Marston Community Growing
Safeguarding policy statement
We believe everyone has the right to live free from abuse of any kind, and everyone should feel safe when participating in group activities. In accordance with our legal responsibility, we will do everything we can to keep children and vulnerable adults safe and to report any concerns we have about their welfare. Everyone involved in Marston Community Gardening activities is required to:
Provide a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults, and protect them from harm, maltreatment, bullying and abuse
Report any safeguarding concerns
How to report a safeguarding concern
If you suspect that a young person or vulnerable adult attending your activity is at risk of harm or is the victim of abuse, report your concern to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible:
Safeguarding Lead: Rhian Cadvan-Jones - rhian.cadvanjones50@gmail.com; 07876 014922
If someone is at immediate risk, call 999 straight away, then contact the Safeguarding Lead. The Safeguarding Lead will work with you to identify appropriate next steps – including contacting our local authority and/or Childline. All safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously.
What constitutes a safeguarding concern?
Abuse faced by children may take the form of neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse or sexual abuse. Abuse faced by adults may also include domestic violence, modern-day slavery, discriminatory abuse, financial or material abuse, organisational or institutional abuse, or self-neglect. Although poor mental health and/or self-harm do not come under the legal safeguarding framework, do raise any concerns should they arise.
Good safeguarding practice
If leading an activity, complete a risk assessment in advance and take any identified mitigating measures
Never work alone with children, young people, or adults at risk
Maintain appropriate physical boundaries
Do not single out a young person or vulnerable adult for special treatment or individual attention, give gifts or money
Do not meet a young person or vulnerable adult alone outside of the activity or offer a lift in a private car
Do not give out or accept personal contact details from under 18s or vulnerable adults (this includes “friending” on social media through personal accounts)
Do not provide alcohol for under 18s
Do not fundraise from under 18s or adults at risk
Seek permission before taking anyone’s photograph and explain how you plan to use it. Use such photographs only for the purpose declared.
Recording abuse
A safeguarding concern could arise via a variety of means. You might observe something, someone might disclose an allegation of abuse about themselves or someone else, or someone might report something to you that they have seen or suspected. In all scenarios, be compassionate, objective, and honest, and record as much factual information as possible about what has happened (see below). Do not tell someone that you will keep a disclosure a secret, as you have a legal obligation to report any concerns that you have.
Some examples of reassuring things to say include: “you've done the right thing by asking us for help, we're going to make sure you get the help you need”, “if you wait here with us you'll be safe until more help arrives” or “this is a safe place to wait until more help arrives.”
Information to record:
The date, time and location your notes were taken
The identity of the person supplying the information, or the identity/description of the subject of your observations
The name and contact details (if possible) of anyone else present during the record taking
As much factual information about the incident, report or concern as possible. Take care to only record what was said or observed. Do not draw conclusions or include your opinions in your report
Any action that you took as a result of the report or observation
Date approved by MCG Committee: July 2023
Review date: July 2025
Signed: K. J. Robinson 29.7.23
Rhian Cadvan-Jones 29.7.23
We carry out risk assessments for all activities. These are available on request.