VULNERABLE ADULT AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.

GENERAL POINTS

The Island of Portland Heritage Trustees do not supervise children or vulnerable adults as part of their function within the Trust.

DBS checks (formerly CRB but CRB certificates are no longer valid) are not required by them unless they are to have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Should DBS checks become necessary they will be undertaken in compliance with the Protection of Children Act [1999], The Children’s Act [2004] and part V of the Police Act [1997].

When the Island of Portland Heritage Trust organise events to include children it is always stated that children must be accompanied by parents or guardians. This policy will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis and/or when changes occur in National Legislation or Procedures. New Trustees will be provided with an understanding of their responsibilities in line with this policy.

PRINCIPLES.

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children or vulnerable adults will not be permitted or tolerated.

The Trustees of The Island of Portland Heritage Trust have a duty to safeguard children and vulnerable adults who utilise the hall and its facilities, and those who may come into contact with vulnerable users.

Definition of Abuse

Abuse is described as “a violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons” (No Secrets, Department of Health - 2000).

Definition of a Vulnerable Adult A vulnerable adult is 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)

This policy is in place to protect all vulnerable persons regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or faith.

Policy Statement.

• All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or vulnerable adult will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately. Any suspicions or concerns should be reported to . A nominated Trustee will deal with this and has the responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the Local Authority Child Protection agency.
• The Island of Portland Heritage Trust will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. The Trust recognises that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children and those who cannot read safety notices and physically disabled adults.
• The Hirer will be required to sign the hiring agreement, including the information for user groups section of the hire agreement.

• The Trust 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 18 years of age.
• The Committee will ensure that hirers are aware that no children may be admitted to films when they are below the age classification for the film on show.
• No gambling or entertainment of an adult or sexual nature shall be permitted on the premises.
• Organisations hiring the hall for activities for children/vulnerable adults will be asked to show their Child Protection/Vulnerable adults policy before the first booking commences. Individuals hiring the hall for activities for children/vulnerable adults will be made aware of this policy.
• In addition any User hiring the hall to provide a facility for Children will be required to show their DBS disclosure certificate to the Centre Manager and the disclosure number will be recorded. Any delegation of that hirer to other people to supervise the children is the responsibility of the hirer and the Trust will not vet these delegates for DBS disclosure.
• The only exception to the above is when the hall is hired out for a private children’s party. The Trust take no action to vet the person[s] hiring the hall for these one-off events.