Cornwall Geologist Safeguarding Policy

1.1 Children: Any person under the age of 18.

1.2 Vulnerable Adults: Individuals aged 18 or over who may be at risk due to disability, mental health conditions, or reliance on care services.

1.3 Parents, guardians, or carers: Persons whose children or vulnerable adults are under their care.

1.4 Educators: Responsible adults who work for an educational establishment, such as teachers and teaching assistants, whose children or vulnerable adults are under their care.

1.5 Abuse types: This policy recognises various types of abuse, including:

• Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, shaking)

• Emotional abuse (e.g., bullying, intimidation)

• Sexual abuse (e.g., inappropriate touching, exploitation)

• Neglect (e.g., failure to provide care, supervision)

• Financial abuse (e.g., exploitation of resources, theft)

• Discriminatory abuse (e.g., unequal treatment based on race, gender, disability)

2.1 Cornwall Geologist Responsibilities: Cornwall Geologist is responsible for:

• Providing a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

• Ensuring that all activity leaders understand safeguarding procedures.

• Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, and discrimination.

• Acting in the best interests of all participants.

• Reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately.

• Avoiding being alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless necessary for safety reasons.

2.2 Parent, Guardian, or Carer Responsibilities: Parents, guardians, or carers must:

• Conform with instructions outlined in the policy to allow Cornwall Geologist to enforce its safeguarding procedures.

• Provide information for those in their care for safety purposes, including contact details, next of kin details, and any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations prior to an activity taking place.

• Take responsibility for assessing whether any children or vulnerable adults in their care are in suitable physical or mental condition to participate in the activity.

• Sign a digital or physical acknowledgment to confirm they have read and agree to the terms of this policy and provide consent for the children or vulnerable adults in their care to take part in an activity.

3.1 Supervision: Children and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by their parents, guardians, or carers at all times, unless it is deemed necessary for safety reasons, such as in the event of a medical emergency. For educational groups, employees of the educational establishment must be present at all times.

3.2 Participant Information: Parents, guardians, or carers must provide contact information, next of kin details, and information on any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations for children or vulnerable adults under their care. This is for safety reasons in the event of an emergency during an activity.

3.3 Consent: Written consent from parents, guardians, or carers must be obtained before a child or vulnerable adult participates in an activity. This is done by signing a digital or physical acknowledgment to confirm they have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for an activity, or by emailing Cornwall Geologist stating they consent to the child or vulnerable adult taking part in an activity.

3.4 Risk Assessments: A risk assessment must be conducted for all activities involving children and vulnerable adults that recognises any bespoke risks to safeguarding. This will be done alongside a full risk assessment and made available to parents, guardians, or carers before an activity takes place.

3.5 Digital Safeguarding: Cornwall Geologist ensures that any online activities follow appropriate safeguarding practices, such as using secure platforms and providing guidelines for online interactions.

3.6 Privacy: Personal information will be treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with the Cornwall Geologist Privacy Policy. No photographs or videos of children will be taken without written consent from parents, guardians, or carers.

4.1 Recognising Abuse: Signs of neglect, unusual injuries, distress, or changes in behaviour will be taken very seriously.

4.2 Reporting a Concern: If abuse is suspected it must be reported to the appropriate safeguarding authority, such as local council social services or the police. Any concerns or incidents will be recorded, including dates, times, details, and actions taken.

4.3 Emergency Situations: If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted.

Dr Samuel Peter Hughes (owner, Cornwall Geologist) has an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service, visible on the Update Service. He will also keep up to date with policies and safeguarding training to ensure the best level of welfare offered by Cornwall Geologist.

6.1 Reviews: Cornwall Geologist will review this policy annually or after any significant incidents or changes to regulations to assess its effectiveness and make necessary improvements.

6.2 Feedback: Cornwall Geologist encourages feedback from participants on safeguarding practices, which can help to continually improve this policy. Any constructive feedback should be directed to Cornwall Geologist using the contact details below.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Safeguarding Policy, or if you wish to exercise your rights as outlined above, please contact Cornwall Geologist at:

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Cornwall Geologist

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Email: sam@cornwallgeologist.co.uk

Website: www.cornwallgeologist.co.uk