Child, young person and vulnerable adult protection policy

Statement of intent

All children, young people and adults have an absolute right to be safe from harm. The Jon Egging Trust (‘JET’) recognises its duty of care and will take all necessary steps to ensure that everyone with whom it works is enabled to be emotionally and physically safe.

Aims

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs
• No child or group of children must be treated any less favourably than others in being able to access services which meet their particular needs
  Children, parents and partners are informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate
• All concerns of allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by trustees, staff, volunteers and responded to appropriately, implementing the appropriate disciplinary and appeals procedures
• This may require a referral to children’s social care services, the independent Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations made against staff, trustees and other volunteers, and in emergencies the police
• Raising the awareness of the duty of care responsibilities relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults throughout JET staff and volunteers.
• Actively encouraging good practice amongst all staff, and volunteers throughout JET and promoting wider awareness wherever possible i.e. partnership organisations and user groups
• Creating a safe and healthy environment with all our services, avoiding situations where abuse or allegations of abuse may occur
• Respecting and promoting the rights, wishes and feelings of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Listening to children, young people and vulnerable adults, minimising dangers and working closely with other agencies
• Recruiting, training, supervising and supporting staff and volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse and themselves against false allegations. Staff and volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults will be subject to the appropriate level Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check
• Requiring staff and volunteers to adopt and abide by the Jon Egging Trust Child, Young Person and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and associated procedures and code of conduct

Objectives

• To provide appropriate training for staff and volunteers to enable them to recognise the potential
  signs and indicators of abuse and to improve good practice
• To aid staff and volunteers to respond sensitively and seriously to a child, young person orvulnerable adult who discloses information about abuse, and be confident and able to take appropriate action swiftly, regardless of whom the allegation is about, e.g. carer/member of staff
• To maintain a level of good working practice at all times and therefore reducing the risk of children, young people and vulnerable adults under the care of our staff and volunteers

Declaration

The Jon Egging Trust is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm.

Working as an employee or volunteer of the Jon Egging Trust it is important that you have taken time to thoroughly read this Child, Young Person and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and procedures.

By being made aware of the policy it is our intention to ensure that all are proactive in providing a safe and secure environment for the children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care.

Author: Laura Mears

Last updated: 03/01/2019