Child Protection Policy

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY – Slindon Coronation Hall

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The welfare of the child is paramount
. All children, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse

1. Policy

No member of the Trustees, Supporters, helpers or other volunteers will have unsupervised access to children unless appropriately vetted.


Procedure: 
All members of the trustees, helpers or other volunteers will be made aware of this policy and the relevant vetting procedures. Hirers must ensure that any activities for children, young people and other vulnerable adults are only provided by fit and proper persons in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and any subsequent legislation. When requested, hirers must provide the Committee with a copy of their Safeguarding Policy and evidence that they have carried out relevant checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

2. Policy

All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately.


Procedure: 
A trustee will be appointed to be responsible for Child Protection Matters. This person will have responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the local authority Child Protection lead agency.

3. Policy

All Trustees and volunteers will be required to become aware of Child Protection issues.

Procedure
: Copies of the relevant Acts and Department of Health guidelines will, if necessary, be held by the trustees as reference material for volunteers. Relevant Child Protection training for trustees will be encouraged.

4. Policy

The policies and procedures will be regularly reviewed.

Procedure: An annual review will take place following the AGM to allow for any required up-date of policies and or procedures. New trustees and volunteers will be provided with an understanding of their responsibilities in matters of child protection.

5. Policy

Members of the local community who use the facilities provided by the Coronation Hall should be aware of the Child Protection policies as adopted by the Coronation Hall.


Procedure
: All hirers who wish to use the hall for activities which include children and vulnerable adults other than for hire for private parties arranged for invited friends and family only, will be asked to produce a copy of their Child Protection Policy. A copy of this document will be displayed for the attention of all.