Safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm - 3. Policy statement

3.1  Norwich City Council believes that all children, young people and adults irrespective of their age, economic background, religion, culture, disability, gender, ethnicity or sexual preference have the right to protection from harm. We have a duty to promote the welfare of and safeguard all children, young people and adults experiencing or at risk from abuse or neglect as far as is reasonably practicable. We will do this by: 

• Raising awareness of safeguarding and providing training across the organisation so that all staff are aware of their responsibilities.
• Ensuring our recruitment procedures are robust and proper checks and procedures are followed to prevent unsuitable people from working with children, young people and adults with needs for care and support.
• Where appropriate, ensuring contractors, funded organisations and other relevant third parties have safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
• Working in partnership with other agencies to safeguard children and adults at risk of harm by recognising and referring cases of abuse to the relevant authorities to take or initiate action where necessary. 
• Ensuring DBS checks are obtained as required.

3.2  This policy takes into account the provisions of the Children Act 2004 which places a statutory duty on all agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children,  and the Care Act 2014 and associated guidance which requires people and organisations to work together to prevent and stop the risk and experience of abuse and neglect of adults, and other council policies and procedures. The council works in partnership with a range of agencies to safeguard children and adults at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect in Norwich, including the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board. This policy aligns with the Norfolk Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements. 

3.3  The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 has placed a duty on the council to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into extremism and terrorism. “Prevent” is the name given to part of the Government’s strategy to prevent terrorism by reducing the possibility of radicalisation and is included as part of our safeguarding responsibilities in accordance with published guidance. 

3.4  This policy will be made available to all employees, councillors, volunteers, contractors, those we fund and other relevant third parties. 

3.5  This policy will be available on the council’s website and intranet.