1. Introduction 

Croft Village Memorial Hall (CVMH) committee members have a duty to safeguard vulnerable users of the hall and those who may come into contact with vulnerable users. 

Vulnerable users could include: ▪ children, ▪ young people, ▪ adults with learning difficulties or physical disability, ▪ frail, elderly people, ▪ carers. 

Committee members should respond to any concerns they may have, or are given, regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a vulnerable person or concerns relating to discriminatory or financial violation or exploitation of a vulnerable person. 

If there is a safeguarding incident it should be reported to the Chairperson or Secretary who will speedily 

2. Principles 

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children will not be permitted or tolerated. 

3. Policy Statement 

3.1 All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or vunerable adult will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately. 

3.2 All committee members and volunteers need to be aware of child protection and vulnerable adult issues. 

3.3 Any suspicions or concerns should be reported to the CVMH Chairperson or Secretary. In consultation with the committee, action will be agreed and may include, but not limited to, reporting to the police, the Charities Commission, appropriate Borough Council departments or/and banishment from CVMH and it's activities.

3.4 CVMH committee will make every effort to keep the premises safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. The committee recognises that a higher standard of safety is required where use is made by small children, those who cannot read safety notices and physically disabled adults. 

3.5 Any organisations or individuals hiring the hall for the purposes of holding activities where Ofsted registration is required should have their registration and their own Child Protection Policy. These organizations or individuals should use safe recruitment processes to appoint staff who will be working with children or vulnerable adults in any kind of activity. 

3.6 The committee will ensure that hirers are made aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold or provided to those under the age of 18. The committee will ensure that hirers are aware that no children may be admitted to films when they are below the age classification for the film on show. No gambling, or entertainment of a sexual nature, shall be permitted on the premises. 

3.7 CVMH operates a zero tolerance for Bullying and Harrassment and this applies to hirers, workers, staff, visitors and committee members. The procedures for dealing with Bullying and Harassment are the same as above.

3.7 These policies and procedures will be reviewed periodically and updated as appropriate.