirers to comply with this Policy.  Additionally, all hirers who wish to use the hall for activities or events which include children, young people and adults at risk, other than for hire for private parties arranged for invited friends and family, should have their own Safeguarding Policy and must have carried out all relevant checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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​REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

 

The trustees of West Peckham Village Hall will review this policy annually. The next full review is due in March 2024

 

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