Lieutenancy Safeguarding Policy

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 2023: statutory guidance  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 Paul Netherton OBE DL assisted by Rosalie Robison, Deputy Clerk 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).
Paul Netherton and Rosalie Robison can be contacted via the circulated Lieutenancy contact list. Or at [email protected]

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:

  • Due Diligence carried out before nomination by the Honours and Appointments Group of Deputy Lieutenants.  When this is complete the Lord-Lieutenant will discreetly meet with the nominee. An undertaking from the nominee in writing that they know of nothing that would bring the Lieutenancy into disrepute. 
  • 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.
  •  Use of DBS if necessary

4. Safeguarding Induction and Training

The Lord Lieutenant will ensure that the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and all Deputy Lieutenants 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 www.devonchildrenandfamiliespartnership.org.uk/board/

If you would be interested in specific training contact Rosalie Robison who can look to facilitate that request via Devon County Council. 

 The topic of safeguarding will be covered each year at the DL working lunch. 

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.

For more information on safeguarding adults : Home – Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership 

6. Attendance at events with cadets 

 Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets will be appointed to events by the Deputy Lieutenant responsible for cadet duties, Group Capt Gordon Evans DL.  The Lord-Lieutenant or Deputy Lieutenant will be made aware if a cadet is attending and what their role will be, for example passing medals and awards for presentation, escorting and saluting, meeting and greeting guests etc. Cadets, if not able to drive themselves, will be taken to events by parents, or a responsible officer. The Lord-Lieutenant nor Deputy Lieutenants will offer lifts, or be responsible for or alone with cadets at any point, but should engage with the cadet and ensure that they feel at ease with their duty for the event. If cadets are below the age of 18 it will be expected that there will be a responsible adult attending with them.