The Hiking Household CIC
Safeguarding policy statement
Note: The terms ‘child’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18. References to ‘parents’ should also be read as parents and carers inclusively.
Our statement
The Hiking Household CIC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It also aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of spending time outdoors with The Hiking Household in a safe and child centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in any activity within The Hiking Household, such as walking and orienteering, or outside of the activity.
We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
Our Policy
What we’ll do:
As part of our safeguarding policy we will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- value, listen to and respect children
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
- adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding. Ensure all are provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
Safeguarding policy statement:
The Hiking Household CIC will provide effective management for staff and volunteers. They will do this through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures. So that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently.
The HH CIC will ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual(s) who raise or disclose the concern. They will also ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
The HH CIC will record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance and will prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made and appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people, a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding.
The HH CIC will develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures. They will share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
They will make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern. The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in The Hiking Household CIC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.
Whistle-blowing
Whistle-blowing is an early warning system. It is about revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation or within an independent structure associated with it.
If there is a concern with regard to the behaviour of an adult towards a young person or young person to young person, and/or vulnerable adult, it is important that they share concerns with The Hiking Household Welfare Officer.
All information received and discussed will be treated in confidence and only shared with those individuals who will be able to manage and resolve the situation, as described on the incident reporting form. On occasion it may be necessary to seek advice, or inform the statutory agencies e.g. The Police or Children’s Service Authority.
Positions of Trust
All adults who work with children/young people and/or vulnerable adults are in a position of trust that has been invested in them by the parents, the sport and the child/young person/vulnerable adult. This relationship can be described as one in which the adult is in a position of power and influence by virtue of their position.
All those within the organisation have a duty to raise concerns about the behaviour of coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators and professional staff which may be harmful to the child/children, young people, or vulnerable adults in their care, without prejudice to their own position.
Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
as required by the local safeguarding partnership, UK Sport and/or home country sports - councils as a result of any other significant change or event.
This policy was last reviewed on 22/2/22
Signed L.Earl
Contact details
Our Safeguarding/Welfare Officer
Name: Laura Earl Tel: 07941418499 Email: laura@thehikinghousehold.com
In a safeguarding emergency,
where a young person is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.