Vulnerable adult and child protection policy
Principles
The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult[1] is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. Communities as a whole, alongside professionals, can play their part in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse[2], whether physical, verbal, bullying, exclusion or neglect.
The Management Committee of West Wratting Village Hall has a duty to try to work in a way that reduces the risk of abuse or neglect when making available the hall and its facilities.
Policy Statement
- All Committee Members are made aware of child protection and vulnerable adult issues. Copies of relevant Acts and Department of Health Guidelines are held by the Management Committee as reference material for members.
- The Management Committee will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults, promoting wellbeing, preventing harm and responding effectively if concerns are raised.
- All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or vulnerable adult are taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately. This may include reporting to the Police[i], Social Services[ii], or the Local Authority Child Protection Agency[iii] . Advice at any stage may be had from Cambridgeshire County Council Customer Services[iv].
- It is the Hirer’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the contents of the West Wratting Village Hall Terms & Conditions, and they are required to sign the hire agreement before using the hall.
- Hirers are made aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold to those under 18 years of
- Organisations hiring out the hall that are undertaking regulated activities[3] must demonstrate they have the necessary checks and registrations in place. Individuals hiring the hall for activities for children/vulnerable adults will be made aware of this policy before the first booking commences.
- In addition any User hiring the hall to provide a facility for children (playgroups, youth clubs for example) is required to show their CRB/DBS disclosure certificate to the Booking Secretary or other Officer and the disclosure number is recorded.
- The only exception to the above is when the hall is hired out for a private children’s party or other family activities. The Management Committee takes no action to vet the person(s) hiring the hall for these one-off
General points
- West Wratting Village Hall Management Committee members do not supervise children or vulnerable adults as part of their function within the Committee. CRB/DBS checks are not required of them unless they are to have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults.
- If the Management Committee organise events in the village hall that include children it will be for activity with minimum physical contact, not providing intimate care, and it is highly likely that children are accompanied by parents or guardians.
- This policy was agreed in committee on 8 June 2015 and is reviewed on an annual basis at the Annual General Meeting and/or when changes occur in National Legislation or Procedures. New Management Committee members are provided with an understanding of their responsibilities in line with this policy.
[1] A vulnerable adult is defined as a person who: “may be in need of services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness: and who may not be able to take care of him or herself, or is unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.” (Who Decides, Lord Chancellor’s Department 1997)
[2] Abuse is described as “a violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons” (No Secrets, Department of Health 2000; Sections 42–46 of the Care Act 2014).
[3] Regulated activities are those activities which involve contact with children or vulnerable adults, on a frequent and/or overnight basis. These could be paid or voluntary activities and will include all childcare providers, youth groups etc.
[i] Cambridge 358966 or 101
[ii] 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday 0345 045 5202 or outside these hours, in an emergency, call 01733 561 370
[iii] 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0345 045 5203 0r outside these hours, in an emergency, call 01733 234 724
[iv] 0345 045 5202 (SoVA referral) or, in an emergency 01733 234 724