The Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose and Scope
The safeguarding policy is devised to uphold the safety of children and vulnerable adults who may wish to attend a walk with Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers. – SFACR.
SFARC is a relatively small walking group.
Whilst there may be many members of the group , it is usually the case that approximately 5 -20 people attend the scheduled rambles.
Each ramble has a lead by a member of the group who has chosen to undertake the task. Walk leaders are expected to plan the route and take general safety precautions as per the leading policy.
SFACR is a voluntary group there are no paid staff and walk leader my have a variety of different backgrounds. It is not possible to ensure all leaders have completed safeguarding training however the group has an appointed Safeguarding Lead who is contactable in the event of any concerns.
Current Safeguarding lead is Frances Brady – Contact number 07877217239.
SFACR has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of mistreatment or abuse.
The SFACR recognises that within safeguarding guidance and legislation there are identified key principles to follow and embed within our activities.
It is important that walk leaders have readd this policy and are aware of how to notify the safeguarding lead of any issues or concerns they may have.
SFACR is an adult walking group however there are some occasions where a group member may have brought a child with them to complete a walk. This policy outlines that any children attending a walk must be under the direct supervision of an adult. Ideally under a 1-1 supervision ratio, at most one adult to supervise two children.
2. Legislation
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the GB legislation and Government guidance, taking the following into consideration: England
• Care Act, 2014 • Care and Support statutory guidance, 2016
• Children’s Act 1989 • Children’s Act 2004 • Children and Families Act, 2014
• Children and Social Work Act, 2017
• Education Act 2002
• Education Act 2011 • Equalities Act 2010
• Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2018 • Mental Capacity Act, 2005
• Safeguarding disabled children practice guidance, 2009 •
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, 2006 • SEND code of practice, 2014 • Working Together to safeguard children, 2018
3.Definitions
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear, or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.’ (Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2018 s.14.7).
An Adult at risk is a person aged 18 (except where identified above) or over who has care and support needs, is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from the risk of abuse or neglect. Adult at risk In England, and Wales an adult at risk is defined as a person over the age of 18 who: • ‘Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and; • Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and • As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.’ (Care Act 2004
Child
In England, and Wales a child is defined as ‘any person under the age of 18, whether living with their families, in state care or living independently’. (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, p.7).
4.Process
SFACR is committed to treating the victims of abuse and other safeguarding concerns with respect, care, and dignity
• Whenever a safeguarding concern, including any poor practice issue or allegation of abuse is raised, the SFARC will offer support to all those that have been affected as appropriate.
• People will receive a compassionate response, be listened to and be taken seriously.
• We will respond to any disclosure of a safeguarding concern, including poor practice or abuse in accordance with our policy and procedure. Where appropriate, this will be done in collaboration with the relevant statutory agencies.
Treating people who are the subject of concerns or allegations with respect, care, and dignity:
• In responding to safeguarding concerns, or allegations of abuse, we will endeavour to respect the rights under criminal and civil law of an accused person. A presumption of innocence will be maintained during any SFACR.
Potential scenarios
In the event that a group leader should identify a concern or if a person attending a walk reports a safeguarding concern or allegation – the walk Leader will need to take proportionate action at the time, to prevent any harm from occurring. The walk leader may need to contact the Safeguarding lead for guidance. Should the Safeguarding lead not be immediately available the may consider calling the police. In the event of an immediate risk to safety such as an act of deliberate violence, assault to a person or property damage then it may be necessary to call 999 for police and ambulance services.
Less urgent events may require the walk leader to take down the details of any individuals who have raised a concern, date, time , detail of the concern or allegation , their name and contact number to ensure the Safeguarding lead can contact them. It would also be necessary for the walk leader to obtain contact details for any potential witnesses to the activity. The safeguarding lead will then assess the situation and determine if further documentation is required or the matter needs to be reported to local safeguarding authority or the police.
The walk leader is within their right to refuse participation of a person attending a walk should they present with concerns. For example if they present in a volatile or hostile manner that other walkers may feel intimidated.
If a person appears to be unsafely under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
If a person does not understand the nature of the walking activity and my be too frail to complete a walk unsupported.
Date 21.04.26
Frances Brady – Safeguarding Lead SFACR
Contact number : 07877217239