The Stalisfield Village Hall Trust (SVHT) Safeguarding Policy

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​​Purpose

The Stalisfield Village Hall Trust recognises its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children,young people, and adults at risk who use the hall.

The policy aims to:

• Protect all users of the all from harm or abuse.

• Provide employees, volunteers, and hirers with guidance and safeguarding responsibilities.

• Ensure prompt and appropriate action if concerns arise.

Scope

This policy covers all activities associated with SVHT. The individuals falling within the scope of this policy include Trustees, Committee Members, employees and volunteers.

Each hirer is responsible for ensuring the safeguarding arrangements are in place for their own activities and participants.

Definitions

• Safeguarding: The action taken to promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and to protect them from harm.

• Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect.

• Vulnerable Adults: Individuals aged 18 or over who may be at risk of abuse or exploitation due to a disability, mental health condition, or other factors.

Policy Statement

• SVHT will ensure that the hall is safe for all users

• SVHT will not tolerate abuse or neglect in any form

• Any suspicions or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly

• The hall will be maintained to a safe standard including regular risk assessments.

• All accidents or incidents will be recorded in the accident book

• Photographs of children or vulnerable adults may not be taken pr shared without consent

Roles and Responsibilities

• SVHT will maintain and review the policy annually

• SVHT will ensure that all committee members and volunteers understand the safeguarding principles

• SVHT will respond to safeguarding concerns raised by users of the public

• SVHT’s Designated Safeguarding Officer is Kate Jamieson who can be reached by phone on 07810 -721125 and by email katejamiesoncornhill@gmail.com. The Designated Officer acts as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns and liaises with local safeguarding agencies as required.

Hirers

• Must read this policy before hiring the hall

• Are responsible for the safety of participants during the hire period

• If working with children or adults at risk, must have their own safeguarding policy and relevant DBS checks.

Procedure for Reporting Concerns

• If anyone is in immediate danger call 999

• Report any concerns or allegations to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as soon as possible

• The DSO will

• Record the concern accurately and confidentially

• Contact the relevant authorities, if necessary, such as a Local Authority  Designated Officer, an Adult Social Care Safeguarding Team, NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 500

• Training and Support

• Training will be provided as appropriate.

• All committee members and volunteers will be briefed on safeguarding procedures

• Updates to national or local safeguarding guidance will be incorporated as required.

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Last reviewed August 2026

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Review required August 2028