Barston

Barston U3A Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding is a term used to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow vulnerable people to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Barston U3A is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the U3A.

The scope of this policy and the following procedure is limited to instances which relate to activities taking place under the auspices of Barston U3A.

1. Barston U3A acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all people entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.

2. Barston U3A confirms that it adheres to this Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines. We will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns or allegations.

3. The key principles of this policy are as follows:
• The welfare of the member is, and must always be, paramount to any other consideration.
• U3A events and activities for members will follow and adhere to the National U3A’s policy guidelines.
• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to be protected from abuse or harm.
• All allegations, suspicions or concerns of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.

4. The U3A recognises that all members have the right to participate in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice. The U3A recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved.

5. The Barston U3A Committee will jointly act as Safeguarding Officer to deal with any issues concerning Safeguarding and Member Protection.

6. If you witness or are aware of an incident where you are concerned the welfare of a member has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Chairman or a member of the Committee. If at any time you are not able to contact a Committee Member and the matter is clearly serious then you can either:

• Contact the Police or Local Safeguarding Officer,
• Call or contact one of the following organisations for advice or help:
 Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk; 0800 055 6112 or 0121 704 7840
 Alzheimer’s Society - www.alzheimers.org.uk; 0300 222 1122
 Action on Elder Abuse - www.elderabuse.org.uk; 0808 808 8141
 Mind - www.mind.org.uk; 0300 123 3393
 Mencap - www.mencap.org.uk; 0808 808 1111

7. The U3A will ensure that all its members will comply with all guidance and best practice as issued by the U3A.

Signed: Margaret Oswald Date: 10th August 2020

Margaret Oswald
Chairman, Barston U3A