Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy
Everyone has a fundamental right to be safe. Whatever the cause, and wherever it occurs, harm caused to children and adults by abuse, exploitation or neglect is not acceptable. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (the Council) strive to prevent harm to children and adults from abuse, exploitation or neglect and emphasises that safeguarding is everyone’s business.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all individuals by making a commitment to prevent harm from occurring and to protect them as far as is reasonably practicable.
The Council have developed a Child and Adults Safeguarding Policy, which applies to all employees, elected members, volunteers, contractors, grant-aided organisations and those using our facilities irrespective of their function, remit or role.
There is an expectation that all employees will work in partnership as they apply this policy to their work with children and adults who may be at risk of harm or in need of protection.
The Policy includes:
- Reporting guidelines
- Recruitment and vetting of personnel
- Employee Code of Conduct i.e. what is expected of employees when dealing with children
- Types of abuse and their commonly accepted definitions
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council's Children & Adults Safeguarding Policy
The appointment of a designated Safeguarding Manager and the formation of an interdepartmental Safeguarding Working Group highlight the Council's commitment to Safeguarding.
Safeguarding Contact
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have a Designated Safeguarding Manager and 17 Designated Safeguarding Officers. These officers have received specific training to support them in their role.
Safeguarding Guidance for Contractors and Suppliers
All contractors and suppliers are expected to adhere to the Council’s Policy and confirm that they will do so in procurement documentation, this applies if Contractors have their own safeguarding policy or not. Contractors should refer to the policy documentation as above and we would encourage our contractors to have their own Safeguarding Child and Adults at Risk policy.
Additional Contacts
Other important contacts which you may find useful with regards to safeguarding include:
| RELEVANT TRUST |
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Northern Health and Social
Care Trust
The Cottage
4 Greenmount Avenue
Ballymena
County Antrim
BT43 6DA
Tel: 0845 6012333
Fax: (028) 2563 3733
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Children’s Gateway Team
Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm
0300 1234 333
Out of Hours
02895 0499 99
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Police Service of Northern Ireland
101 – Non Emergency
999 – emergency only
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Adult’s Gateway Team
Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm
02894 413659
Out of Hours
02895 0499 99
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INFORMATION AND TRAINING
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Our Duty to Care
Annsgate House
70-74 Ann Street
Belfast
BT1 EEH
Tel: 028 9023 6100
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Youth Net
The Warehouse
7 James Street South
Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 3JH
Tel: 028 9033 1880
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Child Care NI
216 Belmont Road
Belfast
BT4 2AT
Tel: 028 9065 2713
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Mencap
Segal House
4 Annadale Avenue
Belfast
BT7 3JH
Tel: 028 9069 1351
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NIPPA
6C Wildflower Way
Apollo Road
Belfast
BT12 6TA
Tel: 028 9066 2825
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Kidscape
12 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SUW 9TR
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Sports Council NI
House of Sport
Upper Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5LA
Tel: 028 9038 1222
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Disability Action
189 Airport Road West
Belfast
BT3 9ED
Tel: 028 9029 7880
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| ADVICE AND COUNSELLING |
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NSPCC
Child Protection Helpline
24 hours, call free
Tel: 0800 800500
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Childline (NI)
PO Box 111
Belfast
BT1 7DZ
Tel: 028 9032 7773
Freephone: 0800 1111
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Contact Youth
2A Ribble Street
Belfast
BT4 1HW
Tel: Youthline Freephone
0800 8088000 (4-9pm)
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Nexus Institute
Awareness of Abuse
119 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HP
Tel: 028 9032 6803
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Independent Safeguarding Authority
Tel: 0300 123 1111
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Access Northern Ireland
Brooklyn
65 Knock Road
Belfast
BT5 6LE
Tel: 0300 200 7888
E-mail: ani@accessni.gov.uk
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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence/abuse is a crime. It is socially harmful and disruptive and can impinge on work attendance and performance and ultimately health and wellbeing.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is a Safe Employer. Victims of domestic abuse/violence will be assisted. Throughout the Borough Safe Places have useful contact numbers available for victims of domestic abuse/violence from which they may seek professional advice or assistance. Examples of Safe Places are Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill, Leisure Centres and other Council premises. A sticker is displayed prominently in these premises to show they are Safe Places.
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council Domestic Violence Policy
Safe Community
The Council is committed to raising awareness of domestic violence in the community through the work of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership. In promoting Safe Community, the Council is committed to developing safer communities to connect people with local resources and support that enable them to resolve their own problems and challenges.
Safe Employer
This policy demonstrates the Council’s commitment as a Safe Employer, and maintaining Gold Workplace Charter Status, by providing guidance for employees and managers to address the occurrence of domestic violence and its effects on the workplace. The Council continues to work in partnership with ONUS to achieve Safe Borough status.
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Safe Places
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Noreen McClelland and Joan Cowan Head of Human Resources receiving the Workplace Charter Gold Award from Onus.