CARDINHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Safeguarding Policy

(Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults)

Introduction

Cardinham Parish Council recognises that safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility of all public bodies. Although the Council’s role is limited in scope, it engages with the community through events, services, facilities, and partnerships that may bring it into contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is therefore essential that clear procedures and standards are in place to ensure that everyone is protected from harm.

The Council considers it unacceptable for any child, young person or vulnerable adult to experience abuse, neglect or exploitation. This policy provides a clear framework to guide Councillors, employees, volunteers, contractors and those using Council services on how safeguarding concerns are prevented, identified and reported.

The Council formally adopts this Safeguarding Policy and confirms its willingness to be guided by its principles, procedures and legal obligations at all times. The Council is committed to promoting a safe environment within the parish and to working in partnership with Cornwall Council and other statutory agencies where safeguarding concerns arise.

Safeguarding Policy

(Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults)

Adopted by: Cardinham Parish Council
Review Frequency: Annually
Responsible Officer / Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Parish Clerk

1. Purpose and Scope

Cardinham Parish Council (“the Council”) considers it unacceptable for any child, young person or vulnerable adult to experience abuse or harm. The Council recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults and is committed to working in a way that protects them.

This Safeguarding Policy sets out:

  • What the public, Councillors, employees, volunteers, contractors and service users can expect the Council to do to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
  • What individuals should do if they suspect a child or vulnerable adult may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.

This policy confirms that:

  • An effective system for recording and monitoring safeguarding concerns is in place.
  • Councillors, employees, volunteers and contractors must follow the established reporting procedures.
  • Appropriate safeguarding training will be provided where required.

The Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults when they engage in services, events, activities, or use facilities organised, commissioned or supported by the Council, at any location within the parish.

The Council will do this by:

  • Ensuring suitable recruitment and safer selection practices.
  • Taking seriously any safeguarding concern raised.
  • Not tolerating harassment or victimisation of anyone who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and statutory guidance (as amended):

  • Children Act 1989
  • Children and Families Act 2014
  • Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Care Act 2014
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Data Protection Act 2018

The Council will cooperate fully with Cornwall Council and other statutory agencies in carrying out safeguarding duties.

3. Principles

The principles underpinning this policy are:

  • The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.
  • All children and vulnerable adults, regardless of background, age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity status, have the right to protection from harm.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
  • Working in partnership with children, families, carers, and other agencies is essential.
  • The Council will establish and maintain appropriate safeguarding procedures proportionate to its level of involvement with children and vulnerable adults.

4. Definitions

Child: Any person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.

Vulnerable Adult (Adult at Risk): A person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

An adult may be considered vulnerable because they:

  • Have a physical or learning disability
  • Have a mental health condition (including dementia)
  • Have a sensory impairment
  • Are frail or experiencing illness
  • Misuse substances or alcohol

“Parents” includes carers and guardians.
“Contractors” includes sub-contractors and commissioned service providers.

5. Policy Aims

The Council aims to:

  • Respect the rights, wishes and dignity of children and vulnerable adults.
  • Prevent abuse by promoting safe working practices.
  • Ensure Councillors, employees and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Raise awareness of safeguarding duties under relevant legislation.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns or allegations.
  • Ensure clear procedures are in place, understood and implemented.

To achieve these aims, the Council will:

  • Provide training appropriate to roles and responsibilities.
  • Maintain secure and accurate safeguarding records.
  • Develop procedures for recording and reporting concerns to relevant authorities.
  • Promote safe service planning and risk assessment.

6. Safer Recruitment and DBS

The Council recognises the importance of safer recruitment practices.

Where roles involve regulated activity or significant contact with children or vulnerable adults, appropriate checks will be undertaken through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), proportionate to the role.

Applicants will be informed if a role is subject to a DBS check.

7. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may be:

  • Physical
  • Emotional or psychological
  • Sexual
  • Neglect
  • Financial (in relation to adults at risk)
  • Discriminatory
  • Domestic abuse
  • Modern slavery
  • Bullying or harassment

Abuse can occur in person or online.

Councillors, employees, volunteers and contractors are not responsible for investigating concerns but must report concerns in accordance with this policy.

8. Reporting Concerns

Immediate Danger

If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999 and request the Police or appropriate emergency service.

Reporting a Concern about a Child

Concerns about a child should be reported without delay to:

  • The Parish Clerk (Designated Safeguarding Officer)

The DSO will consider whether to refer the matter to:

  • Cornwall Council Children’s Services (Multi-Agency Referral Unit – MARU)

If necessary, referrals will be made directly to Cornwall Council Children’s Services in line with local safeguarding procedures.

Reporting a Concern about an Adult at Risk

Concerns should be reported to the Parish Clerk (DSO), who will consider referral to:

  • Cornwall Council Adult Social Care / Safeguarding Team

Consent should normally be sought from the adult before referral. However, consent may be overridden if:

  • There is risk of serious harm
  • A crime may have been committed
  • Others (including children) may be at risk

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding takes precedence over confidentiality.

Information should be shared:

  • On a need-to-know basis
  • With appropriate agencies
  • In accordance with data protection legislation

Records must:

  • Be factual and dated
  • Use the individual’s own words where possible
  • Be stored securely
  • Include details of what was shared, with whom, and why

Ask: “Is it safe not to share this information?”

10. Roles and Responsibilities

Parish Clerk – Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

The Parish Clerk is responsible for:

  • Undertaking appropriate safeguarding training.
  • Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Maintaining secure safeguarding records.
  • Liaising with Cornwall Council and other agencies.
  • Supporting those who raise concerns.
  • Ensuring annual review of this policy.
  • Reporting safeguarding matters (appropriately anonymised) to Full Council.

Councillors, Employees and Volunteers

All must:

  • Safeguard and promote welfare in their duties.
  • Follow this policy and the Council’s Code of Conduct.
  • Report concerns promptly to the Parish Clerk.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Contractors and Hirers of Council Facilities

Any organisation hiring Council facilities for activities involving children or vulnerable adults (other than private family events) must:

  • Provide a copy of their Safeguarding Policy.
  • Provide evidence of appropriate DBS checks.
  • Accept responsibility for safeguarding within their activities.
  • Notify the Council of any safeguarding concerns arising on Council premises.

These requirements will be included in hiring agreements.

11. Complaints

Safeguarding-related complaints will be handled in accordance with the Council’s Complaints Procedure and may run alongside safeguarding investigations.

12. Policy Review and Monitoring

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually by the Parish Clerk.
  • Submitted to Full Council for approval.
  • Updated in line with legislative or procedural changes.

13. Statement of Commitment

Cardinham Parish Council affirms its commitment to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all children and vulnerable adults within the parish.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and the Council expects all those acting on its behalf to uphold the highest standards of care, vigilance and integrity.