Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. 

We believe that all vulnerable adults and children (people under 18 years of age), have an equal right to protection from abuse regardless of their age, race, religion, ability, gender, language, background, or sexual identity. 

This Safeguarding Policy applies to the volunteer members of Veg on the Edge who maintain our community food growing spaces. For brevity, we refer to all such individuals as members in the policy that follows:

  • We recognise that safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is vital and that we have a duty of care towards any children and vulnerable adults who take part in our activities. 
  • Veg on the Edge is not constituted, staffed or registered to take responsibility for the care of children or vulnerable adults.
  • Our sites are open to the public 24 hours a day and members meet at specified times on a drop-in basis and at other events organised by the group. 
  • The group’s activities are not regulated activities within the meaning of Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. (Under this Act regulated activities would include, but not limited to; health care, teaching, driving a vehicle for children, foster care).
  • Veg on the Edge does not employ staff.  
  • Group members are not subject to Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) checks. 
  • Where the Veg on the Edge contracts for services (for example groundwork at the site), at no time are contractors required or permitted to work with, or take any responsibility for the care of, children or vulnerable adults whilst working on site. 
  • At no time are members permitted to use their position as part of the group to form personal relationships with children or vulnerable adults.
  • Children and vulnerable adults are not permitted to take part in group activities unless accompanied by an adult carer.
  • It must be clear to those attending the group’s activities that they will need to be able to work without constant supervision and be able to take reasonable care for their own health and safety whilst on site. 
  • When people first volunteer they will be asked to confirm if they are happy for photos to be taken of them, and if applicable their child, whilst taking part. This is a written record which is retained in line with our Data Protection policy. As good practice and before taking a photo, a member will check with the adult carer and explain how the photo will be used. If an adult carer decides that a vulnerable adult cannot reasonably make this decision, they may do so on their behalf. 
  • Any suspicions or allegations of abuse which are raised by members, or those taking part, will be taken seriously, and responded to swiftly and appropriately, by working with relevant agencies and taking action as they advise. Contacts of relevant agencies are noted below.

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Child – as defined in the Children’s Acts 1989 and 2004, is anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday. ‘Children’ therefore means ‘children and young people’ throughout. Until a person has reached their eighteenth birthday, they are the legal responsibility of their parents / carers, even if that person is not present. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change their status or entitlements to services or protection.

Vulnerable adult – is someone who is over the age of 18 who may have a physical, learning, or sensory disability, a mental health problem, a serious illness, or may be an older person.

Contact information

  • The lead member for Safeguarding is the Chair who may be contacted on hello@vegontheedge.org
  • In Bradford to report a safeguarding concern (Adults and Children) during office hours call Children’s Social Care Initial Contact Point – 01274 433999.
  • At all other times, Social Services Emergency Duty Team – 01274 431010.
  • If you have reason to believe that a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.

Guidance

If a vulnerable adult or child approaches a member with concerns, we will reassure them that they have done the right thing. Involving the Safeguarding lead above we will:

  • Listen to their story carefully and respectfully.
  • Notify them that only the people who need to know will be informed.
  • Not try to solve the situation or confront anyone.
  • Take all claims seriously and calmly.
  • Write up what has been said, including the date and time, a description of the incident as described by the person, as well as any names and locations.
  • Report the safeguarding concern to Bradford contacts immediately.

Notwithstanding the above in an emergency, we will dial 999. 

This policy will be reviewed annually prior to the AGM, or more frequently if necessary.

Written February 2024.