Child Protection Policy

Introduction

The Parish Plan Committee has been established from volunteers following a public meeting called by the Parish Council. It has a responsibility to ensure that for all involved in the creation of the Parish Plan, steps are taken to provide protection for children (those under the age of 18) and also for those beyond this age that may be construed as vulnerable because of mental or physical incapacity.

Policy Statement

The Parish Plan Committee is committed to ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst they are engaged in any activity associated with the creation of the Parish Plan.

Policy Objective:

• To ensure that where possible all facilities and activities offered by the Parish Plan Committee are designed and maintained to limit risk to children and vulnerable people.
• To promote the general welfare, health and development of children by being aware of child protection issues and to be able to respond where appropriate as a caring organisation.
• To develop procedures in recording and responding to accidents and complaints and to alleged or suspected incidents of abuse and neglect.

Aims

The aim of this policy document is to guide committee members and volunteers of the Medstead Parish Plan Committee should any child protection issue arise during their work.

Responsibilities & Procedures

A Child Protection Officer and Deputy will be appointed from within the Committee and their responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring that before any activity with children or vulnerable persons, the Child Protection Officer or the Deputy brief participants appropriately.
• Ensuring that members and volunteers are aware of the risk they may face in certain circumstances whilst carrying out their duties.
• Ensuring that whilst Committee members are unlikely to be involved with children during the performance of their duties they are mindful of the risk they face.
• Ensuring that before any volunteers or paid members of staff are recruited to work with children and vulnerable persons they are interviewed and two references taken up.
• Decisions on whether any person should be CRB checked will be made by the Committee or the Chairman after consultation with the Secretary following risk assessment and guidance from Community First East Hampshire.
• All new members and volunteers are to be provided with a copy of the child protection policy and are required to acknowledge they will abide by it.
• Committee members and volunteers will adhere to the 'List of Recommended Behaviour' namely:

• A minimum of 2 adults present when supervising children.
• Not to play physical contact games.
• Adults to wear appropriate clothing at all times.
• Ensure that accidents are recorded in an accident book.
• Never do anything of a personal nature for a young person.
• Keep records in an incident book of any allegations a young person may make to any committee member or volunteer.

• If there is a child abuse incident it should be reported to the Child Protection Officer or their Deputy who will be responsible for ensuring the matter is handled in accordance with the East Hampshire District Council Child Protection Code of Practice and also referred to the Committee for further action as appropriate and future risk assessment.
• Facilities offered by the Parish Plan Committee have been inspected on a regular basis and at least annually by a representative of RoSPA or a similar organisation.
• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with partner organisations, councillors, employees, volunteers, parents and carers.
• In the event of a contractor, working directly for the Parish Plan Committee, being deemed to be working in any area where children may be at risk, then that contractor will be asked to provide their Child Protection Policy.

Declaration

Medstead Parish Plan Committee is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of children by protecting them from physical, sexual, emotional harm and neglect.

All committee members, contractors or volunteers of the Medstead Parish Plan Committee should read the Committee's Child Protection Policy. Having read the Policy they should be proactive in providing a safer environment for children and vulnerable people who are involved in the creation of the Medstead Parish Plan.

This Policy will be reviewed annually at the first meeting following the Annual Parish meeting (commencing from 2007).

Medstead Parish Plan Committee.

Date: July 2007.