Safeguarding Statement

We acknowledge the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and are committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and relevant sports specific requirements. The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all participants have a positive and enjoyable experience at Parkwood Leisure, Legacy Leisure, Lex Leisure, 1Life and Wellbeing, Fitness and Leisure Community Trust facilities, in a safe environment are protected from abuse whilst using the facilities.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

to protect children and adults at risk who receive Parkwood Leisure, Legacy Leisure, Lex Leisure, 1Life and Wellbeing, Fitness and Leisure Community Trust’s services from harm.
to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and vulnerable adults and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our collective approach to child protection.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Parkwood Leisure, Legacy Leisure, Lex Leisure, 1Life and Wellbeing, Fitness and Leisure Community Trust, including trustees, directors, senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.

What we’ll do

As part of our safeguarding policy we will: promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and adults at risk
Value, listen to and respect children
Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation
Adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
Provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and
behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently
Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual(s) who raise or disclose the concern
Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
Record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
Prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
Appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding
Develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures
Share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
Make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the organisation. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following
circumstances: changes in legislation and/or government guidance as required by the local safeguarding
partnership, as a result of any other significant change or event.

This policy was last reviewed on 15 June 2023
Alexandria Gibson, Designated Safeguarding Officer