Children and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy - North Devon ...

NORTH DEVON COUNCIL SAFEGUARDING POLICY 2010
NORTH DEVON COUNCIL SAFEGUARDING POLICY
INTRODUCTION
Children, young people and vulnerable adults have the right to participate, have fun and be safe
in the services provided for them and the activities they choose, or their parents/carers choose
for them.
Under the Children Act 2004 and the Apprenticeships Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009,
North Devon Council has a duty to co-operate with the County Council in discharging its duties
as a Children’s Services Authority and to promote the well-being of children and young people.
Devon County Council is also the lead agency for the protection of vulnerable adults. North
Devon Council can carry out its responsibilities by ensuring that the needs and interests of
children, young people and vulnerable adults are considered by all Members, employees,
volunteers and contracted services, when taking decisions in relation to service provision.
The purpose of this policy and any associated procedures is to protect and promote the welfare
of the children, young people and vulnerable adults using or receiving services provided or
commissioned by North Devon Council and protect the Council, its officers, elected members
and volunteers. North Devon Council is not a Children’s Services Authority and it is not the role
of the Council to investigate allegations of abuse. However, all Elected Members (from hereon
referred to as ‘Members’), employees, volunteers and contracted services providers 1 have a
responsibility to take action when they suspect or recognise that a child, young person or
vulnerable adult may be a victim of significant harm or abuse.
This policy demonstrates how the Council will meet its legal obligations and reassure members
of the public, service users, Members, employees and people working on behalf of the Council:
a) What they can expect North Devon Council to do to protect and safeguard children, young
people and vulnerable adults;
b) That they are able to voice any concerns through an established procedure;
c) That all reports of abuse or potential abuse are dealt with in a serious and effective manner;
and
d) That there is an efficient recording and monitoring system in place.
e) Members, employees, volunteers and contractors receive the appropriate training.
1 Contracted service providers will cover a wide range of services from small voluntary groups with little or no
contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults to providers who have substantial contact. See Definitions
and the appropriate sections under Safeguarding Procedures
1