National Maritime Museum Cornwall (NMMC) acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk (vulnerable adults) and is committed to ensuring its safeguarding practices reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and best practice.
NMMC’s Safeguarding Policy recognises the welfare and interests of children, young people and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that, regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status or socioeconomic background, all children, young people, and adults at risk:
Experience a safe, positive, and enjoyable visit to the Museum and remain safe from harm during participation in our planned activities, events, and learning opportunities (including online).
It is, sadly, common knowledge that some children, young people, and adults at risk may have experienced historic abuse, or are currently victims of neglect, abuse, bullying or exploitation. NMMC accepts its responsibilities to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure the welfare and safety of everyone during their visit to the museum.
As part of our Safeguarding Policy, NMMC will:
- Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk
- Provide robust policies for safeguarding
- Train nominated staff to function as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Safeguarding Officers and provide an appropriate level of training for both roles
- Provided all staff and volunteers with Safeguarding Awareness training to enable them to potentially recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, bullying and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people, and adults at risk and to know what to do about it should a disclosure occur, or they are concerned
- In the event of a safeguarding incident report received by a DSO, ensure that they take appropriate and timely action
- Ensure the DSL (Human Resources Manager) holds the confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns securely
- Prevent the employment or volunteer recruitment of people who are unsuitable to work with children, young people, and adults at risk. This is achieved through a robust selection and recruitment processes, coupled with appropriate levels of Disclosure and Barring checks, including at an ‘enhanced’ level for those involved with teaching and learning (staff and volunteers)
- Ensure the regular review of the safeguarding policy and procedures and regular refresher training for staff and volunteers
- Ensure consequences are in place for staff and volunteers who do not comply with NMMC’s Safeguarding ‘Code of Conduct.’
- As a matter of policy, NMMC will never work with a child, young person, or adult at risk without the supervision and presence of a parent/guardian, support worker, teacher or carer. Any exception would need to be formally agreed by the Director, under the guidance of the DSL, and a formal risk assessment, activity plan and appropriate consents put in place, agreed by all parties.
The policy and procedures are promoted internally by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Human Resources Manager) and where appropriate, also shared with external partners. The policies and procedures for safeguarding are reviewed every two years, but more regularly under the following circumstances:
- Changes in legislation and Government guidance
- As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (or Safeguarding Adults’ Board) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Due to any other notable change
