Libraries and leisure

Protecting children and young people

When running an event, the organisers need to ensure that any children and young people attending the event will be safe and secure.

As with adults, this care includes all aspects of health and safety. However in the case of children and young people, organisers also have a duty to ensure children are safeguarded.
This will include ensuring that all adults who came into contact with children have been appropriately checked (safe recruitment). In addition, those working with children should be aware of the signs of abuse and know how to make referrals to the appropriate agencies; HCC 'Children, Schools and Families' and the Police.

Agencies in Hertfordshire should ensure they have access to a copy of the “Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB), Child Protection Procedures May 2007” available on website www.hertsdirect.org/caresupport/childfam/childprotection/acpc/procedures/
Many organisers know that any employees, free lance workers, volunteers and artists working with the 0-16 age group will need to have obtained clearance by means of a Criminal Records Bureau check. For further information see www.crb.gov.uk/

The following publications or websites provide additional information and advice and are recommended for your use.

• Keeping arts safe: protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in arts activities. ISBN 0728709414. This Arts Council publication was written in collaboration with the NSPCC and is available via the Arts Council website www.artscouncil.org.uk or from Marston Book services 01235 465500 or email direct.orders@marston.co.uk
  

• There is also a ‘Child-Safe’ pack available, free of charge, from Hertfordshire Constabulary. If you have any enquiries regarding the pack, which is also available in other languages and formats,please contact the Child Protection and Investigation Unit on 01462 425174 or request one by post from:
  Child-safe in Sport and Organised Groups
  Child Protection and Investigation Unit
  Letchworth Police Station
  Nevells Road
  Letchworth
  Hertfordshire
  SG6 4ER