This policy applies to the Trustees, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of YACWAG.
YACWAG believes that a child or young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.
YACWAG recognises that:
- The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989.
- All children regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
- Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
- Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
YACWAG will seek to keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe by:
- Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
- Appointing two Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) who will be the contacts for children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents, carers and other agencies.
- Requiring the two Designated Safeguarding Officers to have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
- Ensuring that the appropriate level of DBS check is made on new staff and volunteers, depending on their access to children and young people.
- Ensuring that all our trustees, members and volunteers accept responsibility for the safeguarding procedures outlined in this Policy when with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- Effectively supervising trustees, members and volunteers such that they are always in sight of the responsible adult (leader of the activity) and never alone with a child or young person.
- Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for children, young people, vulnerable adults, trustees, members and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with YACWAG’s Health and Safety Policy and the appropriate Risk Assessment.
- Sharing concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.
- Managing any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately according to YACWAG’s Complaints Policy.
- Ensuring that all children aged 16 years and under are accompanied by their parent or guardian, or an adult approved by their parent or guardian.
Contact details – Any concerns or enquiries should be raised via [email protected] and these will be reviewed by the appropriate Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Date Approved: October 2025
Next Review: October 2026