1.Purpose 

This summary document sets out how the Garden protects children and vulnerable adults from harm.  For example, they may experience harm at the Garden itself or may disclose at the Garden some abuse or neglect they are experiencing or have experienced elsewhere. This is a summary of the full document, a copy of which can be obtained from info@calthorpeproject.org.uk

2. Abuse 

Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or mental. You may also have concerns about trafficking, risk of violent extremism, online grooming and pornography, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, gang activity or serious youth violence. 

3. Scope 

This policy and procedure is primarily aimed at protecting children, people who are elderly or frail; have a neurodiverse disability such as dementia, learning, physical or mental disability. 

4. Responsibilities 

It is vital that the procedures are followed. Failing to follow these procedures risk prejudicing potential legal action or the person failing to get the support which they need. 

4.1 Trustees are responsible for approving the policy. 

4.2 The Management is responsible for the dissemination of the policy and best practice among staff and volunteers, where necessary organising training. 

Existing staff and volunteers who transfer into a role requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will go through this process. The DBS check will apply to anyone with access to children and vulnerable adults, rather than the role which they occupy. In order to avoid DBS gaps, we will ensure that a new member of staff or volunteer works alongside a DBS checked member of staff at all times. 

4.3 The Acting Designated Lead Officer [DLO] is Ray Ansah. In their absence it is Gaven Duffy. 

They can be contacted weekdays 9am-5pm on the telephone at 020 7837 8019 or  07466064229, or any time via email at ray@calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk.

4.4 Do not speak to anyone about what you have been told. If you are unsure, raise your concerns directly with the DLO or acting DLO.

You should only tell a member of staff that you need to speak to the DLO urgently. It is important not to give any details of what you want to discuss to anyone other than the DLO. 

The DLO will tell you what you need to do next.