Safeguarding policy

The Living River Foundation is committed to safeguarding, from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying, children taking part in its activities. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the child are paramount and that all children, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, have a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. All staff members should be aware of the policy.

The appointed person for Protection Officer (CPO) is:

 Richard Bain

Richard@living-river.org

07956 160822

Photographs

The organisation will seek written consent from parents/carers before taking photos or video of a child/vulnerable person at an event or training session or publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming. If the Company publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the

Welfare

Anyone who is concerned about a participant’s welfare participating in the organisations events, should inform PO immediately.

Any representative failing to comply with the Safeguarding policy, or any relevant Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

Vulnerable Adults Policy

Vulnerable adults refer to all those adults (over 18) who have a physical disability, suffer from mental illness, have a learning disability or who, through illness or injury, are unable to provide adequately for themselves at that point.

Risk refers to any situation or behaviour by an individual or others which presents real or potential threat or harm to a person’s health, safety or well-being.

This policy also relates to staff volunteers on whom someone described above is significantly dependant for their care and who may be at risk as a result of that person’s behaviour or action.

Individual Rights

Every person has the right to a lifestyle which maintains personal independence safeguards privacy, offers genuine and informed choices, provides opportunities to enjoy and contribute to society and enables them to have their social, cultural and individual needs met. They also have the right to protection from harm or exploitation. 

Positive aspects of risk taking

The vast majority of vulnerable adults live active and independent lives. This inevitably involves varying degrees of risk taking as a normal part of day to day living, and without which there would be a significant reduction in quality of life.

Risk taking therefore needs to be viewed positively in those circumstances where people are able to make reasonable, informed and calculated decisions involving risk taking and safety.

If you are a child or young person we will require your parent or guardians permission. If you have signed up to an event you will be sent a relevant version of the form.