Brill Parish council safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Although the Parish Council does not directly provide care or services to children and vulnerable adults, the Council is committed to ensuring that these members of our community are protected and kept safe from harm while they are engaged in any activity taking place on Council-owned property or otherwise associated with the Council. 

Furthermore, the Clerk and Councillors also recognises that, as respected and empowered community leaders, they have a wider responsibility to recognise and act upon suspected, witnessed or disclosed abuse.

2. Types of abuse

  • physical: being hit or injured on purpose

  • financial: theft or misuse of money, property or possessions

  • sexual: involvement in a sexual activity which is unwanted or not understood

  • neglect: not providing food, clothing, attention or care

  • emotional: the use of threats, fear or bribes which cause distress


3. People most at risk

  • people who are dependent on others

  • people with mental health problems

  • people with learning, sensory or physical disabilities

  • people who are socially isolated

  • people with dementia


4. Policy objectives

To protect children and vulnerable adults from harm and enable them to participate safely in community life.

To help Councillors and others associated with the Council understand when and how to raise safeguarding concerns, including reporting to the relevant authorities. 


5. Safeguarding Lead 

A named Safeguarding Lead will be appointed by the Council from amongst the Councillors. The Lead’s responsibilities will include: 

  • Ensuring that the Clerk and fellow Councillors understand the objectives and procedures outlined in the Policy

  • Sharing information about safeguarding and related good practice with Councillors, partner organisations, volunteers, and the public

  • Signposting to training for members of the Council, community groups, and the public

  • Supporting and guiding members of the Council concerned about abuse

6. Procedures

  • All member of Brill Parish Council will be proactive in providing a safe environment for children and vulnerable people who are involved in activities associated with the Council, or taking place in facilities owned by the Council

  • If an organisation working with children or vulnerable adults wishes to use Council owned facilities, they will be asked to provide a copy of their Safeguarding Policy

  • If a contractor working directly for the Council is working in an area where children or vulnerable adults may be present, they will be asked to provide a copy of their Safeguarding Policy.

  • It is highly recommended that Clerk and Councillors, as responsible community leaders, complete basic training (1) covering the following areas: relevant legislation; avoiding allegations; reporting concerns; types of abuse; responding to abuse; resources and support

  • If the Clerk or Councillors plan to interact with children or vulnerable adults in the course of their duties (e.g. talking with school children, or helping at a community event for vulnerable elderly people) they should:

    • Ensure that parents, teachers or carers are present

    • Work in pairs or within sight of another adult

    • Avoid physical contact and care of a personal nature

    • Follow guidance provided by other bodies involved (i.e. the school or charity) and comply with all statutory requirements (e.g. for training or DBS checks)

    • Report any incidents, allegations or other concerns to the Safeguarding Lead who will then help decide what to do next (2)

(1) Training provided by Community Impact Bucks https://communityimpactbucks.org.uk/safeguarding-support-for-voluntary-groups/#principles-of-safeguarding-training

(2) If you are concerned about a child or young person under the age of 18, call Buckinghamshire Council’s First Response Team on 01296 383962 (Mon-Fri) or 0800 999 7677 (out of hours) or the police.

If you are concerned about an adult, email safeguardingadults@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 01296 387021 to speak to the adult social care team.

Outside these hours, you can:

  • call our Emergency Duty Team on 0800 999 7677

  • or leave a message on the First Response answerphone

  • or call the police on 999


This Policy

  • Policy written by Hannah Hulme Hunter February 2022

  • Adopted as Brill Parish Council policy February 2022

  • For Review February 2023 (although as a working document it may be refined earlier to meet changing legal or practical requirements)