Wymondham Heritage Society

Safeguarding Policy

Wymondham Heritage Society acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults 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 and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It 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 and vulnerable adults -

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of attendance at the Wymondham Heritage Museum in a safe and welcoming environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in all the activities of the Society

Wymondham Heritage Society acknowledges that some people, including disabled children and young people 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.

As part of our safeguarding policy Wymondham Heritage Society will

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults, children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities as set out in the Code of Conduct annexed
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the Society.

Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the Society.

Monitoring

The 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 Children Board,
• as a result of any other significant change or event

End of Policy

Code of Conduct

Everyone working at the Museum has a responsibility to ensure that children and vulnerable adults visiting the Museum are protected from abuse. It is your responsibility to ensure that:

• Your behaviour is always appropriate
• You observe the rules established for the safety and security of young and/or vulnerable people
• You recognise the position of trust in which you have been placed and seek to protect yourself.

You must understand and follow the Museum code of behaviour particularly if there are children or vulnerable adults here:-

• Always keep other members of staff/volunteers aware of where you are and what you are doing
• Avoid spending time with children or vulnerable adults without their parents or carers
• Colleagues should look out for each other to ensure that they are not behaving in ways which could be misinterpreted
• Do not engage in inappropriate behaviour or physical contact
• Never make suggestive remarks or threats or use any other inappropriate language
• Take any allegations or concerns about abuse seriously and refer concerns immediately to the WHS Chairperson or a member of the Executive Committee
• Do not do things of a personal nature which a child or vulnerable adult can do for themselves
• Do not take photos or film any child or vulnerable adult