Preston Caribbean Carnival Safeguarding Policy 1. Introduction

Preston Caribbean Carnival (PCC) is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm. It is essential that all members of the organisation, including trustees, employees, and volunteers, understand their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and act accordingly to maintain a safe environment.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

∙ Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in PCC’s activities.

∙ Provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

∙ Ensure that all suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all trustees, employees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of PCC.

4. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults in England. Key pieces of legislation include:

∙ Children Act 1989 and 2004

∙ Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

∙ Care Act 2014

∙ Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

5. Definitions

∙ Child: A person under the age of 18.

∙ Young Person: A person aged 18-25 who may still require safeguarding. ∙ Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

6. Safeguarding Principles

PCC is committed to the following safeguarding principles:

∙ The welfare of the child, young person, or vulnerable adult is paramount. ∙ All children, young people, and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

∙ Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults, their parents, carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

∙ Trustees: Ensure that the organisation has effective safeguarding policies and procedures in place and that these are reviewed annually.

∙ Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are required to read and understand this policy and the related procedures, attend safeguarding training, and report any concerns to the executive committee.

8. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms including:

∙ Physical Abuse

∙ Emotional Abuse

∙ Sexual Abuse

∙ Neglect

∙ Financial or Material Abuse

∙ Discriminatory Abuse

9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

∙ All concerns or allegations of abuse must be reported immediately to the executive committee/trustees.

∙ The executive committee will ensure that all concerns are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

∙ Confidentiality will be maintained, and information will only be shared on a need-to know basis.

∙ In cases where a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, the executive committee will contact the appropriate authorities (police, social services).

10. Safer Recruitment

PCC is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure that all employees and volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults are suitable for their roles. This includes:

∙ Conducting enhanced DBS checks where appropriate.

∙ Seeking references and verifying the applicant’s employment history. ∙ Providing safeguarding training and support.

11. Record Keeping

∙ Detailed records will be kept of all safeguarding concerns, allegations, and incidents, including the actions taken in response.

∙ These records will be stored securely and only accessible to the executive committee and designated personnel.

13. Monitoring and Review

∙ This policy will be reviewed annually by the trustees to ensure it remains up to date and reflects current legislation and best practice.

∙ Feedback from staff, volunteers, and service users will be sought to improve safeguarding practices.

14. Contact Information

∙ Executive committee:

Tracey Harris, Chair – 07736 841662 traceyjth@hotmail.com

Carol Nevins, Treasurer – 0779 665 3362 cnevins1960@gmail.com

Jason Kirnon, Executive – 07963 402145 jasonkirnon3@gmail.com

∙ Local Authority Children’s Social Care: If there are immediate safeguarding concerns to the child call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722.

∙ Local Authority Adult Social Care: 0300 123 6721

∙ Police: Call 101 or report it online for non-emergency enquiries. In an emergency dial 999

This policy reflects PCC’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect them from harm.

Registered Office: Cotton Court Business Centre, Church Street, Preston. PR1 3BY Company No: 7431370 Charity No: 1172721