Hertford and Districts Dog Training Society (HDDTS)
Safeguarding Children and Young Adults Policy Statement
Purpose and scope of this policy statement is:
- To protect children and young people who participate in HDDTS activities from harm. This includes the children of adults who participate in our society.
- To provide HDDTS volunteer committee and trainers, as well children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of HDDTS, including committee members, trainers, trainee trainers and volunteers.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/child protection
We believe that:
Children and young adults should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.
We recognise that:
All children and young people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
No child under 18 years old will be allowed to attend without a responsible adult present. This adult must remain present for the duration of the training.
Valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people.
Appointing a nominated safeguarding lead and deputy lead for children and young people.
Providing effective supervision and support so that all committee, trainers and volunteers know about and follow our procedures confidently.
Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance.
Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice via committee and trainer meetings.
Making sure that children, young people and their families who attend HDDTS know where to go for help if they have a concern.
Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.
Building a safeguarding culture where HDDTS committee, trainers and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.
Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers.
Always working in an open environment (eg avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).
Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with children.
Contact details
Nominated safeguarding lead: Lindsay Wood
Deputy safeguarding lead: Jodie Jackson
Phone/email: 07968763207 / hertfordddts@gmail.com
How to raise a concern:
It is everyone’s responsibility to share concerns. If you have a concern about something heard or seen, no matter how small, then it’s essential that you tell someone. You can:
- Speak to the designated safeguarding lead or deputy lead
- Report it directly to Children’s Services, Hertfordshire County Council via telephone 0300 123 4043
Confidentiality will be maintained in all stages however, it is important to understand that by sharing a concern you are consenting to having the information shared with 3rd parties such as social care and/or police should an investigation be made.
Further information: The Kennel Club Safeguarding Policy. Safeguarding policy | Policies | The Kennel Club