Safeguarding Policy Statement: 2026-2027
National Maritime Museum Cornwall (NMMC) acknowledge their duty of care to
safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults (adults at risk) 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 and
vulnerable adults 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 and vulnerable adults : –
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 and vulnerable adults 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 and vulnerable adults.
• Take all concerns and/or allegations of abuse or risk to visitors and colleagues
seriously and respond swiftly and appropriately through the safeguarding
procedures.
• 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
DSOs to cover the museum’s operational hours.
• Provide Trustees, 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 and
vulnerable adults 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 (Head of Human Resources ) 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 and vulnerable adults. 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
training and refresher training for staff and volunteers.
• Staff and volunteers found not to have followed our Safeguarding Policy,
Procedures and Code of Conduct might be subject to disciplinary action, or
alternative action if they are not an employee.
• NMMC welcomes unaccompanied young people aged 16-17 to visit without parental
or other adult supervision (effective April 2024). Children under the age of 15 years
of age must be supervised at all times by their supervising adult who must be aged
18 or over.
The policy and procedures are promoted internally by the Designated Safeguarding
Lead (Head of Human Resources ) and where appropriate, also shared with external
partners.
The policies and procedures for safeguarding are reviewed annually, but more
regularly under the following circumstances: –
• Changes in legislation and Government guidance
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (or Safeguarding Adults’
Partnership) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
• Due to any other notable change
Safeguarding Policy Statement: 2026-2027 V3
