Policy for Vulnerable Adults and People at Risk

People at Risk Policy
The Meadows Festival Association aims to ensure that any vulnerable people, whether children, young people or adults at risk, are protected and kept safe from harm, while they are with committee members and volunteers in this organisation. The Meadows Festival Association will adhere to the following Code of Conduct for Vulnerable People and Adults at Risk.

Code of Conduct

The Meadows Festival Association will never

Harm a vulnerable adult either physically or emotionally

Place a vulnerable adult in a position where they are at risk of harm

Engage a vulnerable adult in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature

Engage a vulnerable adult in inappropriate conduct involving pornography

Give inappropriate medical treatment to a vulnerable adult.

All Committee Members, Volunteers and Paid Wokers will have to sign a declaration that they have read and have understood the meaning and implications of these Codes of Conduct and that they undertake to abide by these Codes at all times and in every way.

Furthermore we, the Meadows Festival Association, will endeavour to keep up-to-date with all national developments relating to the care and protection of children,young people and adults at risk. If necessary the Codes of Conduct and Policies will be updated.
In order to adhere to these Codes for children and adults at risk, we will ensure our Committee Members ,Volunteers and Paid Workers are carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised.
Screening
All Committee Members, Volunteers and Paid Workers will be asked to fill in a self declaration form and agree to an appropriate enhanced disclosure prior to taking up post.
Training
All Volunteers and Paid Workers will receive induction training, which will give an overview of the Meadows Festival Association and ensure they know its purpose, values, services and structure. Training on specific areas such as health & safety procedures, identifying and reporting abuse, and confidentiality will be given as a priority to new volunteers and paid workers, and will be regularly reviewed.
Supervision
All Volunteers and Workers will have a designated supervisor/line manager who will provide regular feedback and support. Every Volunteer and Worker will attend an annual review, where their performance, feedback and suggestions will be discussed. Annual reviews will be minuted and copies made available to the volunteer.
The Meadows Festival Association will ensure that all Committee Members, Volunteers and Paid Workers involved in recruitment, training and supervision, are aware of this policy and have received appropriate training and support to ensure it full implementation. A Booklet outlining the purpose, values, services and structure of the Meadows Festival Association, its Codes of Conduct and Policies will be produced for this purpose and posted on the internet websites.

Allegations of Abuse
All allegations of abuse, whether from a child, a parent, a responsible adult, an adult at risk or a carer will be treated seriously and with sympathy. However Meadows Festival Association will not enter into any discussions with the instigators of the allegation. The matter will be immediately referred to the police, who will take full responsibility for following up and investigating the incident(s) leading to the allegation of abuse.