Safeguarding Policy.

1.1 Policy Statement:

1.1.1 Floating Shed (FS) is committed to safeguarding, from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying, children and vulnerable adults taking part in its activities. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of these participants are paramount and that all participants, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, have a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

1.1.2 For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. All company members must have read this policy.

1.1.3 This policy applies to all company members which includes facilitators, staff, volunteers, and external contractors involved in the activities of FS.

1.2 Safeguarding Officer

1.2.1 Tom Dalrymple is the company Safeguarding Lead (SL)

1.2.2 Contact details are:

Email: floatingshedgroup@gmail.com

1.3 Company Members

A.3.1 All Company Members whose role brings them into regular contact with young people will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check if appropriate.

1.4 Good Practice

1.4.1 All Company Members should follow the good practice guidelines and agree to abide by the Company Code of Conduct. Those working with young people should be aware of the guidance on recognising abuse (See Annex G)

1.4.2 Company Members must not be left alone with children and are requested not to enter bathrooms at times when children using facilities. If this is unavoidable it is advised that they are accompanied by another adult.

1.4.3 FS will seek consent from parents/carers before taking photos or video of a child at a workshop or rehearsal or publishing such images. Parents should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming. If the FS publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the SL.

1.5 Concerns

1.5.1 Anyone who is concerned about a child or vulnerable adults’ welfare, either outside of FS or within the company, should inform the SL immediately, in strict confidence. The SL will follow the attached procedures (see Annex J1.1.1a)(a)A.1).

1.5.2 Any Company member of FS failing to comply with the Safeguarding policy or any relevant Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

1.6 Useful contacts:

NSPCC 24 hour free helpline
Call: 0808 800 5000
E-mail: help@nspcc.org.uk
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

Children 1st (Scotland) free helpline
08000 28 22 33
E-mail: parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk
Text: 07860 022844
Website: www.children1st.org.uk

Childline 24 hour free helpline
0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk

MIND – mental health charity
Tel: 0300 123 3393
Text: 86463
E-mail: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk

Social Care Services
Your local phone book or the website for your County Council or unitary local authority will list numbers for the Children and Families Services, generally with separate numbers for Children’s Social Care and for the Emergency Duty Team (out of hours service).

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service