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Billing Parish Council Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Billing Parish Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. The Council recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect individuals who may be vulnerable and to act promptly when concerns arise.

This policy applies to all councillors, employees, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Billing Parish Council.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy aims to:

  • Protect children, young people, and adults at risk who interact with the Council or use Council facilities.
  • Provide councillors, staff, and volunteers with guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure that safeguarding is embedded in the Council’s culture, decision‑making, and community activities.

3. Definitions

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory, organisational, or neglect.

4. Council Responsibilities

Billing Parish Council will:

  • Promote a safe environment across all Council activities and facilities.
  • Ensure councillors, staff, and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  • Work in partnership with Northamptonshire County Council, the Police, and other relevant agencies.
  • Ensure hirers of Council facilities follow appropriate safeguarding standards.
  • Maintain confidentiality while sharing information appropriately when required.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Parish Clerk (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

The Clerk will act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns. Responsibilities include:

  • Receiving and recording safeguarding concerns.
  • Reporting concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authority.
  • Keeping secure records of safeguarding issues.
  • Ensuring councillors and staff are aware of safeguarding procedures.

Councillors and Staff

All councillors, employees, and volunteers must:

  • Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect.
  • Report concerns immediately to the Clerk.
  • Not investigate concerns themselves.
  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

6. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may include:

  • Physical harm
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect or self‑neglect
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Modern slavery
  • Organisational or institutional abuse

Signs may be physical, behavioural, or verbal. Any concern—no matter how small—should be reported.

7. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you believe a child or adult is at immediate risk, call 999.

Otherwise:

  1. Report the concern to the Parish Clerk as soon as possible.
  2. Provide clear details of what you have seen, heard, or been told.
  3. The Clerk will record the concern and contact the relevant safeguarding authority:
    • Northamptonshire Children’s Safeguarding Team
    • Northamptonshire Adult Safeguarding Team
    • Northamptonshire Police (if appropriate)

The Council will not investigate allegations itself.

8. Use of Council Facilities

Groups or individuals hiring Council facilities must:

  • Have their own safeguarding policies if working with children or vulnerable adults.
  • Ensure appropriate supervision and DBS checks where required.
  • Take responsibility for safeguarding during their activities.

Billing Parish Council reserves the right to refuse bookings where safeguarding arrangements are inadequate.

9. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will be shared only when necessary to protect individuals at risk and in accordance with data protection legislation.

10. Training and Awareness

Billing Parish Council will:

  • Provide safeguarding guidance to councillors and staff.
  • Review safeguarding responsibilities annually.
  • Ensure new councillors and staff are aware of this policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.

Adopted by Billing Parish Council on: 4th March 2026
Next review date: 4th March 2027