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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 ESOL provision, social activities and outings, 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, and a deputy safeguarding lead. The lead should be a member of the Board of Trustees with a brief for ensuring safeguarding is on the agenda to be reviewed annually

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.

Contact details;

Nominated Child protection and safeguarding lead

Paul Wordsworth; 07745 380987
[email protected]

Deputy Child protection and safeguarding lead

Dee Boyle; 01904 621568

[email protected]

Other contacts

NSPCC helpline; 0808 800 5000

Report a concern to North Yorkshire Police Service safeguarding and vulnerable people team. If no immediate danger presents itself ring 101

The City of York Designated Officer; (LADO) West Offices, Station Rise York YO1 6GA
Tel; 01904 551550

To be contacted within one working day if there are allegations that a volunteer has significantly harmed a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.

For further information and questions about safeguarding related topics and issues

NSPCC Knowledge and Information Service, 0116 234 7246 [email protected]

Charity Commission Guidance

Trustees are responsible for ‘proactively safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and welfare of their charity’s beneficiaries’. For further information go to;
www.charitycommission.gov.uk/trustees-staff-and-volunteers/staff-and-volunteers/protecting-children-and-vulnerable-adults

Board of Trustees Statement

We commit to reviewing our policy and effective practice annually

A review took place and was approved on

Signed Paul Wordsworth

(Nominated Lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding)

Date of Signature 10/10/24

Mob: 07745 380987

Address; York City of Sanctuary, c/o 10 Burniston Grove, York YO10 3 RP

Email: [email protected]

Website; www.york.cityofsanctuary.org