Safeguarding

Rochdale Field Nats work hard to maintain a safe environment for all at our events. 

If you are concerned about the welfare of any Rochdale Field Naturalists member while joining in our activities or attending our events, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Ian Short, in confidence. 

Ian can be reached by email at ian@short.org.uk or by phone at 07734 259460

In case of an emergency

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police (999)
and Rochdale local authority safeguarding adults at risk service. 0300 303 8886

 

RFNS Safeguarding Policy

The following policy was adopted by the RFNS Steering Group 25 October 2022 and
the Constitution amended accordingly at the AGM on 8 December 2022.

This policy is renewed at each AGM of the Society.

Although our Society is not a Registered Charity or organisation required by law to have a formal policy on safeguarding, we nevertheless declare our commitment to :

  • Promoting a safe and inclusive environment and culture.
  • Supporting all those who lead our events to be aware of the need to safeguard vulnerable people of all ages who attend our activities.
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Society will:

  • Be a safe place for all our members to learn about and enjoy Nature.
  • Have a named Safeguarding Officer to work with the Steering Group to implement this policy.
  • Publicise this policy and the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns.
  • Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
  • Take steps to protect vulnerable people if a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, promptly seeking and following professional advice as necessary.
  • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy at least annually and include a comment in the Chairperson’s report to the AGM, to raise awareness, even if there have been no incidents.

All members of the Society must be aware of this policy and implement any guidelines that may be issued from time to time by the Steering Group.

At the AGM the Society appointed  Ian Short as the Safeguarding Officer