Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

East Wickham and Welling War Memorial Trust (“the Trust”) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in its activities. Whilst the Trust does not have direct, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, this policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting safe practices.

1. Legal Framework

This policy is based on relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Care Act 2014
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020)
• Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding for charities

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Governors
• Staff
• Volunteers
• Contractors and partners working on behalf of the Trust

1. Definitions
   1. Child: Any person under the age of 18.
   2. Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances.

1. Principles
   1. Commitment to Safeguarding: The Trust recognises its responsibility to protect all individuals from harm and to promote a safe environment.
   2. Proportionality: Safeguarding measures will be proportionate to the Trust’s activities and level of contact with vulnerable groups.
   3. Transparency: All safeguarding practices will be clear and accessible.
   4. Accountability: The Trust will ensure that safeguarding responsibilities are clearly assigned and monitored.

1. Safeguarding Measures
   1. Risk Assessment:
      1. The Trust will assess safeguarding risks associated with its events, projects, and partnerships.
      2. Activities involving vulnerable groups will require additional oversight and planning.

1. Code of Conduct:
   1. Trustees, Governors, staff and volunteers must behave respectfully and professionally.
   2. Inappropriate language, behaviour, or actions are strictly prohibited.

1. DBS Checks:
   1. All Trustees will be subject to a Basic DBS Check prior to appointment. 
   2. If the result of a Basic DBS Check indicates a Trustee has an unspent conviction or caution, a special meeting of the Trustees will be called to decide whether the appointment should be made, and if so, whether any further action should be taken.

6.3.3 An assessment will be made before any activity involving children (or vulnerable adults) is undertaken as to whether any individual representing the Trust should be subject to a DBS check before undertaking the activity.

1. Safeguarding Lead:
   1. A designated safeguarding officer (DSO) will oversee safeguarding concerns and ensure compliance with this policy.
   2. The DSO will liaise with relevant authorities when required.

1. Reporting Concerns:
   1. All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSO or Chair of Trustees.
   2. Serious concerns, including suspected abuse or harm, will be reported to local authorities or the police.
   3. The Trust will document all safeguarding concerns and actions taken.
      
2. No Unsupervised Contact:
   1. Trustees, Governors, Staff and volunteers will not engage in unsupervised activities with children or vulnerable adults.
   2. Any interactions involving these groups must take place in a safe, public, and supervised setting.
      
3. Partnerships and Contractors:
   1. The Trust will ensure that contractors and partners working on its behalf have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures.
      
4. Training and Awareness
   5. Trustees and volunteers will receive safeguarding training relevant to their roles.
   6. The Trust will ensure all members are familiar with safeguarding procedures and know how to report concerns.

1. Monitoring and Review
   1. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Trustees to ensure it remains effective and compliant with legal requirements.
   2. Any significant incidents will prompt an immediate review of safeguarding procedures.

1. Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Officer: [Linda Clayton, contact admin@ewt.org.uk]
• Chair of Trustees: [Warren Foot, contact warren.foot@sky.com]
• Local Authority Safeguarding Team: [London Borough of Bexley 0208 303 7777 or email screeners@bexley.gov.uk]

By implementing this policy, the Trust reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding and creating a secure environment for all individuals involved in its work.