COUNTY ARMAGH GRAND ORANGE LODGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE LTD

Safeguarding Policy

The Directors, Management Committee, Staff and volunteers of County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge Community Development Committee aim to create an environment in which children and vulnerable adults (adults at risk of harm or in need of protection) are safe

from abuse.  We accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues that cause harm.  Volunteers will endeavour at all times to be respectful and show understanding of children and vulnerable adult’s safety and welfare by conducting themselves in a way that reflects this.  Volunteers should understand the importance of listening to children and valuing and respecting them as individuals.  Any suspicion of abuse will be promptly and appropriately responded to.

What do we mean by vulnerable persons?

Children up to the age of 16 or young people aged between 16-18 who have physical, mental or chronic illness disability.

An “Adult at risk of harm” is a person aged 18 or over, whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their:

1. personal characteristics AND/OR
2. life circumstances Personal characteristics may include, but are not limited to, age, disability, special educational needs, illness, mental or physical frailty or impairment of, or disturbance in, the functioning of the mind or Life circumstances may include, but are not limited to, isolation, socio-economic factors and environmental living conditions.

An ‘Adult in need of protection’ is a person aged 18 or over, whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their:

1. personal characteristics AND/OR
2. life circumstances AND
3. who is unable to protect their own well-being, property, assets, rights or other interests; AND

where the action or inaction of another person or persons is causing, or is likely to cause, him/her to be harmed.

In order to meet the definition of an ‘adult in need of protection’ either (a) or (b) must be present, in addition to both elements (c), and (d).

In order to adhere to our policy, we will ensure that the following measures are in place:

Safeguarding Training

• Safeguarding Children and vulnerable adult trainings will be offered to all volunteers.
• We will ensure that all volunteers are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of the procedures for reporting
• The group will identify 2 Designated Officers to be responsible for co-ordinating any reports and action to be taken in the case of suspected
• Each family will receive a copy of our policy.