Vulnerable Persons Policy
The term ‘vulnerable person’ applies to both vulnerable adults and all children.
The Helsington & Brigsteer Village Hall Board and users of the hall have a duty to safeguard vulnerable users of the hall and its premises without exception. They should respond to any concerns they may have regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a vulnerable person or concerns relating to discrimination or financial violation or exploitation of a vulnerable person.
Principles
The welfare of the vulnerable person is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone using the hall. All vulnerable persons, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, by exclusion or by neglect. No such abuse will be tolerated.
Policy Statement
11 February 2013
The Helsington & Brigsteer Village Hall Board and users of the hall have a duty to safeguard vulnerable users of the hall and its premises without exception. They should respond to any concerns they may have regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a vulnerable person or concerns relating to discrimination or financial violation or exploitation of a vulnerable person.
Principles
The welfare of the vulnerable person is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone using the hall. All vulnerable persons, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, by exclusion or by neglect. No such abuse will be tolerated.
Policy Statement
- The task of Board members is to manage the hall. Supervision of activities will often be the responsibility persons who are not Board members.
- All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a vulnerable person will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately.
- All Board members and activity leaders need to be aware of this policy, child protection and vulnerable adult issues and should be offered introductory training.
- There will be a nominated and named Vulnerable Users Representative to whom suspicions or concerns should be reported. This is currently Richard Griffiths.
- The Board will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use by vulnerable persons. The Board recognises that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children and those who cannot read safety notices.
- Any organisations or individuals hiring the hall for the purpose of holding activities where Ofsted registration is required should show their registration and their own Child Protection Policy. Appropriate recruitment processes should be used to appoint staff who will be working with vulnerable persons in any activity.
- The Board will ensure that hirers are made aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold to those under the age of 18.
- The Board will ensure that hirers are aware that no children may be admitted to films for which they are below the age classification.
- Vulnerable persons should not enter the kitchen or store-room for safety reasons.
- Organisations hiring the hall for activities for children will be asked to show their Child Protection policy before the first booking commences. Individuals hiring the hall for activities for children will be made aware of this policy. Organisations hiring the hall for activities specifically involving vulnerable adults will be asked to show their Vulnerable Adults protection policy before the first booking commences. Other organisations hiring the hall whose activities may involve vulnerable adults will be made aware of this policy.
- This policy statement will be reviewed periodically and updated as appropriate.
11 February 2013
