Safeguarding Policy

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Beighton Allotment Association Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Introduction / purpose of the policy

Beighton Allotment Association (hereafter referred to as ‘BAA’) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding measures reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.

BAA is a private allotment site. It is run by four Trustees and overseen by a committee. It does not employ any staff. However, from time-to-time, it has volunteers (who may be young people or vulnerable adults) working on the site.

Plot-holders (known as ‘members’) are adults. However, many members enjoy bringing children with them on to the site. The BAA Site Rules stipulate that “children are only allowed on the allotments with the permission of a plot-holder and should be supervised by an adult at all times”.

Some people who use or visit the allotments may fall under the definition of vulnerable adults. [A vulnerable adult is defined as any adult (person over the age of 18) in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse or neglect].  

This policy applies to all those at BAA, including the committee, volunteers, members and visitors.

Guiding principles

The policy recognises that the welfare and best interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. We want to ensure that they have a positive and enjoyable experience in as safe an environment as possible.

·   Children and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind

·   We have a responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to protect the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults, and to keep them safe.

·   All children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

·  Some children and vulnerable adults, including those with physical or mental disabilities and/or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly prone to abuse and we accept the responsibility to protect them without discrimination.

Legal framework

Across the UK there are many laws which aim to keep children safe and protect their rights. The NSPCC has put together an overview of the key legislation in England in these areas, to help people who work with children:-

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england

What we will do

As part of our safeguarding policy BAA will:

·       Designate a member of the BAA committee as Safeguarding Lead. 

·   Ensure everyone on the committee understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding.

·   Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse or attempted abuse.

Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead for BAA is Richard Longden, who is also responsible for Health, Safety and Security issues on the site.

Committee

The committee will review all Safeguarding incidents, with due attention to confidentiality. The following committee members have specific roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding:

•   Sue Rowbotham and Julie Williams Ridge will oversee the implementation of this policy in relation to the Summer Fayre.

•   Mark Kirby will oversee the implementation of this policy in relation to the social media and the Association's website.

•   Sarah Vause will oversee the implementation of this policy in relation to the Community Plot (B6)

•   Richard Longden will oversee the implementation of this policy in relation to Health, Safety and Security. 

Taking appropriate action:-

1.     Spotting the signs of abuse

Members should be alert to the possible signs of abuse. There are numerous sources of information for reference about what abuse and neglect means:

·   What to do if you are concerned about a child or young person

·    NSPCC 'What is child abuse?' 

·    Citizens Advice  'what child abuse means, and what the effects can be'

There are a range of ways concerns might be raised. For example:-

·   A child or adult might make a direct allegation of abuse

·   A member or volunteer might observe behaviour that gives cause for concern and make a report.

2.     What to do?

If you think a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, phone 999 for a police response

If you notice the signs that a child or vulnerable adult might be distressed, ask them appropriate questions about what might have caused this. You should never wait until a child or vulnerable adult tells you directly that they are being abused before taking action. Do not promise to keep what they tell you secret. It might be helpful to keep a few notes of what your saw and/or heard.

If your concerns are not immediate, and you are worried that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm then phone the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855 (24 hours) to speak to a social worker. It is important to know that members of the public can discuss their concerns in confidence and if necessary, anonymously.

Further information can be found using the following link:-

Referring a safeguarding concern to Children's Social Care

email: sheffieldsafeguardinghub@sheffield.gov.uk

Please also contact the BAA Safeguarding Lead, Richard Longden. The exception to this will be if an allegation is made concerning the Safeguarding Lead: in such circumstances, please inform another member of the committee.

Remember - You should not keep safeguarding concerns to yourself

 3.     Specific BAA issues

•   Relevant contacts: a list of useful contacts will be displayed on the noticeboard outside the BAA shop, as well as inside. It will also be posted on the BAA website.

•   Community plot: One plot (B6) is allocated as a community plot. All groups using this plot will have a leader with the group who must have an appropriate DBS check when they attend an activity on the allotment site. Proof of their DBS will be logged. Visitors to plot B6 who do not have appropriate DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) clearance will not have unsupervised access to children.

•   Supporting documents: Gardening on allotments can present a number of hazards and risks. Members should ensure that they are aware of the particular hazards and risks that present on their plot(s). Site Rules stipulate that “children are only allowed on the allotments with the permission of a plot-holder and should be supervised by an adult at all times”. Information relating to the BAA Health, Safety and Security Policy is available on the BAA website:

         https://www.beightonallotment.org/Membership/Health, Safety and Security

This document is also accessible on our website:

 https://www.beightonallotment.org/ Membership/Safeguarding Policy.

Revision: 1.2

Date: July 2024

Date for Review: July 2027