Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Ward Freman Community Pool Group CIO is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults, who participate in activities at our swimming pool facility. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to protecting the welfare and well-being of all individuals and sets out procedures for preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns.

Definitions

  • Child: Any person under the age of 18 years.
  • Young Person: Any individual aged between 14 and 17 years.
  • Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 years or over who is or may be in need of community care services due to disability, age, illness, or other factors and are unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Principles

  • All individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, have the right to be protected from harm and abuse.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all staff, volunteers and stakeholders have a duty to report concerns and take appropriate action to safeguard individuals from harm.

Responsibilities

  • The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the organisation and will ensure that appropriate policies, procedures and resources are in place to support safeguarding efforts.
  • The General Manager is responsible for implementing and overseeing the Safeguarding Policy, ensuring staff and volunteers receive appropriate training and responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely and sensitive manner.
  • All employees and volunteers will be provided with a copy and have a duty to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding Policy on commencement of employment, report any concerns or incidents promptly to their Line Manager and cooperate fully with any investigations or inquiries.

Identification of Risk and Vulnerability

  • Risk assessments will be conducted regularly to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the swimming pool facility, including risks associated with the physical environment, activities and interactions between individuals.
  • Staff and volunteers will be trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to respond appropriately to safeguard the welfare of individuals at risk.

Prevention and Safeguarding Measures

  • Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures will be followed for all staff and volunteers, including obtaining satisfactory references and conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable.
  • Clear codes of conduct and boundaries will be established for staff and volunteers working with children, young people and vulnerable adults, emphasising the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding situations that may be misconstrued.
  • Adequate supervision will be provided for all activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults, with a focus on promoting positive interactions and preventing situations where individuals may be at risk of harm.

Reporting Procedures

  • Any safeguarding concerns or incidents will be reported immediately to the Operational Manager or designated safeguarding officer using the organisation’s reporting procedures.
  • All reports of safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and handled confidentially, with due regard for the welfare and privacy of all individuals involved.
  • Immediate concerns need to be raised with the police via 999.  For less urgent concerns regarding a child contact Children’s Services, Customer Services 0300 123 4043 or for concerns regarding an adult please report it online or call Adult Care Services on 0300 123 4042.

Support and Referral

  • Individuals who are identified as being at risk of harm or in need of support will be provided with appropriate assistance and referred to external agencies or support services as necessary.
  • Staff and volunteers who raise safeguarding concerns will be provided with access to support and guidance throughout the reporting and investigation process.

Training and Awareness

  • All staff and volunteers will receive training on safeguarding policies, procedures and best practices at commencement of employment. Refresher training will be provided regularly to ensure knowledge and skills remain up to date.
  • We will adopt a position that any risk is real and that “It could happen here.”
  • Information and resources on safeguarding will be made available to staff, volunteers and stakeholders to raise awareness and promote a culture of safeguarding within the organisation.

Review and Monitoring

  • This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and effective, with any necessary updates communicated to all relevant parties.
  • Safeguarding incidents and concerns will be monitored and reviewed to identify any trends or patterns that may require further action or intervention.

Conclusion

By adhering to the principles outlined in this Safeguarding Policy, we aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals can participate in activities at Ward Freman Swimming Pool free from harm or exploitation. We ensure all staff, volunteers and stakeholders familiarise themselves with this policy and work together to promote the welfare and well-being of all individuals within our organisation.