Safeguarding Policy August 2024

Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Policy Statement:

In the interests of child protection and the welfare and protection of vulnerable adults Hellesdon
Parish Council is committed to ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected and
kept safe from harm whilst they are engaged in any activity organised by or associated with the
Parish Council.

Policy Objective:
•
To ensure that where possible all facilities and activities offered by the Parish Council
are designed and maintained to limit risk to everyone but paying particular attention
to children and vulnerable adults.
•
To develop procedures in recording and responding to accidents and complaints and to
alleged or suspected incidents of abuse and neglect.
•
To promote the general welfare, health and development of children by being aware of
child protection issues and to be able to respond where appropriate as a local government
organisation.
•
Hellesdon Parish Council does not usually directly provide care or supervision services to
children and vulnerable adults, it expects all children and vulnerable adults using its
facilities to do so with the consent and the necessary supervision of a parent, carer or
other responsible adult.

Aims:

The aim of this policy document is to guide members, staff and volunteers of Hellesdon Parish
Council, should any child protection issue or any issues with vulnerable adults arise during their
work.

Responsibilities & Procedures:

The Parish Clerk has been designated as Safeguarding Officer and the responsibilities will
include:
•
Ensuring that participants are appropriately briefed before any Council-organised
event with children or vulnerable people;
•
Ensuring that members, staff and volunteers are aware of the risk they may face in
certain circumstances whilst carrying out their duties;
•
Ensuring, that whilst Parish Councillors are unlikely to be involved with children during
the performance of their duties they are mindful of any risk they may face;
•
Ensuring that before any paid members of staff are recruited to work with children and
vulnerable persons they are interviewed and two references taken up;
•
Ensuring that no volunteers work directly with children and vulnerable persons unless
they have relative proven experience and/or qualifications in the work
•
Ensuring that no volunteers or staff work directly with children and vulnerable
persons unless they have an Enhanced DBS Check

Hellesdon Parish Council Safeguarding Policy
Last Reviewed April 2024
Review 2024/2025 M4
General Information
•
Decisions on whether any person should be DBS checked will be made by the
Council, or the Clerk after consultation with the Chairman, following a risk
assessment.
•
All new Councillors are to be provided with a copy of the Safeguarding Policy and are
required to acknowledge they will abide by it.
•
Councillors will adhere to the ‘List of Recommended Behaviour’ namely:
•
A minimum of two adults present when supervising children.
•
Not to play physical contact games.
•
Adults to wear appropriate clothing at all times.
•
Ensure that accidents are recorded in an accident book.
•
Never do anything of a personal nature for a young person or vulnerable adult
•
Keep records in an incident book of any allegations a young or vulnerable person may
make to any committee member or volunteer.
•
Any concerns or incidents must be referred to the County Council.
•
Hellesdon Parish Council’s play areas are inspected on a regular basis by Grounds Staff
and On Duty Caretaker and at least annually by a representative of Play Inspection
Organisation. All Grounds staff and Caretaking Staff will be required to have a DBS
check carried out on appointment of role and every 4 years there after.
•
In the event of a contractor, working directly for Hellesdon Parish Council, being
deemed to be working in any area where children or vulnerable adults may be at risk,
then that contractor will be asked to provide their Safeguarding Policy. Any
organisation which may make contact with children or vulnerable adults shall be
required to show proof of its own appropriate Safeguarding Policy before being allowed
to participate in the use of any council-owned facilities.

Declaration:

All members of Hellesdon Parish Council, committee members and volunteers assisting the
Parish Council should read this Safeguarding Policy.

Having read the Policy, they should be proactive in providing a safe environment for
children and vulnerable people who are involved in Parish Council activities.

Hellesdon Parish Council Safeguarding Policy
Last Reviewed April 2024
Review 2024/2025 M4