This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of the Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park including Committee members and volunteers.

Whilst the Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park occasionally works with children and families as part of its activities, it should be noted that parents and carers are normally present. 

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• to protect children and vulnerable adults who are involved in Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park activities
• to provide all committee members and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

We believe that:

• children and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind
• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them

We recognise that:

• the welfare of every child and vulnerable adult is paramount
• all children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• some children and vulnerable adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
• working in partnership with children and vulnerable adults, their parents and carers is essential in promoting their welfare.

Responsibility for safeguarding

• Safeguarding is the duty and responsibility of every adult in our organisation.
• A Committee member will be appointed as our Designated Safeguarding Officer and the Secretary will co-ordinate our safeguarding policy, regularly monitoring its implementation and keeping records as needed.
• If concerns are raised about a child, young person or a vulnerable adult, these must be brought to the attention our Designated Safeguarding Officer It is not his/her responsibility to decide whether a child is being abused, but to consult with the Essex Safeguarding Children/Adult Board that has legal responsibility to investigate concerns and to formally refer a case if necessary. 

Code of behaviour

• All children and vulnerable adults should be treated with respect;
• Adults should provide good role models;
• Trusting and supportive partnership with parents & carers should be developed;
• Confidentiality should be maintained at all times;
• Unacceptable behaviour or verbal abuse should never be condoned and will always be challenged.

We will seek to keep children and vulnerable adults safe by:

• valuing, listening to and respecting them
• taking seriously any concerns, suspicions or allegations of abuse or neglect and responding swiftly and appropriately
• sharing concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know
• creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment
• providing effective support for volunteers through supervision and training when needed
• using our procedures to manage any allegations appropriately
• ensuring that we have effective complaints procedures in place
• applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
• recording and storing information professionally and securely.

Related policies and procedures

This policy statement should be read alongside our other policies and procedures.

Additional procedures should be put in place if our activities change or develop in the future.

Underpinning principles and guidance
This policy has been drawn up to reflect all relevant law, regulation, statutory and non-statutory Government guidance and best practice, including the key government document ‘‘Working together to Safeguard Children March 2015’.

In all cases of suspected safeguarding issues, refer to the South Essex and Thurrock (SET) Safeguarding Procedures 2017

See http://www.escb.co.uk/en-gb/workingwithchildren/policiesandguidance.aspx

Contacts 

Definitions

Abuse
Abuse of a child can take the following forms: physical; emotional, including bullying; sexual and neglect.

Indications of abuse can range from physical injury to changes in emotional reaction or social behaviour.

Child
A child as anyone under 18.