Child Protection Policy

Malpas Village Hall Trust

Child Protection Policy June 2012

  Guiding Principles The welfare of the child is paramount.  We wish to safeguard children using our community buildings.  All children, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse.   1. Policy No member of the Trustees, helpers or other volunteers will have unsupervised access to children unless appropriately vetted in accordance with current regulation, legislation and good practice guidance.   Procedure All members of the Trustees, helpers or other volunteers will be made aware of this policy and the relevant vetting procedures.  Should checks become necessary, they will be undertaken in compliance with the Protection of Children Act 1999, the Children Act 1989 and Part V of the Police Act 1997 or any subsequent legislation.   2. Policy All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately.   Procedure A Trustee will be appointed to be responsible for Child Protection Matters.  This person will have responsibility for checking and keeping a record of the CRB checks of anyone providing activity/events for children and for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the local authority Child Protection lead agency.   3. Policy All trustees and volunteers will be required to become aware of Child Protection issues.   Procedure Copies of the relevant Acts and Department of Health guidelines will, if necessary, be held by the Trustees as reference material for volunteers.  Relevant Child Protection training for trustees will be encouraged.   4. Policy The policies and procedures will be regularly reviewed.   Procedures An annual review will take place following the AGM to allow for any required up-date of policies and or procedures.  New trustees and volunteers will be provided with an understanding of their responsibilities in matters of child protection.   5. Policy Members of the local community who use the facilities provided by the Group should be aware of the Child Protection policies as adopted by the Group.   Procedure All hirers who wish to use the hall for activities which include children and vulnerable adults other than for hire for private parties arranged for invited friends and family only, will be asked to produce a copy of their Child Protection Policy.  A copy of this document will be displayed for the attention of all.