Safeguarding Policy – Devon Lieutenancy
1. Introduction
The Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s personal representative in Devon.
The Lieutenancy is responsible for:
• Arranging visits of members of the Royal Family and escorting Royal visitors as appropriate
• Participation in civic and social activity within the County
• Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, including reserve forces and cadets
• Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of His Majesty
• Leadership of the local magistracy as Vice Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Justices of the peace
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Working Together to Safeguard Children; a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (2018) sets out detailed guidance about the responsibility of all individuals and organisations working with children.
This policy sets out the action that is taken to ensure safe recruitment as well as what action to take if any member of the Lieutenancy is concerned about the safety of any child they encounter.
2. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The designated safeguarding lead for the Lord-Lieutenancy is Deputy Lieutenant Steve Pearce assisted by Rosalie Robison, Executive Assistant to the Lord-Lieutenant. If a member of the Lieutenancy suspects a breach of Safeguarding or a cause for concern, then they must contact the above as soon as possible who will be responsible for notifying the Lord Lieutenant and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Steve Pearce and Rosalie Robison can be contacted via the circulated Lieutenancy contact list.
The designated safeguarding leads will ensure that the Lieutenancy is kept up to date with key safeguarding developments locally and nationally.
3. Safer Recruitment Practice
The Devon Lieutenancy will use the following process to ensure the safe recruitment of the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants.
• Use Cabinet Office vetting processes to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role that include clear and documented declaration requirements about whether the candidate has any criminal convictions, cautions, other legal restrictions, pending cases that might affect their suitability for the role or know of any other matter regarding propriety that may have a bearing. Cabinet Office checks include checks with the relevant Police and Security Service.
• Apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service check if applicable.
• Take up references which include questions about an individual’s suitability for the role, which includes contact with children.
4. Safeguarding Induction and Training
The Lord Lieutenant will ensure that the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and all Deputies are briefed on the Safeguarding policy and that training is given where appropriate.
The Devon Children and Families Partnership (DCFP) provides training opportunities for all organisations and agencies in Devon and these can be found at https://www.devonchildrenandfamiliespartnership.org.uk/board/
All members should undertake level 1 training which includes a short video
5. Adults and other vulnerable persons
Members of the Lieutenancy may also come into contact with other vulnerable groups, including adults. Any concerns must be reported to the designated safeguarding lead in the same way as set out for children. Such cases will also be referred to the LADO in the same way