Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall

Safeguarding Policy

Reviewed: November 2021 and 24.6.2026

  1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set out how Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall safeguards and promotes the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse or neglect.

We have a duty of care to protect everyone who enters our premises — including visitors, hirers, participants, trustees, volunteers and staff. This policy outlines how we meet that responsibility.

  1. Definitions

Children and Young People

Anyone aged under 18.
This policy applies to all trustees, volunteers, contractors and staff who may come into contact with children or young people.

Safeguarding Children Includes:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment
  • Preventing impairment of health or development
  • Ensuring safe and effective care
  • Taking action to ensure the best possible outcomes

Adults at Risk

An adult (18+) who, under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014:

  • Has care and support needs
  • Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
  • Is unable to protect themselves because of those needs

An adult may be considered “at risk” even if they are not currently receiving care services.

Persons Affected by This Policy

  • All trustees, volunteers and staff
  • All visitors, hirers and participants in activities
  • All contractors working on site

 

  1. Policy Principles

Oldbury‑on‑Severn Memorial Hall adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to abuse.

We recognise our responsibilities under:

  • The Care Act 2014 (adults at risk)
  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004 (children and young people)
  • The Human Rights Act 1998

We are committed to:

  • Promoting wellbeing and preventing harm
  • Responding promptly and effectively to concerns
  • Working with local safeguarding boards and support agencies
  • Ensuring all allegations or suspicions of abuse are reported appropriately

All concerns should be reported to:
Chairperson: Chris Jennings — cjlj@hotmail.com

Key Principles

  • The welfare of the child or adult at risk is paramount
  • Everyone has the right to protection from abuse
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
  • All allegations must be reported and handled swiftly and appropriately

Useful Contacts

 

  1. Procedures

A. Trustee Declarations

All committee members must sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, confirming they have no convictions relating to abuse.

B. Training and Awareness

Committee members must:

Understand their safeguarding responsibilities
Undertake safeguarding and whistleblowing training where available
Be familiar with the principles in Section 3 of this policy

C. Safeguarding Culture

Committee members must work together to promote a culture where safeguarding concerns can be raised openly and addressed promptly.

D. Supervision

No committee member, helper or volunteer may have unsupervised access to children or adults at risk unless appropriately vetted.

E. Safe Recruitment

The Hall Committee will follow safe recruitment practices for all roles involving contact with children or adults at risk.

F. Safeguarding Lead

A designated committee member will act as the Safeguarding Lead, responsible for reporting concerns to the appropriate agencies.

Current Safeguarding Lead: 
Christopher Jennings

G. Responding to Concerns

All suspicions or allegations of abuse will be:

Taken seriously
Reported immediately
Handled in line with local safeguarding procedures
An allegation may relate to someone who has:

Harmed or may have harmed a child or adult at risk
Possibly committed a criminal offence
Behaved in a way that suggests they pose a risk of harm

H. Hirers’ Responsibilities

All hirers must sign a Hiring Agreement.
Any hirer running activities involving children or adults at risk must:

Provide their own Safeguarding Policy and evidence of DBS checks or
Confirm they understand and will follow the Hall’s safeguarding principles
Hirers must ensure activities are run by fit and proper persons in accordance with:

Children Act 1989 & 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Any subsequent legislation
Relevant concerns must be reported immediately.

I. Annual Review

The Hall Management Committee will review this policy annually.

 
Reviewed June 2026 by C Jennings