Our Policies
Othona Community and Data Protection
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Othona and Data Protection |
Communications Policy Statement
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Othona Communications Policy |
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy Statement
The Othona Community recognizes its responsibilities in accordance with the Protection of Children Act 1999 and with general legal and moral obligations regarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who visit the Centres.
The Othona Community aims to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are welcomed into a safe, caring environment. It is continually developing good practice in order to prevent the physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Othona Community has established an effective reporting procedure to be used should abuse be suspected, disclosed or discovered. It aims to protect those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults from unfounded accusations or from behaving in ways which may be well intended but inadvisable.
The Othona Community has appointed a responsible individual outside the Community to whom any persons within the Community can discuss concerns they may have about the protection of children and vulnerable adults. At present there is an independent contact in place, should the need arise.
Approved Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Procedures (in accordance with the Home Office's 'Safe from Harm' Guidelines)
1. A Member from each Centre's Executive shall be responsible for family issues.
2. Requirements for recruitment and selection of Staff/Core/Volunteers:
a. Proof of identity
b. Application form/CV
c. References: personal and work
d. CRB check (enhanced level) where appropriate
e. Interview where possible
3. Activities shall be managed effectively to minimize risk.
4. Any incidents shall be managed according to our Guidelines.
5. An appropriate adult known to the child, young person or vulnerable adult should be on site at all times.
6. Staff/Core/Volunteers working with children, young people or vulnerable adults should have appropriate training in awareness of child and vulnerable adult protection issues.
7. All responsible adults must be aware of the clear lines of responsibility for reporting and recording abuse or suspected abuse.
8. All documents relating to child and vulnerable adult protection issues including recruitment applications, Criminal Record Self-Declaration Forms, Record of CRB Checks, Training on Abuse, Records of Incidents and action taken will be securely stored in perpetuity. Retention of these records will be in accordance with the The Data Protection Act.
9. CRB Disclosures will be securely destroyed once they are no longer needed. This will normally be within six months of our receiving a disclosure, except in exceptional circumstances.
Welcome to the Othona Community