Safeguarding Policy
1.1 Billingborough Parish Council believes that it is always unacceptable for any child or vulnerable person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable persons, by a commitment to practice which protects them.
1.2 The Council recognises that:
• the welfare of the child/vulnerable person is paramount.
• all children and vulnerable persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm, abuse or neglect.
• working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable persons, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare.
1.3 The purpose of the policy is to:
• provide protection for the children, young or vulnerable people who might receive Billingborough Parish Council services.
• ensure Billingborough Parish Council members, staff and volunteers understand the procedures they should follow in the event that they suspect any child or vulnerable person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
1.4 This policy applies to all members and employees and anyone working directly on behalf of Billingborough Parish Council.
1.5 Insofar as it is relevant to its activities, the Council will seek to safeguard children and vulnerable persons by:
• valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents, children and vulnerable people appropriately.
1.6 Billingborough Parish Council will ensure that any member or employee, requested or employed to specifically work with children and vulnerable persons will:
• be subjected to checks, including Disclosure Barring Service (DBS), where necessary and
• provide effective management through supervision, support and training as necessary.
1.7 Billingborough Parish Council is committed to reviewing its policy and good practice annually.
This Policy was adopted in March 2016 and was reviewed in March 2024.