1. Purpose

This policy safeguards and promotes the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. The Weare Giffard Village Hall Committee is committed to the safety and protection of everyone who enters the premises, including visitors and participants in all activities and events. This duty of care also extends to supporting trustees, volunteers, and staff.

2. Definitions

• Children and Young People: Individuals under 18 years old.

• Adults at Risk: Defined under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 as someone over 18 who:

• Has care and support needs. o Is at risk of abuse or neglect.

• They cannot protect themselves due to their care and support needs, regardless of whether they receive formal care. Persons Affected:

• Trustees, volunteers, and staff.

• Visitors and contractors.

• All individuals attending any activities or services at the village hall.

3. Policy Principles

Weare Giffard Village Hall Committee takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and upholds the rights enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998. Those eligible for health and community care services may be particularly vulnerable to abuse due to disability, age, or illness.

• The welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk is paramount.

• All individuals have the right to protection from abuse.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Effective services require cooperation from all professionals and organisations.

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be reported to the appropriate internal and external authorities and handled swiftly and appropriately.

4. Procedures

• All committee members will familiarise themselves with their safeguarding responsibilities and undertake training where appropriate.

• The committee will foster a culture where safeguarding issues are openly addressed.

• No committee member, helper, or volunteer will have unsupervised access to at-risk children or adults unless adequately vetted.

• A designated safeguarding officer, Kevin Richards, manages concerns and reports them to the relevant safeguarding agency.

• Any suspicions or allegations of abuse will be handled with urgency. The designated safeguarding officer will know the appropriate contacts and procedures for reporting concerns.

Making Referrals:

• In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

• For concerns about adults, contact Care Direct at 0345 155 1007.

• For concerns about children or young people, contact the Devon Multiagency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at 0345 155 1071.

An allegation may involve a person working with children or adults at risk who has:

• Behaved in a way that harmed, or may harm, a child or adult at risk.

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child or adult at risk.

• Behaved in a manner that indicates they may pose a risk to children or adults at risk.

5. Responsibilities of Hirers: Hirers of the hall must:

• Acknowledge their understanding of the Village Hall Committee’s safeguarding policy.

• Ensure they meet their duty of care and provide their safeguarding policy if applicable.

6. Policy Review:

The Village Hall Committee will review this policy annually to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective.

Updated January 2024