Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy


CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULTS PROTECTION POLICY

POLICY AIMS

The aim of the Circadian Trust’s Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy is to recognise key principles and promote good practice:

  • All children, young people and vulnerable adults have a right to protection.
  • The welfare and needs of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount.
  • Circadian Trust will provide children, young people and vulnerable adults with appropriate safety, protection and support whilst in the care or employment of Circadian Trust.
  • Circadian Trust will ensure all staff/volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities and are able to make informed and confident responses to specific child and vulnerable adults protection issues.

POLICY STATEMENT

The following statement is issued in pursuance of The Protection of Children Act (1999), The Children Act (2004), HM Government guidance “Working together to safeguard children (2015) and NSPCC/CPSU guidance.

Circadian Trust acknowledges that some children, including disabled children, young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Circadian Trust will

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
  • Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
  • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
  • Ensure operational procedures and safeguarding arrangements are in place.

The Policy will be implemented by adhering to the policy guidelines and will be communicated and promoted widely throughout the Organisation . All staff must comply with this policy.  Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may result in disciplinary action.

MONITORING

 The policy will be reviewed every year or in the following circumstances:

  • Changes in leglislation and/or government guidance
  • As required by South Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board
  • As a result of any other significant change or event

 

APPENDIX 1 – STAFF RECRUITMENT, SUPPORT & TRAINING

  • In accordance with the Protection of Children Act (1999).
  • At initial recruitment to Circadian Trust, an application form is completed. The application form will elicit information about an applicant’s past in the form of a self-declaration about previous convictions. They are also subjected to safeguarding checks as required by legislation and guidance.
  • Staff are selected on their suitability for the session/activity requirements, responsibilities and their ability.
  • At the interview stage all applicants will need to show a proof of right to work in the UK and copies of qualification certificates. Before a start date is agreed they must also provide two satisfactory references.
  • Trustees and all appropriate Circadian Trust staff are required to complete a Disclosure & Barring Service Check (DBS check).
  • All recruited staff will complete the relevant Circadian Trust induction process during their probationary period.
  • All Circadian Trust staff will have access to the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedure and Policies.

APPENDIX 2 – MONITORING & REVIEW OF PROCEDURES & INCIDENTS

  • Systems are in place to ensure that all staff working with children and vulnerable adults are routinely and regularly monitored.
  • As part of our quality assurance, an internal audit is carried out annually to monitor the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedure.
  • The Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedure details what steps will be taken to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, who is responsible for what actions, and when these will be completed.
  • All incidents, allegations of abuse and complaints are recorded on an incident form and monitored regularly.
  • Where immediate action is needed to safeguard the child the police should be contacted.
  • All Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedures and policies are reviewed following any incidents, allegations or complaints.

APPENDIX 3 – CODE OF ETHICS

  • Equality Statement: Circadian Trust has a responsibility to protect all children & vulnerable adults irrespective of their, gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.
  •  Discrimination: Prejudice, oppressive behaviour or language in relation to any of the following are not acceptable – race, culture, age, gender, disability, religion, sexuality or political persuasion.
  •  Circadian Trust will ensure that equality is incorporated in all aspects of its activities. Sports equality is about fairness in sport, equality of access and recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them.
  • Circadian Trust has expected standards of behaviour of adults towards children and vulnerable adults.
    1. Always working in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication.
    2. Treating all young people and vulnerable adults equally with respect and dignity.
    3. Always putting the welfare of each vulnerable individual first.
    4. Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with participants.
    5. Keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
    6. Always refer any problems to the child and vulnerable adult protection lead member of staff.
  • In the Circadian Trust procedures, Circadian Trust has expected and acceptable behavior standards for children towards other children whilst taking part in all activities:
    1. Emotional – being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting
    2. Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
    3. Racial – racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
    4. Sexual – unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
    5. Verbal – name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing

Updated: October 2019