Safeguarding on the Parliamentary Estate

Background

In July 2015 the House of Commons Service and House of Lords Administration contracted Barnardo’s to carry out a review of its safeguarding practices and procedures. This was with a view to coordinating and strengthening our existing arrangements for dealing with children and vulnerable adults who visit Parliament or engage with our outreach activities.

Barnardo’s produced a report of findings (pdf, 686KB) with recommendations, which have been taken forward by the House of Commons Executive Committee and the House of Lords Management Board.

This led to the appointment of a Safeguarding Board for Parliament to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the report and to ensure that appropriate safeguarding practices and procedures are in place.

A Parliamentary Safeguarding Lead has been appointed and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of safeguarding – including this policy – on behalf of the Safeguarding Board. This position will also provide direct support to Designated Safeguarding Leads across Parliament, ensuring a coordinated and consistent safeguarding approach.

Policy statement

We take seriously our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk who come into contact with our activities, whether on the Parliamentary estate or in the community. Meeting our safeguarding responsibilities is a priority and we are committed to ensuring that we do so confidently and competently.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to:

• providing a safe and supportive environment;
• promoting a culture in which children and adults at risk are listened to and respected;
• taking all necessary steps to prevent abuse and harm;
• acting without delay to protect a child or adult at risk when a safeguarding concern is raised, no matter what the circumstances.

Definitions

‘Safeguarding’ means: the action to promote the welfare of children and adults at risk of harm and protect them from abuse, harm, neglect and mistreatment of any kind.

‘Children’ means: individuals aged under 18. Note, the fact that a child has become sixteen years of age, is living independently, is in further education, in the armed forces or in detention does not change their status or their entitlement to protection.

‘Adults at risk’ mean: anyone aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and as a result of those care and support needs, may be unable to protect themselves from the risk of or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Policy commitment

It is the policy of the responsible authorities as set out below to:

• Ensure that all staff who work for or on behalf of the Houses of Parliament including those who use the facilities provided on site, are clear about their responsibility to safeguard and promote the well-being of all children and adults at risk who visit the Parliamentary Estate, whenever and wherever they are in a position to do so.
• Ensure that all staff who work for or on behalf of the Houses of Parliament and undertake work within the wider community outside the Parliamentary Estate are also clear about their responsibility to safeguard and promote the well-being of all children and adults at risk, whenever and wherever they are in a position to do so.
• Act in accordance with the relevant legislation and statutory guidance for the protection of children and adults at risk.
• Ensure that all working practices are regularly reviewed from a safeguarding perspective to ensure that the welfare and safety of children and adults at risk are not compromised.

How we will fulfill our safeguarding responsibilities

• Establishing a Safeguarding Board
• Identifying named Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Appointing a Parliamentary Safeguarding Lead
• Ensuring the Safeguarding Board has access, as required, to independent advice and guidance
• Implementing clear procedures
• Ensuring that staff are clear about expected codes of conduct where contact with children or adults at risk are concerned
• Implementing an effective system for recording and management of information
• Providing effective management, support or supervision, and training of staff in relation to safeguarding

The safeguarding policy is supported by other organisational policies and procedures aimed at promoting safe and healthy working practices.

People and their responsibilities

The policy places specific responsibilities on the following:

• The Clerk of the Parliaments and the Clerk of the House
• The House of Lords Management Board and the House of Commons Executive Committee
• Directors (in the Commons and the Digital Service) and Heads of Office (in the Lords)
• Director of Parliamentary Procurement and Commercial Services
• Managers
• Designated Safeguarding Lead(s)
• Parliamentary Safeguarding Lead
• All staff (especially those who have contact with children and/or vulnerable adults)

The policy does not apply to Members of either House or their staff.

Safeguarding arrangements

The effective management of identified or emerging risks to children or adults at risk requires a systematic approach and a strong supportive culture. The policy is underpinned by links to appropriate authorities with guidance and legislative frameworks to support its implementation.

Checking and reviewing the effectiveness of this policy

The Clerk of the Parliaments and the Clerk of the House together with the Safeguarding Board need to be assured that this Safeguarding Policy remains fit for purpose, has been implemented, and is achieving the right level of response to identify, respond to and manage risks in practice.

Feedback

We welcome constructive feedback on our policy and the work we're carrying out. If you would like to share feedback, please email the the Safeguarding team on safeguarding@parliament.uk

Concerns about child, young person or adult at risk

If you are worried that a child, young person or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.

For any other concerns or requests for information, please email the Safeguarding team on safeguarding@parliament.uk where one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads will reply to your email as soon as possible.