The Management Committee will endeavour to keep the premises safe for use.

• This statement of policy and procedures applies to users of, and activities in, Southbourne Village Hall and any ancillary activities which are the responsibility of the Village Hall Committee.

• This policy is in place to protect all children and vulnerable adults regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or faith.

• All children and vulnerable adults have the right to protection from abuse whether physical, verbal, sexual, bullying, exclusion or neglect. The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount and is the responsibility of everyone. All people associated with the Village Hall and its use have a responsibility for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

• No member of the Trustees, village hall staff, outside contractors, hirers or volunteers will have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults unless in possession of appropriate clearance such as DBS.

• The Management Committee will ensure that all hirers/users of the Hall are aware that any safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the hirers.

• Hirers need to be aware that facilities such as the toilets might be shared with other groups and appropriate supervision/arrangements should be made.

• The Committee will ensure that hirers are made aware of their obligations under the Licensing Act 2003 to ensure that alcohol is not sold to those under the age of 18 and that no children may be admitted to films when they are below the age classification for the film or show.

• No gambling or entertainment of an adult or sexual nature shall be permitted on the premises.

• Acceptance of the Village Hall's safeguarding policy is part of the agreed contract taken out on hiring the Hall.

Last reviewed and updated 26//2023