Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022

View  Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022 (PDF) [873KB]  as a PDF document, alternatively the information is available in an accessible format below.

Should you require any forms associated with this policy they are available within the  Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022 (PDF) [873KB] PDF document.

Chorley Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to delivering services for children that promote good practice and expects all Council representatives, colleagues and partners to share this commitment.
All children and young people have the right to be safe in the services provided for them and the activities they choose to participate in and the Council is committed fostering a safeguarding culture across the organisation.

This policy sets out the Council's guidance on best practice in dealing with children and young people, protection procedures and specifies the roles and responsibilities of the Council's representatives for whom this policy is mandatory. The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with appropriate safety/protection and to allow Council representatives to make informed and confident responses to specific child safeguarding issues.

Key Definitions:

Child Protection - The process of protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect.

Lancashire Family Safeguarding has replaced the Children's Trust - the local statutory partnership that has a remit to ensure children and young peoples issues are effectively addressed by all relevant agencies.

View more information on family safeguarding on the Lancashire County Council website.

Children/Young people -  In line with the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 a child is anyone who has not yet reached his or her 18th birthday. 'Children' therefore means 'children and young people' throughout. 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, in prison or in a Young Offenders' Institution, does not change his or her status or entitlement to services or protection under the Children Act 1989.

Chorley Council representatives are defined as:

• employees
• agency Staff
• members
• contract Staff
• volunteers - when working for and on behalf of Chorley Council

Common Assessment Framework has been replaced in April 2022 by the Request for Support process. This is an intervention with a family to gather, explore and analyse with them information about all aspects of the child or young person (and their family's) life and then to identify areas where change will address support needs and positively impact on their lived experiences. You can report concerns about a child on the LCC website.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - this is the agency that administers applications for criminal records. Legislation, guidance and local job descriptions indicate which representatives need to undergo a DBS check prior to working with children and young people.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) - a role undertaken by some Council officers following appropriate training. These officers act as a point of contact for other Council employees and advice on safeguarding issues.

Lancashire County Council Family Safeguarding - the upper tier authority service responsible for delivering child protection and safeguarding services across the County.

Lead Safeguarding Officer - the Chorley Council officer with overall responsibility for ensuring the Councils obligations and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding issues are carried out.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - this is a specific designated officer within the Lancashire County Council involved in the management and oversight of individual cases of allegations of abuse made against those who work with children Their role is to give advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations; liaise with the Police and other agencies, and monitor the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible consistent with a thorough and fair process. The Police also have an identified officer to fill a similar role.

Lancashire Family Safeguarding - the statutory, multi-agency body that has strategic oversight for the delivery of safeguarding issues. The overall role is to coordinate local work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to ensure the effectiveness of what the member organisations do individually and together.

Monitoring Officer - a statutory Council appointment held by the Head of Governance at Chorley Council. The role includes the responsibility for ensuring elected Members actions and activities are within set standards.

Parent is used throughout this document as a generic term to represent parents, carers and guardians.

Safeguarding is the generic term which refers to the whole spectrum of ensuring children and young persons are protected from harm.

Substantial Access to children and young people is defined as:

• where individuals are regularly caring for, in contact with, training or supervising a child, young person.
• where an individual has sole charge of children or young people.

As a provider of public services, Chorley Council fully accepts its legal and moral obligations to provide a duty of care and will take all reasonable steps to protect all children and young people using Council services or working with the Council from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

The welfare of the child is paramount and is the always the primary concern of Chorley Council. Everyone has the right to protection from abuse whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality.

The Council is committed to the following principles and actions:

• the Council will ensure that a protective safeguarding culture is in place and is actively promoted within the organisation and will work together with other agencies to safeguard children.
• the Council will implement procedures to safeguard children and young people and take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
• all representatives of Chorley Council who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility. Representatives who have substantial access to children and young people are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to appointment and that this check is repeated every three years, or sooner, where directed by Professional Bodies, e.g. NGB, Teaching Sport. Where volunteers are being used for one-off events then a self-disclosure form will be required.
• all staff / volunteers will be required to adopt and abide by the Council's Code of Conduct and the Child and Young Person Protection Policy and its procedures and will be provided with supervision, guidance and/or training in good practice and Child Protection procedures to ensure that they are properly equipped to:.
• identify where there may be a problem know how to obtain advice refer concerns to relevant specialists protect themselves from false accusations of abuse
• all representatives have a responsibility to report concerns of suspected abuse or poor practice and The Council will provide designated points of contact within the organisation.
• Council representatives should follow the code of conduct contained in this policy and work in an open and transparent way avoiding any conduct that may cause a reasonable person to question their motives and intentions.
• the Council will promote good practice that encourages a safe environment, protects all parties and avoids mistaken allegations of abuse.
• the Council will take all incidents of poor practice and allegations or suspicions of abuse seriously and these will be responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• the Council will respond promptly to suspicions or allegations involving staff and appropriate disciplinary and appeals procedures will be implemented.
• this policy will be reviewed every three years or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or in the relevant legislation or any other adopted standard of best practice.

Confidentiality shall be upheld in line with current data protection and human rights legislation which takes into account the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations.

Personal Data will be held and destroyed in accordance with Council policies and in way that is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulations.

Who does the policy apply to?

The policy applies to all staff and representatives of Chorley Council: Employees, Agency and Contract Staff, Volunteers (including young people under 18) working for and on behalf of Chorley Council and elected members.

The Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer is Jennifer Mullin, Director of Communities who provides the strategic lead for safeguarding.

The councils safeguarding Monitoring Officer is Chris Moister, Director of Governance

Designated Safeguarding Officers are:

• Graeme Walmsley, Human Resources
• Rachel Austen, Public Protection

It is not the role or responsibility of any representative of the Council to decide whether abuse is taking place. DSO's should take advice from a relevant statutory agency before deciding to refer reports, concerns or disclosure formally.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

• will provide a point of contact for staff who need to test concerns about safeguarding and act appropriately, either seeking advice from, or making a formal referral to, statutory agencies regarding a safeguarding disclosure, report or concern.
• will provide a point of contact with the County Council Adult Services Duty Officer and hold an up-to-date list of contact details for statutory adult safeguarding agencies

Lead Safeguarding Officer

• holds all of the responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Officer but in addition:

• will act as the lead officer for the Council with responsibility for safeguarding procedures.

• will liaise with the children and young people's agencies as appropriate.

Directors and Managers:

• are responsible for making sure that all of their staff are aware of, and understand the importance of this policy and related guidance.
• will arrange for appropriate training for their staff and maintain a log of this training.
• must make sure that any contractors, agents or other representatives who they have engaged to undertake duties on behalf of the Council involving contact with children and young people understand and comply with this policy.
• should ensure that safe working practices are in place for their staff, and ensure that any staff without enhanced a DBS clearance are never placed in a situation where they have 'substantial' access to children as defined in this policy and take all practicable steps to avoid any avoidable sole contact with children by any of their staff.
• will work with HR to ensure that all staff are compliant with the Council's provisions relating to DBS Disclosure. This includes assessing whether new positions or changes to job descriptions will require DBS disclosure.
• must make sure that any contractors, agents or other representatives whom they engage to undertake duties on their behalf, which involves contact with children and young people, understand and comply with the policy.

Monitoring Officer

Has responsibility for receiving safeguarding concerns and allegations made against elected Members. The monitoring officer in liaison with the Lead Safeguarding Officer and Chief Executive Officer will determine the most appropriate course of action including referral to the LADO and police.

Chris Moister is the Council's Safeguarding Monitoring Officer ext.5160.

Human Resources Services Manager

• will ensure DBS checks and references that refer to the candidates' suitability to work with children and young people are taken up for all appropriate posts as part of the recruitment and selection processes and that repeat checks are issued for employees.
• will include appropriate training in the corporate training programme and ensure that Child and Young Person Protection training is part of the induction programme for all new staff with substantial access to children and young people.
• will ensure that details of DBS checks (record of date and reference number), any details of child protection incidents and references of staff are kept securely and uphold confidentiality in line with best practice and relevant legislation.
• will maintain a record of all staff that have completed a DBS check and are considered suitable for work involving substantial access to children and young people.

All Staff and Members :

• should be aware of this policy and should commit themselves to safeguarding children.
• should attend appropriate child and young person protection training if their role involves substantial access to children and young people.
• should not begin any unsupervised activity involving substantial access to children and young people prior to receiving a satisfactory DBS check.
• should be aware of this policy's guidance on best practice, appropriate and inappropriate behaviour for staff working with/or in charge of children and young people and the relevant codes of conduct and related policies such as the Councils Whistle Blowing Policy and Codes of Conduct.
• should understand the Council's procedures for reporting concerns and disclosure and know who their Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is.
• are expected to act on any suspected or potential case of child or young person abuse. In line with the existing 'Whistle Blowing' Policy, Chorley Council will support anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a child or young person is being abused or is at risk of abuse, even if those concerns prove to be unfounded.
• should challenge poor practice as appropriate.
• should have regard to the Missing Children Policy and Procedure within the Sport Development and Play Activity team and seek their advice on

Facts about abuse

Children of all ages may be abused. The abuser may be a family member. Or they may be someone the child encounters within the community, including during sports and leisure activities. Child abusers can be found in all areas of society, and from any professional, racial and religious background. Contrary to the popular image child sex abusers often appear kind, concerned and caring towards children. But this is deliberate - by forming close relationships with children, abusers can build their trust and help prevent adult suspicion. Often an abused child will suffer more than one type of abuse at the same time. For example, parents who physically abuse their children may also be neglectful.

Recognising child abuse is not easy. It is not the responsibility of Council staff, elected members or volunteers to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place or if a child or young person is at significant risk.

However Council staff, elected members and volunteers do have a responsibility to act if they have a concern.

Abuse and neglect

Somebody may abuse a child or young person by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Even for those experienced in working with abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place.

Children may be vulnerable to neglect and abuse or exploitation from within their family and from individuals they come across in their day-to-day lives. There are different types of abuse, and a person may suffer more than one type. These threats can take a variety
of different forms, including: sexual, physical and emotional abuse; neglect; domestic abuse, including controlling or coercive behaviour; exploitation by criminal gangs and organised crime groups; trafficking; online abuse; sexual exploitation and the influences of extremism leading to radicalisation. From Department of Education Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

Whatever the form of abuse or neglect, practitioners should put the needs of children first when determining what action to take

View more information on working together to safeguard children on the GOV.UK website.

Signs and indicators of abuse

Sometimes a child who is being abused may show some of the following signs:

• a change in his or her general behaviour. For example, they may become unusually quiet and withdrawn, or unexpectedly aggressive. Such changes can be sudden or gradual.
• he or she appears distrustful of a particular adult, or a parent or a coach with whom you would expect there to be a close relationship.
• he or she may describe receiving attention from an adult that suggests they are being 'groomed' for future abuse
• he or she is not able to form close friendships.
• the child refuses to remove clothing for normal activities or wants to keep covered up in warm weather.
• the child shows inappropriate sexual awareness or behaviour for their age.
• the child has unexplained injuries such as bruising, bites or burns - particularly if these are on a part of the body where you would not expect them.
• the child has an injury which is not explained satisfactorily or properly treated.
• deterioration in the child's physical appearance or a rapid weight gain or loss
• pains, itching, bruising, or bleeding in or near the genital area.

Concern does not necessarily need to be related to a single specific incident. It may also arise from the accumulation of minor concerns.

It is important to remember that these signs do not always mean that a child is being abused - there may be other explanations. But if you think that a child may be being abused, it is important that you discuss your concerns with a professional.

Every child and young person is unique and it is difficult to predict how their behaviour will change as a result of their experience of abuse.

Listed below are some physical signs and behavioural indicators that may be commonly seen in children and young people who are abused, but remember they may only be an indication and not confirmation that abuse is taking place.

Physical Abuse

Important Rule

It is important to remember that many children or young people will exhibit some of these signs and indicators at some time, and the presence of one or more should not be taken as proof that abuse is occurring. There may well be other reasons for changes in behaviour such as death, or the birth of a new baby in the family, relationship problems between parents/carers, etc

It is not the responsibility of a Chorley Council representative to decide that abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns by reporting any suspicions that they have.

Indicators of Abuse

Indications that a child or young person may be suffering abuse could include the child or young person describing what appears to be an abusive act involving him / her, or someone else expressing concern about the welfare of another child or young person. Some physical signs and behavioural indicators are shown in the tables below.
 

Physical Abuse

Some injuries may seem insignificant by themselves, but repeated injuries, even of a very minor nature, especially in a young child, may be symptomatic of child abuse and, if no action is taken, the child may be injured more seriously.

REMEMBER: There may be other reasons that a child or young person is exhibiting some of the signs and indicators

Burns and scalds

It can be very difficult to distinguish between accidental and non-accidental burns, but as a general rule, burns or scalds with clear outlines are suspicious, eg a gloves and socks effect. So are burns of uniform depth over a large area. Also, splash marks above the main scald area (caused by hot liquid being thrown).

Remember also:

• a responsible adult checks the temperature of the bath before a child gets in;
• a child is unlikely to sit down, voluntarily, in too hot a bath and cannot scald its bottom accidentally without also scalding its feet;
• a child getting into too hot water of its own accord will struggle to get out again and there will be splash marks;
• small round burns may be cigarette burns (but may be friction burns and accidental, if along the bony protuberances of the spine, impetigo can also lead to marks which appear very similar to cigarette burns). Cigarette burns also tend to have a characteristically dark, thick base.

Scars

All children have scars, but notice should be taken if an exceptionally large number, particularly if of different ages and if accompanied by current bruising. Unusually shaped scars (e.g. old cigarette burns), or large scars (indicating burns that did not receive treatment), should be viewed suspiciously.

Bruising

Most falls, or accidents, produce one bruise on a single surface, usually on a bony protuberance. A child who falls downstairs generally has only one or two bruises. Bruising in accidents is usually on the front of the body, as children generally fall forwards. In addition, there may be marks on their hands if they have tried to break their fall.

The following are uncommon sites for accidental bruising:

• back, back of legs, buttocks (exception, occasionally, along the bony protuberances of the spine)
• mouth, cheeks, behind the ear
• stomach, chest
• under the arm
• genital, rectal area (but ask if the child is learning to ride a bicycle)
• neck

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can exist in the absence of physical ill-treatment. A child's need for love, security, encouragement, praise and stimulation when unmet, can have a serious and sometimes irreparable effect on the child's development. Parents may be hostile, rejecting, indifferent, or, perhaps worst of all, inconsistent and unpredictable in their response to their child.

REMEMBER: There may be other reasons that a child or young person is exhibiting some of the signs and indicators

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is now known to be more common than has been generally recognised. Boys and girls of all ages can be victims but the majority are girls. The perpetrators are usually adults known to the children involved e.g. fathers, stepfathers, relatives, neighbours, family, friends etc. Abuse within a family is rarely an isolated event; it sometimes lasts for months and years and involves more than one child.

Abuse usually escalates from caressing and fondling, which the child may welcome initially, to mutual masturbation and penetration. Victims may disclose their situation to adults in whom they have confidence. It is now known that children rarely fantasise, or make up stories of sexual abuse. Children's allegations should, therefore, always be taken seriously and reported.

REMEMBER: There may be other reasons that a child or young person is exhibiting some of the signs and indicators.

Many of these symptoms are also associated with other forms of childhood disturbance and in themselves should not be seen as diagnostic.

The patterns of behaviour in particular children will depend on the age, sex and stage of development of the child:

• pre-school children are more likely to show direct physical responses, sexualisation of behaviour and regressive signs and symptoms;
• school age children may show unexpected decline in school performance, loss of self-esteem patterns, running away, reluctance to return home at the end of a school day, may be resistant to PE, undressing at school, medicals etc;
• adolescents may overdose, run away, self-mutilate, become promiscuous, develop anorexia, abuse drugs or alcohol, or have hysterical attacks;
• boys are more likely to identify with the aggressor and behave aggressively themselves.

Sexual Abuse

Neglect

A child's growth and development may suffer when he/she receives insufficient food, love, warmth, care and concern, praise and encouragement or stimulation. Neglect and failure to thrive will need a medical diagnosis but warning signs, apart from perhaps the child's neglected appearance, may include:

REMEMBER: There may be other reasons that a child or young person is exhibiting some of the signs and indicators

Neglect and failure to thrive

Bullying

Bullying can involve a combination of other forms of abuse such as physical or emotional abuse bullying can be child on child but could also be adult on child, for example concerns about a coach/council representative bullying a child.

Bullying is not easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time. The three main types of bullying are: physical (e.g. hitting, kicking), verbal (e.g. racist remarks, threats, name calling) and emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from activities).

They will include:

• deliberate hostility and aggression towards the victim
• a victim who is weaker than the bully or bullies
• an outcome which is always painful and distressing for the victim

Bullying behaviour may also include:

• other forms of violence
• sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing or theft
• tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation
• racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• unwanted physical contact or abusive/offensive comments of a sexual nature

Emotional and verbal bullying is more likely; however it is also more difficult to cope with or prove.

Signs of bullying include:

• behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go to training or competitions
• an unexplained drop off in performance
• physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes
• a shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place.

The Council has a zero tolerance approach to bullying. If bullying is suspected, representatives of the Council should follow the procedure set out in 'Responding to suspicions or allegations' in Section 4.

Action for staff to help the victim and prevent bullying:

• take all signs of bullying very seriously.
• encourage all children to speak and share their concerns (It is believed that up to 12 children per year commit suicide as a result of bullying, so if anyone talks about or threatens suicide, seek professional help immediately). Help the victim to speak out and tell the person in charge or someone in authority.
• investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe. Speak with the victim and the bully(ies) separately.
• reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, but do not promise to tell no one else.
• keep records of what is said (what happened, by whom, when).
• report any concerns to a Child Protection Officer or the school (wherever the bullying is occurring).

Action towards the bully(ies):

• talk with the bully(ies), explain the situation, and try to get the bully(ies) to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim(s).
• inform the bully(ies)'s parents.
• insist on the return of 'borrowed' items and that the bully(ies) compensate the victim.
• provide support for the victim's coach.
• mpose sanctions as necessary.
• encourage and support the bully(ies) to change behaviour.
• hold meetings with the families to report on progress.
• inform all organisation members of action taken.
• keep a written record of action taken.

If the issue is one of an adult against a child this should representatives should follow the same procedures as with any other form of abuse.

View more information on spotting signs of child abuse on the NSPCC website.

Warning Signs: Behaviours Common to Child Abusers

Those who represent a threat of sexual abuse to children are often skilled at avoiding detection. With this in mind the following list of warning signs should help representatives in their role of exercising vigilance to safeguard children and may alert them to the possibility that someone's intentions towards children are suspicious.

Representatives should look out for those who:

• display inappropriate behaviour, or talk inappropriately, to children and young people.
• avoid co-working or supervision of their work with children or young people.
• seek out opportunities to spend time with either individual children or with a small groups on a regular basis, particularly vulnerable children and young people, for example those who may be disabled.
• encourages secretiveness about their activities with children or young people.
• pay an unusual amount of attention to individual or groups of children, and particularly the provision of presents, money or favours to children or young people.
• take a child/young person or a small group of children or young people to their own home.
• are vague about previous employment or gaps in their employment history.

Representatives should also be aware of, and informed by, the Council's guidance on good and bad practice in relation to safeguarding and protection.

Child Sexual Exploitation

The issue of CSE has become prominent in recent years and this policy recognises the particular issues around identifying behaviours that might indicate CSE is occurring. To that end, since July 2015 the Council has adopted the LCSB e-learning package and is requiring all new and existing front line colleagues to undertake the training. This will be monitored to ensure compliance with this requirement.

Most recently in 2016, an Overview and Scrutiny Committee in Chorley made up of elected members, council officers and partners including , The Children's Society, schools and police examined what work is being done in Chorley to tackle CSE and made a number of recommendations were made to shape future working practice:

• that the council should raise awareness of CSE amongst elected members and officers through training programmes and campaigns
• that there should be a clear understanding of referral pathways and how/when to spot CSE
• that there should be a focus on early intervention and a partnership approach to tackling the issue.
• that the wider licensing trade should undertake CSE training.

As a result of these recommendations, a CSE task and finish group has been established as part of the Community Safety Partnership to carry out these recommendations.

Incidents, observations or disclosures that are of concern with regard to CSE should be recorded and reported in line with this policy using the incident reporting form.

If there are concerns that reports are not being acted upon then the Councils Whistle blowing policy applies.

Criminal Exploitation

As set out in the Serious Violence Strategy, published by the Home Office, where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into any criminal activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator and/or (c) through violence or the threat of violence. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

View more information on criminal exploitation and gangs on the NSPCC website.

Radicalisation

An emerging issue which is related to safeguarding matters is the potential for children and young people to be radicalised. The Council has specific duties to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. To that end the Council will:

• actively participate in the Constabulary PREVENT/CONTEST programme
• have a nominated lead officer for PREVENT - the activity based programme to counter radicalisation risk. This is the Lead Safeguarding Officer - Louise Elo.
• train all appropriate employees on safeguarding, identifying radicalisation in accordance with the Prevent Duty as required under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, and any other legislative requirements.
• ensure the DSO refer radicalisation concerns to the PREVENT lead officer when they arise.

If any staff have concerns or suspicions regarding the radicalisation of children and young people then they should speak to the DSO

Mental Capacity Act

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is a law that protects and supports people, primarily adults, who do not have the ability to make decisions for themselves. In law a lack of capacity is defined as an individual not being able to do one or more of the following. Understand the information given to them, retain that information long enough to be able to make a decision, weigh up the information available to make a decision or communicate their decision. This does not mean that an individual is unable to make any decisions, but some may be more difficult than others, and therefore a lack of mental capacity may only apply to specific aspects of their life.

The lack of ability to make decisions may be due to illness, brain injury, learning disability, mental health problems, or the effects of drugs or alcohol. It can also be a temporary or permanent impairment.

Children, especially older ones, may also be at risk of abuse, where they would have otherwise been able to make decisions in their best interest, but for their lack of mental capacity to do so.

Clearly this can put such people at risk of being abused either because of the decisions which they make or if they have a family member or unpaid carer making decisions or persuading/instructing them of actions which they should take.

Abuse can be in the form of any of the types of abuse detailed within this policy.:

Employees therefore need to be able to recognise where people may be at risk of being abused, or taken advantage of, because of their lack of capacity to halt or report unwanted behaviour. Employees may also recognise potential abuse because of the decisions which children with a lack of capacity take, or decisions that they may be persuaded into taking.

Where employees suspect that the above may be happening they must report it to a Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Remember to familiarise yourself with the flowchart at the beginning of this policy document and the role and responsibilities of officers with a specific safeguarding responsibility.

You may become aware of possible abuse in various ways.

• see the abuse happening; or receive a direct disclosure of abuse.
• suspect or have concerns because of signs such as those listed in Section 2 or
• have concerns reported to you by either another party

If a child or young person indicates that he/she is being abused, or information is obtained which raises concern of abuse, you should act immediately.

It is not the responsibility of a Chorley Council representative to decide that abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns by reporting any suspicions that they have..

If you are not sure what to do your first response should be to contact a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who will be able to provide advice. A list of contacts is available in the Appendix B of this policy and on the loop. However, if you believe a child to be in immediate danger you should contact the Police, then inform a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

If you are not sure what to do you can gain help from the NSPCC 24-hour help line Tel No: 0808 800 5000 or on the safeguarding children section of the LCC website, Or call LCC 0300 123 6720 (8am - 8pm) or 0300 123 6722 (8pm -8am), or relevant council where the child normally resides.

(If abuse concerns a Council representative please see section 3.4 or elected Member see section 3.5)

All concerns, disclosure or incidents should be recorded on the Child Protection Incident Reporting Form (Appendix A). The form maintains a record of any incident. The form should always be filled out as soon as possible after disclosure, incidents or concerns. Copies are available on the Loop and hard copies available from line managers.

To ensure that information is as accurate and helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern. In recording information you should confine yourself to the facts. Distinguish your personal knowledge from what others have told you. Do not include your own opinions.

Information should include the following:

• the child's name, age, date of birth and ethnicity
• the child's home address and telephone number
• whether the person making the report is expressing their concern or someone else's
• the nature of the allegation, including dates, times and any other relevant information
• a description of any visible bruising or injury, e.g. location, size etc. Also give details of any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes
• details of witnesses to the incident
• the child's account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any injuries occurred if appropriate
• have the parents been contacted? If so what has been said?
• has anyone else been consulted? If so record details
• has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details

However sketchy the details might be it is essential that any information you have to support your concerns, record the disclosure or document the allegation are captured on the form.

It is not the responsibility of Council staff, elected members or volunteers to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place or if a child or young person is at significant risk. Council staffs, elected members and volunteers, however, have a responsibility to act if they have a concern.

This policy document contains guidance (Section 2) on signs and indicators of abuse and guidance relating to the Councils code of conduct for staff working with Children and Young People which should inform representatives in relation to concerns about a child's welfare, reporting inappropriate behaviour and witnessing abuse.

All concerns and allegations should be recorded on the Child Protection Incident Reporting Form. This applies he whether the concern or allegation refers to a member of staff, volunteer, elected member or any other person (for example a family member).

Remember: Concern does not necessarily need to be related to a single specific incident. It may also arise from the accumulation of minor concerns. Failure to report concerns early may allow abuse to continue or escalate with catastrophic consequences.

In all cases, if you are not sure what to do you should contact a Designated Child Protection Officer who will be able to provide advice. A list of contacts is available in Appendix B of this policy.

Action to take:

• complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form.
• pass the completed form to a Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately (or as soon as practically possible if out of hours). Reporting the matter should not be delayed by attempts to obtain further information.
• if you believe that a child or young person is in immediate danger of harm, you should personally contact the Police ensuring that the Council's Lead Safeguarding Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. (The police will automatically inform Children and Young People's Services). A record should be made of the name and title of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed.

If you receive information concerning disclosure you should:

• react calmly so as not to frighten the child or young person.
• tell the child or young person that he/she is not to blame and that he / she was right to tell you.
• take what the child or young person says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child or young person who has a speech disability and/or differences in language.
• you should not attempt to investigate the abuse. Remember that an allegation of abuse or neglect may lead to court action to protect the child or to punish the abuser. Both could be jeopardised if you act inappropriately. Your role is to listen and record. Keep questions to the absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. DO NOT ASK CLOSED OR LEADING QUESTIONS such as "did he touch you? " Allow the child to talk freely and be supportive.
• reassure the child or young person but do not make promises of secrecy or confidentiality, as these may not be feasible as a result of subsequent developments.
• make a full written record of what had been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible, ensuring that you use the exact words of the speaker.
• complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form as provided in Appendix A attaching the original written record, or using the form as the first record of the disclosure if available.
  ACT NOW - DO NOT DELAY. Pass the referral to a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) immediately in person. This should be done as soon as practically possible in an 'out of hours' situation and reporting the matter should not be delayed by attempts to obtain further information.
• if the disclosure relates to a member of staff within your directorate or another Designated Officer then the issue should be passed immediately to the Lead Safeguarding Officer.
• if you have reason to believe an individual is in immediate danger of harm then you should personally contact the Police ensuring that a Designated Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. (The police will automatically inform LCC Children's Services). Try to maintain surveillance of the situation. A record should be taken of the name and position of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed along with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed.
• if the immediate danger relates to suspected abuse by a parent/carer, do not allow the child or young person to go home with them without calling the Police to the scene.

In some instances it may be that the child or young person is unable to express him or herself verbally and means that it may be difficult for vulnerable victims of abuse to complain or be understood. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish the signs of abuse from the symptoms of some disabilities or conditions. However, where there are concerns about the safety of a disabled child or young person representatives should record what has been observed in detail and follow the Council's procedures to report these concerns.

If you receive a disclosure:

• do not panic.
• do not allow any shock or distaste to show.
• do not probe for more information than is offered or ask leading questions.
• do not speculate or make assumptions.
• do not make negative comments about the alleged abuser.
• do not approach the alleged abuser.
• do not make promises or agree to keep secrets

In all cases, if you are not sure what to do you should contact a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who will be able to provide advice. A list of contacts is available in the Appendix B of this policy and on the Loop. If you are not sure what to do you can gain help from the NSPCC 24-hour help line Tel No: 0808 800 5000.

The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) must report the incident or seek advice from LCC Children Services as soon as possible but within an absolute maximum of 24 hours from the receipt of a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form. The DSCO will advise the referrer of the action they will take and further feedback will only be provided if appropriate.

If an allegation relates to a person/people in a position of trust (PiPOT) this may include, but is not limited to any staff working on behalf of:

• social care
• health services
• police and criminal justice
• housing
• education
• advocacy
• GPs
• independent sector
• agency and bank workers
• religious/faith leaders
• commissioning services

View more information on safeguarding policies and procedures on the LCC website.

Action to take:

• complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form
• pass the completed form to the Lead Safeguarding Officer or the HR and OD DSO immediately or as soon as practically possible if out of hours. In the absence of the Lead Safeguarding Officer or the HR and OD DSCO pass the form to one of the Directors. Reporting the matter should not be delayed by attempts to obtain further information.
• if a child or young person is in immediate danger of harm, you should personally contact the Police ensuring that the Lead Safeguarding Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. The police will automatically inform LCC Children Services). Maintain surveillance of the individual if possible. A record should be made of the name and title of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed- record this information on the Child Protection Incident Reporting Form.

Should a concern, report or allegation relate to an Elected Member the first point of contact should be with the Council's Monitoring Officer, who will take advice from LCC Children Services or refer the matter formally. The Monitoring Officer may decide that the Council's Standards procedures apply.

Action to take:

• complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form
• pass the completed form to the Councils Monitoring Officer immediately or as soon as practically possible if out of hours. Reporting the matter should not be delayed by attempts to obtain further information.
• if a child or young person is in immediate danger of harm, you should personally contact the Police ensuring that the Lead Safeguarding Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. The police will automatically inform LCC Children Services. Maintain surveillance of the individual if possible. A record should be made of the name and title of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed- record this information on the Child Protection Incident Reporting Form.

The Council has a 'Whistle Blowing Policy' in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. It is also important to have procedures for enabling staff and volunteers to share, in confidence, with a designated person concerns they may have about a colleague's behaviour.

This may be behaviour linked to child abuse or behaviour that pushes boundaries beyond acceptable limits. If this is consistently ignored a culture may develop within an organisation whereby staff and young people are 'silenced'.

The welfare of the child is always paramount to Chorley Council and we fully support 'whistle blowing' for the sake of the child. The Council assures all representatives and professional or voluntary organisations that it will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith (without malicious intent), reports a concern about a colleague's practice or the possibility that a child or young person may be being abused.
While it is difficult to express concerns about colleagues or issues relating to bad practice, it is vital that these concerns are communicated to a Designated Safeguarding Children Officer or manager. All staff and volunteers will be encouraged to talk to the designated officer if they become aware of anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. For further information please refer to the Council's policy on whistleblowing

Internal complaint procedures

Any complaint or allegation made against Chorley Council's representatives regarding child or young person protection will be handled by Human Resources in conjunction with the relevant Director, following the Council's Disciplinary Procedures. For complaints relating to elected members the matter will be handled by the Council's Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer may decide that the Council's Standards procedures may apply.

Responding to poor practice

If, after investigation, the allegation clearly stems from poor practice, the appropriate Director or manager and Human Resources shall arrange for further information, training and supervision for the representative(s) and service managers. In light of the investigation the Director will be responsible for making any recommended changes to the practices and procedures within their directorate to ensure that the welfare of children and young people is safeguarded and remains paramount. In addition the Lead Safeguarding Officer will undertake a review of the Safeguarding Policy in the light of investigations into poor practice.

Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child). Where such an allegation is made, the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) at Chorley Council shall follow the Council's procedures for responding to disclosures.

Use of Helplines, support groups and open meetings will be encouraged to maintain an open culture and help the healing process for staff following allegations of abuse. A contact number for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy can be found in Appendix I. Consideration shall also be given to what support may be appropriate to the alleged perpetrator of the abuse.

Should a member of staff be approached by someone who has been identified as a potential abuser the staff member should not comment on the case but contact a Designated Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible. If the representative believes that such an approach now means that the Child or Young Person may be immediate danger of harm they should personally contact the Police ensuring that the Safeguarding
Lead Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. Maintain surveillance of the individual if possible. (The police will automatically inform Children and Young People's Services). A record should be made of the name and title of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed.

The legal principle that the welfare of the child is paramount may mean that usual considerations of confidentiality which would apply in other situations should not be to allowed override the Council's exercising of a duty of care and the protection of children and young people from harm. However, every effort shall be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information will be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only.

This could include sharing information with the following parties to safeguard children and young people:

• statutory child protection agencies: Children and Young People's Services or the Police
• Designated Safeguarding Officer and HR Services Manager.
• the parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused (only following advice from Children and Young People's Services).
• the person making the allegation. (Feedback will only be provided if appropriate).
• OFSTED in the case of a child or young person making a disclosure regarding a staff member of an OFSTED registered facility.
• the alleged abuser and parents if the alleged abuser is a child or young person. (Following advice from Children and Young People's Services).

Information shall be stored in a secure place by the HR Services Manager with limited access by designated people; relevant measures will be taken to ensure confidentiality when sharing information to ensure the protection of children and young people. If information is shared with other agencies a secure method of transfer must be used.

Should a Council representative be approached by a member of the press in relation to a safeguarding incident or ongoing investigation relating to a Council representative they should not make any comment but should refer the member of the press to the Council's Communications team.

Chorley Council will take all reasonable steps to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with children and young people in the services it provides. This procedure extends to people who are working on behalf of the Council as well as employees; including all permanent and temporary employees, volunteers and casual staff.

Managers will review each job description before advertising to identify whether the post will involve access to children and young people. These posts will be identified in the relevant section on the job description.

The following additional information will also be requested as part of the application process:

A self-disclosure question to establish whether they have ever been convicted of any criminal offence.

The applicant's consent to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
At least two references with one being their current or most recent employer (not relatives) that comment on the applicant's previous experience and suitability for the job. Referees should have known the applicant for at least 3 years.

The employment interview will include specific child protection questions. For applicants who are successful at the interview HR will request an Enhanced DBS disclosure and 2 references. At this stage an offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and references.

Both HR and the applicant currently receive the result of the DBS disclosure. Should the process change whereby only the applicant receives a copy of the Disclosure, they must provide the original copy (not a photocopy) to human Resources before any appointment can be confirmed. The results are confidential, although any concerns will be highlighted to the recruiting manager and may be discussed with the individual concerned. If there are substantial concerns with the disclosure, which may preclude the applicant from the post, these cases will be discussed by all relevant parties. It will be the responsibility of the relevant manager to decide on the applicant's suitability for working with children and young people, taking into account only those offences that may be relevant to the post. The DBS procedures should be referred to for more guidance on the suitability of applicants.

All representatives of Chorley Council who have substantial access to children and young people are required to renew their enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check every three years, or earlier, as may be directed by professional bodies.

All existing representatives of Chorley Council who have substantial access to children and young people will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. If a member of staff's job description changes a decision should be made by their manager as to whether their duties will involve substantial access to children and, if so, that an enhanced DBS disclosure is applied for.

All Chorley Council representatives, will undergo an induction as soon as possible after commencing their employment, in which a summary of the Safeguarding Policy is included. A link to the full policy and procedures will be provided on the intranet.

Appropriate training will be provided to all Chorley Council employees, members and volunteers who work with children or through their jobs could be in a position to recognise signs of abuse to children and young people. The level of training required shall be identified by Line Managers, with additional support offered by HR & OD and the Training team. For new staff, training will be provided as soon as possible after commencement.

Level 1 - Awareness

All staff will be required to complete mandatory e-learning modules of Safeguarding and Child Protection and Adult Safeguarding for non-adult services workers available on the Learning Hub.

Level 2 

An appropriate more in depth safeguarding awareness programme which may be provided externally -designed for anyone who has 'substantial access' to children during their work. Frontline staff should access the most relevant form of training for their job. This will be identified by line manager and/or DSO with the support of HR.

Level 3 

Appropriate training for DSO's. Training is to enable participants to become familiar with the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Officer and develop competence and confidence in carrying out this role.

Level 4 

Corporate Lead Safeguarding Officer specific training on child protection issues and this specific role. Refresher or update training should be provided at least every 2 years.

Coaches 

Coaches working in sport will be required to attend a specific coaching-related child protection such as Sports Coach UK's 'Good Practice in Child or young person Protection' or equivalent unless they can demonstrate that they have attended a sport's governing body approved training course in Child or young person Protection.

Managers of services that rely on the support of volunteer workers should have a robust system in place to ensure children and young people using those services are not put at safeguarding risk. It is for those service managers in consultation with HR and OD colleagues to determine what disclosures are required.

In determining the level of disclosure required, regard should be had for the general safeguarding principles of unsupervised access, intense access and substantial access to children and young people.

Although it is impractical to provide definitive instructions applying to every situation when Chorley Council representatives come in to contact with children, the following points cover the standards of behaviour expected of all representatives in order to protect both themselves and the individuals they come in to contact with, and are supplementary to the existing Chorley Council Code of Conduct.

All Staff must:

• implement this Policy at all times.
• never engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay.
• never share overnight accommodation with a child or young person.
• never allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching. The main principles of touching are:

- It should always be in response to the individual's needs.
- It should always be appropriate to the individual's age/stage of development.
- It should always be with the individual's permission.

• never allow the use of inappropriate language to go unchallenged.
• never physically restrain a child or young person, unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury to the individual or to another person.
• never make sexually suggestive comments, even in fun.
• never reduce a child or young person to tears as a form of control.
• never allow allegations to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
• never do things of a personal nature that an individual can do for himself or herself or that a parent can do for them.
• never invite or allow children stay with you at your home unsupervised.
• never allow children to be left unattended or placed with members of staff, for intense and substantial periods, who have not been subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

With the exception of emergencies staff must:

• never have children in their own vehicle, unless parents have been notified. (Where circumstances require the transportation of children, another Chorley Council representative must be present and the driver must have adequate insurance to use their vehicle for work. In extreme medical emergencies where it is required to transport a child or young person on their own it is essential that another Chorley Council representative or the parent is notified immediately.)
• avoid where possible taking an individual to the toilet unless another adult or group of children is present.
• never spend time alone with a child or young person. If you find you are in a situation where you are alone with a child or young person make sure you can be clearly observed by others or that you have gained the consent of the parent (for example on a home visit if the parent leaves the room for a period of time).

It may occasionally be necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a personal nature for children. In doing so appropriate consents should be taken and any such task should be completed in the way that gives you most protection. Be responsive to a person's reactions, if a person is fully dependent on you, talk through what you are doing and give choices where possible. This is particularly so if you are involved in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact, sports contact, lifting or assisting an individual to carry out particular activities. Representatives should avoid taking on the responsibility for tasks for which they are not appropriately trained.

Implications for representatives

Representatives who breach the code of behaviour shall be subject to the Council's disciplinary procedures. If an allegation is made against a representative the matter shall be investigated.

Further Guidance

Work experience placements

Special consideration must be made with regard to young people on work experience placements with the Council (and Council services).
In the first instance both work experience students and supervisors should follow the safeguarding protocols of the organisation which has arranged the placement with the Council, who should have their own safeguarding procedures in place.

It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that adequate provisions are made to ensure that staff working in an office based situation employ safe working practices and are not placed in a situation where they are left unsupervised with Child/Young Person on a work experience placement or an employed under 18 year old. Advice will be given by Designated Safeguarding Children Officers if required.

General advice from the Lancashire Education and Business Partnership with regard to transporting children and young people in vehicles, who are on a placement for a maximum period of 10 days, then a DBS disclosure is not required. However any long term placement, ie. 3 months or more then a disclosure may be appropriate and should be discussed with a DSCO and/or HR and OD team..

The vehicle used must be fully insured including for business use.

It is good practice to ensure that Council representatives do not put themselves at risk of having allegations made against them, and therefore where possible should limit their unsupervised access to the child. This also applies within an office environment where everyone else has left and the child may be left with just one employee.

Staff should follow the Council's Code of Conduct for all representatives and the guidance for safe working practices laid out in this policy.

Where this is unavoidable representatives should always follow the Council's guidance on best practice and use common sense to safeguard themselves from allegations if they have unsupervised access to a work experience student, particularly if transporting young people.

Storing Data relating to Children and Young People

Where the Council holds children's data in relation to services, especially where there is sensitive personal data collected such as medical conditions this information should be held in line with requirements for the Data Protection Act.

6.1 Partners, Community and Voluntary Sector Organisations

In line with 'Every Child Matters Working Together to Safeguard Children' guidance,where council services are undertaken by partners on the behalf of Chorley Council or the council fund voluntary or community organisations whose work will involve access to children through, for example the provision of grants, the Council will seek assurance that such bodies either have their own safeguarding and child protection practices in place or have accepted those of the Council. In the case of organisations receiving significant funding provision from the Council to deliver services for children, the receipt of such assurances will be a prerequisite for funding and form part of the application process if appropriate.

A whole range of umbrella and specialist organisations, including the national governing bodies for sports, offer standards, guidance, training and advice for voluntary organisations on keeping children and young people safe from harm which would be of use to voluntary organisations. For example, the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), established in partnership with the NSPCC and Sport England, provides advice and assistance on developing codes of practice and child protection procedures to sporting organisations. The NSPCC has produced guidance for organisations for safeguarding children and young people entitled 'Stopcheck' which may be of use to smaller organisations. The Council will endeavour to provide support to smaller groups to help them meet the requirements of this policy. Useful contacts are provided in the Appendix I.

6.2 Contractors

Any contractor or sub-contractor, engaged by the Council in areas where workers are likely to come into contact with children or young people should have their own safeguarding policy or must comply with the terms of Chorley Council's Children & Young People's Safeguarding Policy. Contractors will be responsible for ensuring that workers with substantial access to children or young people are subject to the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. This includes sub-contracted workers employed through agencies.

Where a contract is to be tendered for, the above stipulations should form part of any tender document. Production of the contractor's child or young person protection policy must form part of any tender submission and must be received and considered satisfactory by the Council prior to any formal engagement. Should the Council not be satisfied with the contractor's safeguarding policy, the contractor shall adopt the Council's policy and be required to sign a self-declaration. (see Appendix E)
Alternatively for smaller contracts not requiring a tender, a signed disclosure must be submitted as shown in the Appendix F. The manager engaging the contractor is responsible for ensuring that the above procedures are adhered to.

Users/Hires of Council Assets

Part of the terms and conditions for hirers of Council managed Community Centres or other council buildings for events/activities aimed at children must include a requirement to comply with the council's safeguarding policy or have one of their own.

Introduction

There is evidence that some people have used public events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children. All representatives organising events where children will be participating must remain vigilant and ensure the following guidelines are adhered to. The guidelines apply to all forms of technology that can be used to record images including mobile phones, many of which are now include digital cameras, and staff should be aware of the opportunity this affords for misuse.

In addition, when using an external venue, you need to check the venue's policy on the use of photographic equipment. For example a leisure centre may not allow the use of filming equipment in the changing rooms or swimming pool areas.

If a professional photographer, the press or representatives are invited to cover services, events, activities, the event organiser must:

• iparticipants and parents that a photographer will be in attendance and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs by asking them to complete a consent form. (A sample form can be found in Appendix G )
• ensure that the photographer wears their identification or is provided with identification at the event.
• ensure that the photographer has no unsupervised access to children.
• ensure that the last names of children are not used in photographs or film footage, unless with the express permission of the child or young person's parent.

Additional guidelines:

It is impossible to regulate the use of photographic equipment at open public events but the following additional procedures should be considered by the event organiser and adopted where practical to do so:

Professional photographers wishing to record the event should seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their professional identification for the details to be recorded. Ideally they should request this at least five working days before the event.

Students or amateur photographers wishing to record the event should seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing their student club or registration card and a letter from their club / educational establishment outlining their motive for attending the event.

All other spectators wishing to use photographic equipment should register their intent with the promoter of the event.

Accreditation procedure: a record should be made of the individual's name and address and club. Professionals should register prior to the event and their identification details should be checked with the issuing authority prior to the event. On registering, promoters of events should consider issuing an identification label on the day, which can serve to highlight those who have accreditation but must ensure that where regular events occur, the identifying label is changed to prevent unofficial replication.

Public information: the specific details concerning photographic equipment should, where possible, be published prominently in event programmes and must be announced over the public address system prior to the start of the event.

The recommended wording is:
"In the interests of safeguarding children and in line with the Chorley Council Child Protection Policy, the promoters of this event request that any person wishing to engage in any photography should register their details with the event staff at the entry desk before carrying out any such photography. The promoters of this event reserve the right of entry to this event and reserve the right to decline entry to any person unable to meet or abide by the promoter's conditions."

If you have concerns:
If you are concerned about any photography taking place at an event, contact the promoter or event organiser and discuss it with them. If appropriate, the person about whom there are concerns should be asked to leave and the facility manager should be informed.

e- Communications
The use of 'e communications' is often a means for abusers to gain access to children and young people. Council representatives who work with children and young people should ensure that the Councils 'Email Internet and Acceptable Telephone Usage Policy' is strictly adhered to. Where representatives have concerns that e communications are being used inappropriately to access children and young people they should raise those concerns with a DSO.

All further enquiries regarding this policy should be directed to:
Director of Communities
Chorley Council Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1AL

This policy and associated documentation will be reviewed every 3 years.

Policy Dated: May 2017
Review Date: May 2019
Review Date April 2022

The appendices can be viewed on the  Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022 (PDF) [873KB] PDF document

Appendix A: Incident Reporting Form
Appendix B: Roles and Responsibilities of Designated Officers
Appendix C: Guidance for safe working practices
Appendix D: Relevant legislation
Appendix E: Self declaration for contractors engaged in work on behalf of Chorley Council
Appendix F: Self Disclosure Form
Appendix G: Photographic consent forms
Appendix H: Keeping yourself safer from allegations
Appendix I : Useful Contacts and Further Reading