Safeguarding & Community Standards

This form is only to be used for safeguarding issues. For all other matters, please use our general contact form.

Be Kind and Inclusive

We are a community of like-minded individuals. Please treat fellow volunteers, park staff, and members of the public with respect and courtesy. Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

Safety First

• Stay Grouped: Always work in areas where others can see you. Avoid wandering off into isolated parts of the park alone.
• Under 16s: Children must remain under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian at all times.
• Tools & PPE: Please use any tools provided as instructed. If you aren’t sure how to use something, just ask! Wear appropriate footwear and gloves where provided.

Safeguarding & Boundaries

• No Lone Working: Never be alone or out of sight with a child or an adult at risk, even if you are trying to help.
• Physical Contact: Maintain a “no-contact” policy. Respect everyone’s personal space.
• Photos: We love sharing our progress! However, please ask for verbal consent before taking photos of other volunteers, and never take photos of children without their parent’s explicit permission.

Respect the Park

We work alongside park management to protect this historic site. Please follow the instructions of the session leader regarding where to work and how to handle the local flora and fauna (especially the deer!).

If You Are Worried…

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, feel uncomfortable, or if someone tells you something concerning:

• Don’t ignore it.
• Report it immediately to the FOWP session leader or a member of the park management via wollaton.hall@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
• In an absolute emergency, always call 999.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to protect children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with FoWP activities. This policy applies to all committee members, volunteers, and members of the public participating in our sessions. This policy applies alongside the Nottingham City Council safeguarding policies.

Our Guiding Principles

• The welfare of the individual is paramount.
• All participants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, or sexual orientation, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Working in partnership with Nottingham City Council and park management is essential to maintaining a safe environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): FoWP will appoint one committee member as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns. The DSL will engage the FoWP committee as appropriate.
  The DSL can be contacted via the form at the top of this page.
• Volunteers: Must stay observant, follow “best practice” conduct, and report any concerns immediately to the DSL or park management (via wollaton.hall@nottinghamcity.gov.uk).

Code of Conduct for Volunteering Sessions

To maintain a safe environment, all FoWP volunteers and participants must adhere to our Code of Conduct set out above.

Practical Safety Measures

• Supervision: Children under 16 must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during FoWP sessions.
• Photography: Permission must be sought before taking photos of participants, especially children, for social media or promotional use.

Reporting Procedure

1. React: If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
2. Report: Notify the FoWP Lead and/or the on-site Wollaton Park management immediately.
3. Record: Write down exactly what was seen or heard as soon as possible.
4. Refer: The DSL will contact the FoWP committee and/or Nottingham City Council if further action is required.