Activities
Last update: 11/09/2023
To be reviewed no later than 01/09/2024
As a membership based organisation, we have a responsibility towards safeguarding our members as well as visitors and guests that may be present on occasion.
This should be incorporated into our risk assessments where it has specific relevance, with additional procedures as incorporated below.
Definitions / Background
The relevant legislation in Wales is Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
A child is any individual under the age of 18.
An adult at risk is someone over the age of 18 who is:
- experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect;
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs); and
- as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it
The term "adult at risk" replaces the previously used phrase "vulnerable adult" that may still be found in other documentation. The first two criteria may also be applied to define "child at risk".
General rules
Children may only be present within the space when accompanied by a member or (during public events) a visitor as described in Space.HealthAndSafety and remain the responsibility of that member throughout.
The Hackspace does not undertake planned work with adults at risk. If the Hackspace becomes aware that a member or visitor may meet the above definition of "adult at risk", additional risk assessment should take place in conjunction with that individual with regards to their individual care and support needs.
All members, regardless of whether they would be considered at risk, are asked to provide contact details for a next of kin in case of emergency.
Raising Concerns
Where concerns arise that a child or adult may be at risk, either by observation or because concerns are disclosed by the child or adult in question, these concerns must be reported.
It is not our responsibility to investigate or decide whether or not abuse has taken place or is taking place. Where information has been disclosed, it should be reported in the individuals own words.
If an individual is (or is believed to be) at immediate risk of harm, the police should be contacted on 999.
If there is not (or is not believed to be) an immediate risk of harm, the police should be contacted on the non-emergency number 101.
In either scenario, the directors should be informed by email >>directors@<< .
If preferred by the person making the report, an individual director may be contacted in the first instance.
Specific Responsiblities
The directors take the lead on all health and safety matters, including any safeguarding matters. That includes responsibility for revising this policy when required, which should be at least annually.
All members are equally responsible for their own conduct and safety, and the conduct of any guests that they bring into the Hackspace. This also includes an obligation to raise and report concerns as they arise.
