Banbury Community Action Group
Protection and Safeguarding Policy
(Including Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults)
1. Policy Statement
Banbury Community Action Group (Banbury CAG) is a community-based volunteer organisation committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults who take part in our activities.
Our aims are to:
- Promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
- Prevent harm, abuse, or neglect.
- Act promptly and appropriately if concerns arise.
This policy applies to all Banbury CAG activities, events, and sessions, including those held at Bridge Street Community Garden.
2. Involvement of Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults
Accompanied participants
- We welcome accompanied children, young people, and vulnerable adults at any event.
- They remain the full responsibility of their accompanying parent, carer, or support worker at all times.
Organised groups
- We can run sessions for organised groups such as schools, youth clubs, disability support groups, or community organisations.
- In these cases, the group’s own leaders, teachers, or carers are responsible for the safety and behaviour of participants.
- To arrange such a visit, please contact banburycag@gmail.com
Unaccompanied young people
- No activities are suitable for unaccompanied young people younger than school Year 9.
- We can only work with unaccompanied young people in Year 9 or above if there is adequate supervision by at least two Banbury CAG volunteers, one of whom will hold an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- As we are a volunteer-led organisation, we cannot guarantee the attendance of the required number of volunteers at every session. If the minimum supervision requirement is not met, we will regrettably have to turn unaccompanied young people away. This applies to all Banbury CAG activities.
3. Safeguarding Responsibilities
- All volunteers have a duty to treat children, young people, and vulnerable adults with dignity and respect.
- Any safeguarding concerns will be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or the appropriate statutory services without delay.
- We will comply with UK safeguarding legislation and work in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary.
4. Definitions
- Child/Young person – anyone under the age of 18.
- Vulnerable adult – anyone aged 18 or over who may be unable to take care of themselves, protect themselves from harm, or manage their own affairs due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances.
5. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed if required due to changes in legislation or organisational needs.
Contact for Safeguarding Concerns
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jim Smith
- Email: banburycag@gmail.com