Safeguarding Policy

Marton Museum of Country Bygones Safeguarding Policy

Guiding principles

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All children and vulnerable adults, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual, bullying, exclusion or neglect. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism and racism towards children will not be permitted or tolerated.

This policy is in place to protect all vulnerable persons regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or faith.

A copy of this policy will be displayed for the attention of all in the Museum and made available to hirers. It will also be publicly available on our website.

Statement of intent

Marton Museum of Country Bygones the Trustees and volunteers have a duty to safeguard vulnerable users of the Museum and those who may come into contact with vulnerable users. They should respond to any concerns they may have regarding the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological safety of a vulnerable person or concerns relating to discriminatory or financial violation or exploitation of a vulnerable person.

Policy Statement

1. No member of the Trustees or volunteers will have unaccompanied access to children or vulnerable adults unless appropriately vetted. All volunteers will work in pairs. All Trustees and volunteers will be provided two copies of this policy statement annually – one to keep and one to sign and return to be held by the Trustee nominated in (2).

2. A Trustee will be appointed to be responsible for child and vulnerable adult protection matters. This person will have responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the relevant agency. The named person is David Fry until 31 December 2025.

3. All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or vulnerable adult will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately. The appointed person above will:

• Know who to contact at the Warwickshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mash

      •    Ensure an environment in which people can raise any child protection or vulnerable adult protection concerns.

4. All trustees and volunteers will be required to become aware of the issues surrounding children and vulnerable adults. They will be made aware of this policy and the relevant vetting procedures. New trustees and volunteers will be provided with an understanding of their responsibilities in these matters.

5. The trustees will endeavour to keep the museum safe for use by children and vulnerable adults. The Committee recognises that a higher standard of safety is required when used by small children, and those who cannot read notices such as adults with physical or learning disabilities.

As the museum is designed to be hands on, appropriate supervision such as parents or carers will be requested when insufficient museum volunteers are available. A notice regarding this will be posted near the entrance for older children, parents and carers.

The Trustees will carry out regular health, safety and fire risk assessments in line with current legislation. The trustees will require volunteers to report any damage, breakages or safety issues needing attention to the appropriate trustee which will be dealt with as soon as is practicable.

6. Contractors engaged to carry out work at the premises must not be allowed unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Appropriate supervision will be arranged if necessary.

7. An annual review will take place following the first trustees meeting of the year to allow for any required up-date of policies and or procedures.

David Fry
Managing Trustee, Marton Museum of Country Bygones
February 2024