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The purpose of the policy:

As a grassroots movement, which offers a welcome to asylum seekers and refugees, the aim of the policy is to give an understanding of the protection and procedures that are offered as part of Wakefield District City of Sanctuary activities.

This policy is to offer guidance to all people who participate in Wakefield District City of Sanctuary activities including volunteer, enablers and helper.

This policy is to help people protect children and young people connected to Wakefield District City of Sanctuary.

This policy is for when something has happened which makes you feel uncomfortable in a situation or something has been said that has upset or worried you.

This policy is to help you find help and advice.

This policy should be read alongside our policies and procedures (on the right hand side menu here)

Statement:

Wakefield District City of Sanctuary offers equal opportunities to all people and will not tolerate abuse of any kind – physical, verbal, racial, cultural or religious. As a grassroots movement, we have a moral
responsibility, to all people associated with the group, to offer safety, protection and equality.

We recognise that:

The welfare of all people is enshrined in law and regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity; everyone has the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

We also recognise that some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences and circumstances.

We will try to ensure that partner organizations are aware of the vulnerability of many of the people associated with the group.

This policy has been drawn upon the basis of law and guidance that helps to protect children and young people, namely: –

  • Children Act 1989
  • United Convention of Human Rights of the Child 1991
  • Data Protection Act 1998
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Children Act 2004
  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
  • Children and Families Act 2014
  • Special educational needs and disability (SEND)code of practice: 0-25 years – Statutory guidance for organisations which with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities; HM Government 2014
  • Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers; HM Government 2015
  • Working together to safeguard children: a guide to interagency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children: HM Government 2015

We recognise 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 their 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.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • Valuing them, respecting and listening to them.
  • Having a Safeguarding Officer
  • Ensuring volunteers are aware of safeguarding issues.

This policy was written on August 14 th 2016 and will be reviewed regularly.

Contact details: [email protected] or 07800605397

Safeguarding officers/Lead Volunteer:

Updated 18 th March 2017: Sep 17 th 2017