Safeguarding Policy
The Consett in Focus Documentary Photo group exists to document the lives of the people of the Consett area through photography, both colour and monochrome. We intend to show many aspects of the lives of the people of Consett, cultural, working, leisure and any other aspects we consider of interest. The members of the project have a legal duty of care for any young people that become involved, in any way, with the project. Therefore in order to safeguard the interests of all members the following procedures shall apply. The Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 This legislation covers the protection of both children and vulnerable adults.
For the purpose of the Act, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18. The legislation aims to protect these groups with respect to:
Sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse.
Physical abuse.
Health and safety issues.
Protection of personal data
Child Protection Policy
Consett in Focus Project Group has a duty of care to safeguard all children from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account. The Project Group will ensure the safety and protection of all children through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Project Group. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children’s Act 1989). The Project Group recognises that in its activities it has a responsibility towards any minor to prevent any form of abuse, specifically physical, sexual, or emotional, and to protect minors from any form of bullying. Adherence to the policy is a condition of all grades of membership of the Project Group – members’ attention is drawn to the policy on the joining form, along with other Project Group policies and rules. In the case of minors their parent or guardian must countersign the form as acceptance of the policy. Allegations concerning incidents should be reported to any member of the committee, who in turn should pass these on immediately to the Secretary. If the allegation is one of abuse, the Secretary shall liaise with the President in deciding what action should be taken. This could be the sensitive interviewing of the individual, the calling of a full committee meeting or the reporting of the allegation to the Social Services Department and the Police. A copy of all written records, reports, notes and correspondence relating to any incident should be kept by the Secretary.
Code of Behaviour When Engaging with Minors as Part of Project Group Events
Members should avoid spending time alone with a minor on his or her own. If members find themselves in this situation, they should make sure that they may be clearly observed by others.
Members should avoid doing things of a personal nature for minors that they can do for themselves or that their parent/guardian can do for them.
Members should avoid taking a minor to the toilet unless another adult is present or has been made aware (their parent/guardian).
Members, other than a minor’s parent or guardian should avoid having a minor aged under 18 in their own vehicle, unless accompanied by that minor’s parent, or guardian.
Members should avoid unnecessary physical contact. Do not: Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind.
Physically restrain a minor unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury of the minor.
In all circumstances physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable; otherwise the act ion can be defined as assault.
It is accepted by the Project Group that photography being an art form will mean that images of all types, print or electronic (digital projection or internet), may be presented as part of the Project Group’s activities. These may not be of everyone’s taste and indeed may potentially offend. By countersigning the application form parents/guardians of minors signify acceptance of this.
Notes on Mentoring
The Project Group may occasionally offer mentoring by a more expert member of the Project Group. Mentoring of minors under 18 is only allowed with the explicit agreement of their parent/guardian and only if more than one adult is present - this may include a parent/guardian When demonstrating equipment or techniques the mentor may be required to be in close proximity of the minor. This should be kept as short as possible, and only with the express permission of the minor and with prior permission of the parent or guardian.
Acceptance & Review
This policy has been adopted by the committee and will be reviewed every 2 years.
Date: 1st Jan 2022
Review 1 Jan 2024
The Consett in Focus Documentary Photo group exists to document the lives of the people of the Consett area through photography, both colour and monochrome. We intend to show many aspects of the lives of the people of Consett, cultural, working, leisure and any other aspects we consider of interest. The members of the project have a legal duty of care for any young people that become involved, in any way, with the project. Therefore in order to safeguard the interests of all members the following procedures shall apply. The Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 This legislation covers the protection of both children and vulnerable adults.
For the purpose of the Act, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18. The legislation aims to protect these groups with respect to:
Sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse.
Physical abuse.
Health and safety issues.
Protection of personal data
Child Protection Policy
Consett in Focus Project Group has a duty of care to safeguard all children from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account. The Project Group will ensure the safety and protection of all children through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Project Group. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children’s Act 1989). The Project Group recognises that in its activities it has a responsibility towards any minor to prevent any form of abuse, specifically physical, sexual, or emotional, and to protect minors from any form of bullying. Adherence to the policy is a condition of all grades of membership of the Project Group – members’ attention is drawn to the policy on the joining form, along with other Project Group policies and rules. In the case of minors their parent or guardian must countersign the form as acceptance of the policy. Allegations concerning incidents should be reported to any member of the committee, who in turn should pass these on immediately to the Secretary. If the allegation is one of abuse, the Secretary shall liaise with the President in deciding what action should be taken. This could be the sensitive interviewing of the individual, the calling of a full committee meeting or the reporting of the allegation to the Social Services Department and the Police. A copy of all written records, reports, notes and correspondence relating to any incident should be kept by the Secretary.
Code of Behaviour When Engaging with Minors as Part of Project Group Events
Members should avoid spending time alone with a minor on his or her own. If members find themselves in this situation, they should make sure that they may be clearly observed by others.
Members should avoid doing things of a personal nature for minors that they can do for themselves or that their parent/guardian can do for them.
Members should avoid taking a minor to the toilet unless another adult is present or has been made aware (their parent/guardian).
Members, other than a minor’s parent or guardian should avoid having a minor aged under 18 in their own vehicle, unless accompanied by that minor’s parent, or guardian.
Members should avoid unnecessary physical contact. Do not: Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind.
Physically restrain a minor unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury of the minor.
In all circumstances physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable; otherwise the act ion can be defined as assault.
It is accepted by the Project Group that photography being an art form will mean that images of all types, print or electronic (digital projection or internet), may be presented as part of the Project Group’s activities. These may not be of everyone’s taste and indeed may potentially offend. By countersigning the application form parents/guardians of minors signify acceptance of this.
Notes on Mentoring
The Project Group may occasionally offer mentoring by a more expert member of the Project Group. Mentoring of minors under 18 is only allowed with the explicit agreement of their parent/guardian and only if more than one adult is present - this may include a parent/guardian When demonstrating equipment or techniques the mentor may be required to be in close proximity of the minor. This should be kept as short as possible, and only with the express permission of the minor and with prior permission of the parent or guardian.
Acceptance & Review
This policy has been adopted by the committee and will be reviewed every 2 years.
Date: 1st Jan 2022
Review 1 Jan 2024