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Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults policy

SMA fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

  • Our policy applies to all members of SMA Council and regional committees, any staff, volunteers and others working in any capacity for SMA. There are three main elements to our policy:
  • Ensuring we practise safe recruitment in checking the suitability of people to work with children on behalf of SMA. 
  • Raising awareness of child protection issues and helping to equip children with the skills needed to keep them safe.
  • Establishing a safe environment in which children can enjoy and benefit from activities organised by SMA.

We will take account of guidance issued by the Department for Education and Skills (and subsequently the Department for Children, Schools and Families and then Department for Education) to:

  • Ensure we have a designated senior person for child protection who has received appropriate training and support for this role.
  • Ensure that all members of SMA Council and regional committees, any staff, volunteers and others working in any capacity for SMA know the name of the designated senior person responsible for child protection and their role.
  • Ensure that all adults understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for child protection.
  • Develop and then follow procedures in the event of an allegation being made against any person while engaged in work for SMA.
  • Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed.

 The current Child Protection Officer is David Bunkell.

Policy adopted by the Council of SMA, 23rd June 2007, and to be reviewed annually. Discussed by the Council of SMA on 21st June 2008 and ratified without any changes. Discussed by the Council of SMA on 20th June 2009, 19th June 2010, 2nd July 2011, 12th November 2011 and 3rd November 2012, and ratified with minor changes incorporated above.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

On 1st December 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

For further information, please visit the DBS homepage: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs