The purpose of this policy statement

York City of Sanctuary has contact with children, families, and vulnerable adults as part of its activities. These include the Welcome to York Programme, ESOL provision, social activities such as outings and barbecues, and emergency accommodation provision (adults only).

• We seek to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who take part in activities organised by York City of Sanctuary
• We seek to provide parents, vulnerable adults and volunteers with the principles that guide our approach to child protection and safeguarding

This policy statement applies to all involved in the work of York City of Sanctuary, including members of the Board of Trustees, Team Leaders and volunteers.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seek to protect children and vulnerable adults in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from
www.nspcc.org.uk/childprotection

We believe that:
Children, young people and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind.
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and to keep them safe and protected.

• We recognise that;
  The welfare of the child, young person, and vulnerable adult is paramount.
• All children, young people, and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Some children, young people and vulnerable adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
• Working in partnership with parents, carers, volunteers and other agencies is essential in promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We will seek to keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe by;

Valuing, listening and respecting them.

Appointing a nominated safeguarding lead, a deputy safeguarding lead, and a lead member of the Board of Trustees with a brief for safeguarding.

Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice.

Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and appropriately involving children, young people, their parents and carers, vulnerable adults and volunteers.

Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying which may arise.

Sharing information about child protection and safeguarding best practice with children, young people, their families, vulnerable adults, carers, and volunteers.

Recruiting volunteers safely, ensuring all checks are made where necessary.

Providing effective management of volunteers through supervision, support and training.

Implementing a code of conduct for volunteers.

Using appropriate procedures to manage any allegations against volunteers.

Ensuring that effective complaints and whistleblowing measures are in place.

Recording and storing information professionally and securely.

Ensuring a safe physical environment is provided for children, young people and vulnerable adults and that where applicable health and safety measures are in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

Related policies and procedures
This policy statement should be read alongside other policies and procedures relating to York City of Sanctuary.