Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy

The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount and the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection and to be secure and free from the fear and reality of abuse, whether physical or verbal, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children or vulnerable adults will not be permitted or tolerated. This policy is in place to protect all children and vulnerable adults with protected characteristics, as per current legislation.

Definition of a Vulnerable Adult

A vulnerable adult is at least 18 years old and 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)

A more detailed explanation can be viewed at:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/section/59

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Policy Procedures

Any person using the hall to run a class or activity for members of the public must have all the relevant licences, insurances and DBS certificates in place, as required. The Management Committee may ask to see proof of any of these documents at any time. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all documentation is kept up to date and in line with current regulations. 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that these are in place before the hiring takes place. It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that anyone who has not had this check is never left alone with a child or vulnerable adult.

Hirers must satisfy themselves that the premises and facilities are suitable for their needs. The Management Committee will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. The Committee recognises that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children, those who cannot read safety notices and physically disabled adults. In the event of a child or vulnerable adult not being collected after an event, the responsibility of dealing with the situation rests solely with the hirer, who if necessary must seek advice or involvement from the authorities or police.

All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or vulnerable adult that take place on the hall site that are made to the committee will be taken seriously and reported to the relevant authorities. The committee will not carry out any investigation, but will refer the report, as a matter of urgency, to the Local Authority Child Protection agency or to the police.

See: Talk to us about a child or young person | Bradford Children and Families Trust (bradfordcft.org.uk) or Report adult abuse | Bradford Council

•       During office hours call Children’s Social Care Initial Contact Point - 01274 433999 - (8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, 4.30pm on Friday)

•       At all other times, Social Services Emergency Duty Team - 01274 431010

If you have reason to believe that a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999

Review date: February 2025