Safe Guarding Policy

1. Introduction

This Safeguarding Policy ₁ (‘policy’) relates to all employees, contractors, volunteers and other authorised individuals (‘employees’) associated with Sir Charles Burrell and Lady Isabella Burrell (nee Tree) t/a Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farm Partnership, Knepp Wildland Safaris, Knepp Castle Home Farm, Knepp Wild Range, Edward Burrell t/a Knepp Estate B, Knepp Energy Ltd, Brookhouse Knepp Ltd and Knepp Wildland Foundation (‘Knepp’).

2. Children and Vulnerable Adults

A person is defined as a child, legally, until they reach their eighteenth birthday. Until that time, they are the legal responsibility of their parents/carers, even if that person is not present. Children entering Knepp facilities without direct supervision, will be welcomed if they are behaving appropriately. However, Knepp reserves the right to deny access to children if they are not accompanied by an adult.

A vulnerable adult is a person who is, or maybe, in need of community care services because of mental disability or other disability, age or illness and who is, or maybe, unable to take care of themselves or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

Knepp also wish to protect its staff from unfair allegations: the guidelines in this policy and accompanying procedures will ensure that there is no doubt over obligations and standards. This policy applies to all permanent and temporary staff, volunteers, consultants and to contractors employed by Knepp.

Knepp will therefore ensure that:

• All staff likely to have regular contact with young people and/or vulnerable adults through their employment are carefully recruited and security-cleared through a check by the Disclosure Barring Service
• All staff, volunteers, consultant and contracted staff are made aware of Knepp policies through induction by their supervisor or line manager, and through regular training; and
• Teachers, group leaders and any other relevant parties are provided with information about the Knepp’spolicy, procedures and expectations regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

3.Our Statement

Knepp acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and industry requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and vulnerable adults:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience in a safe and appropriate environment; and
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in any activity provided by the Knepp or outside of the activity.

We acknowledge that some children and vulnerable adults, including disabled children and vulnerable adults or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

4. Our Policy

As part of our safeguarding policy we will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults;
• value, listen to and respect children and vulnerable adults;
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation;
• adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies and procedures for staff and volunteers;
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults;
• provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently;
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual(s) who raise or disclose the concern;•ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored;
• record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and Knepp policies;
• prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made;
• Knepp Estate’snominated safeguarding lead for children and vulnerable adults, and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding;
  Safeguarding Lead: Tom Garriock, Warden–tom@knepp.co.uk – 07918 179 420 Lead Trustee: Sir Charles Burrrell
• make sure that children and vulnerable adults know where to go for help if they have a concern;
• The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved at Knepp. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

5. Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance; and
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

_{1 The terms ‘child’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18. References to ‘parents’ should be read as parents and carers inclusively.}