Easton-in-Gordano, Pill and Ham Green Community Forum

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

Easton-in-Gordano, Pill and Ham Green Community Forum seeks to promote the wellbeing of the whole community including children and young people.

 

The Community Forum is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for children and young people.

 

Easton-in-Gordano, Pill and Ham Green Community Forum fully recognises its responsibilities for Child Protection. Our policy applies to all members and volunteers (hereinafter ALL referred to as 'members') working with the organisation.

 

The Community Forum's management group is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented.

 

There are four main elements to our policy:

 

1.0  WE ORGANISE ACTIVITITES IN WHICH CHILDREN CAN PARTICIPATE SAFELY

 

1.1  We maintain conditions where  children can feel secure, are encouraged to communicate, and are listened to.

  

1.2  We ensure children know that there are adults whom they can approach if they have concerns.

  

1.3 We ensure that members have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the organisation for child protection by setting out its obligations in this policy.

 

2.0  WE RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES AMONGST MEMBERS.

 

2.1 We ensure every member knows the name of the Designated Adult Member Responsible for Child Protection (hereinafter: DAMRCP) and their role.

 

2.2  Every member (and parents of non-adult members) are entitled to a  copy of this policy which will be available to them on the group's web site. Paper copies will be supplied to members and parents on request.

 

3.0 WHERE CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN OUR ACTIVITIES AND ORGANISED EVENTS WE PRACTICE SAFE ENGAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT

 

3.1  We are aware of the responsibilities of  members who may have contact roles with children

 

3.2   We recognise the need to take appropriate precautions with new members in the context of contact with children.

 

3.3   The Committee may recommend CRB checks for some roles

 

4.0  WE HAVE A CLEAR PROCEDURE FOR MAINTAINING CHILD SAFETY AND FOR RECOGNISING AND DEALING WITH PROBLEMS

 

4.1  We recognise that as they work with children, adult members are well placed to notice the outward signs of abuse

  

4.2 We will seek the guidance of the North Somerset Area Child Protection Committee and Childsafe when necessary

  

4.3  We have a DAMRCP who has received appropriate training and support for this role

  

4.4  We ensure all adult members understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the DAMRCP

  

4.5  The DAMRCP is to maintain effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as appropriate with their enquiries regarding child protection matters

  

4.6   We may keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately. Any such records are kept securely, separate from the main membership files, and in a locked location.

 

4.7   Should a situation develop that needs further investigation, or where allegations have been made, the committee will follow procedures as recommended by the North Somerset Area Child Protection Committee.

 

Our Designated Adult Member Responsible for Child Protection is Jill Coleman tel: 01275 375688

 

 

 

Signed and dated on behalf of the Organisation.