Nocton Hub Safeguarding Policy
NOCTON HUB - SAFEGUARDING POLICY
First Adopted August 2020
16/05/2023 - Reviewed and approved (Minute Ref. 9 i)
09/06/26 - Reviewed and approved
Nocton Hub is a community building owned and managed by Nocton Parish Council
1. This safeguarding policy applies to all individuals using the Nocton Hub community building, including hirers, clients, and visitors, covering every area within the premises and its grounds (events hall, meeting room, lounge, toilets, and the Ripon Arms—the licensed premises). The policy aims to protect every person at risk, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion, or belief, and ensures compliance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and any subsequent relevant legislation.
2. All Nocton Parish Council and Nocton Hub staff, volunteers, and hirers are responsible for safeguarding individuals at risk on the premises. Persons at risk may include children, young people, adults with learning or physical disabilities, elderly or frail people, and carers. The welfare of each person at risk is of utmost importance and is the responsibility of everyone. Every person at risk is entitled to protection from abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, bullying, exclusion, or neglect.
3. Nocton Parish Council will maintain a safe environment for all persons at risk. Enhanced safety measures are in place for small children, individuals unable to read safety notices, and physically disabled adults. Children and other vulnerable persons MUST always be accompanied by a responsible adult when accessing toilet facilities or any other part of the Nocton Hub site.
4. Bullying, shouting, physical violence, sexism, and racism are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated anywhere within the Nocton Hub site.
Young People and Children
5. Activities for children, young people, or other vulnerable adults must be organised by suitable and trustworthy persons, in accordance with the Act and subsequent legislation. Hirers may be required to provide Nocton Parish Council with their safeguarding policy and evidence of appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
6. Organisations or individuals hiring the hall for activities requiring Ofsted registration must present their registration and child protection policy prior to hiring. Safe recruitment procedures must be followed when appointing staff who will work with children or vulnerable adults.
Duties
7. Hirers must act on any concerns regarding the physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological safety of persons at risk, as well as concerns about discriminatory or financial abuse or exploitation.
8. Any suspicions or allegations of abuse involving a person at risk must be treated with urgency and handled appropriately by the hirer.
Restrictions on Hire
9. In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, hirers must ensure that alcohol is not sold to anyone under the age of 18. Nocton Parish Council and Ripon Arms staff will make sure hirers are aware of these legal obligations.
10. Children cannot be admitted to film screenings if they are below the age classification assigned to the film or show.
11. Any proposed gaming, gambling, or adult entertainment activity must be detailed in writing by the promoter at least seven days prior to the event and explicitly approved in writing by Nocton Parish Council.
Additional Requirement: All hirers are required to provide contact details for a designated safeguarding lead for their event or activity, who will act as the point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or incidents. This information must be submitted to Nocton Parish Council at the time of booking. Furthermore, regular training on safeguarding procedures is strongly encouraged for all staff and volunteers involved in activities at the Hub.