Safeguarding.

The Hersham Community Group (HCG) has a duty of care to all members attending events organised by the group. This includes volunteers, staff and visitors.
All reasonable steps are taken to prevent harm and to respond appropriately if harm occurs. Safeguarding procedures form part of the day-to-day operation of the group, and risk assessments are undertaken where appropriate.
At present, Hersham Community Group does not work directly with children or adults at risk.
At events organised for children or families:
All children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
If Hersham Community Group works jointly with another organisation where children or adults at risk are involved, we will ensure that the organisation has an appropriate safeguarding policy in place.

Safeguarding means protecting the welfare of children and adults at risk from abuse or neglect.
This policy outlines how Hersham Community Group operates to safeguard:
Children
Young people
Adults at risk
We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending our events, including:
Visitors
Participants
Volunteers
Staff

Children and Young People
Children and young people are defined as anyone under the age of 18.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children includes:
Protecting children from maltreatment
Preventing impairment of children’s health and development
Ensuring children grow up in safe and supportive environments
Taking action so children achieve the best outcomes
Adults at Risk
An adult at risk refers to someone aged 18 or over who, according to the Care Act 2014:
Has care and support needs
Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
Is unable to protect themselves because of those needs
A person may still be considered an adult at risk even if they are not currently receiving support from a health or care service.

All committee members
Volunteers
Visitors
Anyone attending any activity or service delivered by Hersham Community Group

The Hersham Community Group has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.
All citizens of the United Kingdom have rights protected under the Human Rights Act 1998. Individuals who require health or community care services may be more vulnerable due to disability, age, illness or impairment.
Hersham Community Group is committed to promoting wellbeing, preventing harm, and responding effectively if concerns are raised.
The organisation is committed to the following principles:
The welfare of the child, young person or adult at risk is paramount
All individuals have the right to protection from abuse
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be reported and dealt with appropriately

Promote a culture where safeguarding concerns can be raised openly
Ensure volunteers do not have unsupervised access to children or adults at risk unless appropriately vetted
Follow safe recruitment practices
Take all suspicions or allegations of abuse seriously
Respond to safeguarding concerns swiftly and appropriately
Review this policy annually