Child Protection Policy

Child protection policy

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’S Child Protection Policy is comprised of the following sections

Policy Statement
Confidentiality
Code of Practice
Communicating with young people
Designated Child Protection Person
Procedure for reporting concerns
Definitions of abuse
Responding Appropriately to a child
Recruitment and Selection Procedures
Management and supervision of staff
Involvement of parents/primary carers
Procedures for dealing with allegations against staff
Complaints Procedure
Accidents Procedure
Appendix – Reporting forms | Contact numbers Children and family

services

Child Protection Policy Statement

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL, as an organisation working with young people, acknowledges it has a responsibility for the safety of children involved in arts projects, attending classes or otherwise under its temporary care. It also recognises that good child protection policies and procedures are of benefit to everyone involved with the organisations work, including staff, as they can help protect them from erroneous or malicious allegations.

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL is committed to practices, which protect children from harm. For the purpose of this policy, the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL staff includes not only its full-time employees, but also part time staff, filmmakers artists and tutors. All staff and volunteers who have access to, or contact with children during the course of their work are required to

* Recognise and accept their responsibilities

* Develop awareness of the issues, which can cause children harm

* Report concerns following the procedure below

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will endeavor to safeguard children by:

a) Adopting child protection procedures and a code of practice for all who work on behalf of the organisation.
b) Reporting concerns to the authorities,
c) Following carefully procedures for recruitment and selection of staff, and volunteers,
d) Providing effective management for staff, and volunteers through support and training.

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL is committed to reviewing its Child Protection Policy and code of practice at regular intervals.

It is the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL‘S Policy that:

All staff working on behalf of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL accept responsibility for the welfare of children who come into contact with the organisation in connection with its tasks and functions, and that they will report any concerns about a child or somebody else’s behaviour, using the procedures laid down.
There is a designated child protection person(s) within the organisation who will take action following any expression of concern, and the lines of responsibility in respect of child protection are clear.
Designated child protection person(s) know how to make appropriate referrals to child protection agencies.
All those who are in contact with children on behalf of the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL should adhere to the code of practice in relation to children.
Information relating to any allegation or disclosure will be clearly recorded as soon as possible, and there is a procedure setting out who should record information and who should pass it on.

Confidentiality

As part of your work with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL, you may be privy to sensitive information including information that relates to participants such as medical conditions or other special requirements. You may also be aware of difficulties that a young person is experiencing. We ask that you manage any such information in line with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s policy for confidentiality.

Be aware of the sensitive nature of the information to which you are privy and recognise the responsibility you have as a result of having access to this information.
Be aware that information including written reports is the property of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL
Use confidential information only for the purpose(s) for which it was provided and the purpose(s) for which you are authorised to use it.
Do not share confidential information or pass it on to a third party unless it is absolutely necessary as in the case of a child protection concern (See section 6 more details).
Be aware that confidential information may also be contained on other media such as audiotape or on video.
Staff should not share information that is potentially commercially sensitive. If unsure about any specific instance, staff should seek clarification from the Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL.
A staff member/volunteer may receive information that is confidential in error as in the case of an overheard conversation. Any information gained in this fashion is subject to the same conditions as information gained in an authorised manner and should not be shared.
There are circumstances where confidential information is taken outside the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL Office, for example in the case of an event involving the participation of young people where welfare leaders have copies of Participant Information/Parental Consent Forms. Personal information should be managed with care and should not be left where those without authorisation can access it. This information should be returned to the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL Office or directly to the Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL or the Designated Person. Welfare/CP reports should be given to the Designated Welfare Person or Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL only.
The requirement of confidentiality continues to apply after an individual’s involvement with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL ceases.

The National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children states that the “welfare of the child is paramount.” This means that considerations of confidentiality, which might apply to other situations, should not be allowed to over-ride the right of children to be protected from harm. However, every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned when an allegation has been made and is being investigated by the relevant body and a parent referral made.

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL policy on duty of care to children will be referred to or included in recruitment, training, and the policies are openly and widely available to staff and actively promoted within the organisation.
A culture of mutual respect between children and those who represent FRESH FILM FESTIVAL, in all its activities, will be encouraged with adults modelling good practice in this context.
While it is important to respect the right of a young person to privacy and to have their personal information dealt with in a confidential and respectful manner as outlined above, there may be instances when sharing information is necessary because the well-being of a young person is at stake e.g. in the case of a child protection concern about a young person or in the case of a medical emergency. Information relating to young people can only be shared on ‘a need to know’ basis.
It is part of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s acceptance of its responsibility of duty of care towards children that anybody who encounters child protection concerns in the context of their work on behalf of the organisation will be supported when they report their concerns in good faith.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL has developed detailed procedures for handling Garda Vetting information. Full details are available in the organisation’s Garda Vetting Policy.

Breaches of Confidentiality

A breach of confidentiality may lead to a disciplinary procedure or discontinuation of contract in the case of short-term contracted staff.

Data Protection Privacy Policy

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL is aware that under the Data Protection Acts (1998/2003 and subsequent amendments) it is a data controller and these acts govern all aspects of the treatment of sensitive information FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL is committed to the following eight principles of Data Protection as summarised by the Office of the Data Commissioner:

Obtain and process information fairly
Keep it only for one or more specified and lawful purposes
Use and disclose it only in ways compatible with the purposes for which it was initially given
Keep it safe and secure
Keep it accurate and up-to-date
Ensure that it is adequate, relevant and not excessive
Retain it no longer than is necessary for the specified purpose or purposes
Give a copy of his/her personal data to any individual, on request.

Code of Practice

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL expects that all staff, which for these purposes includes anybody in paid or unpaid work on its behalf will be aware of this Code of Practice and adhere to its principles in their approach to all children. The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL adopts a stance that all abuse against children is unacceptable.

All classes, workshops, screenings, assessments, should be as open as possible, and it is important that no more time should be spent alone with children than is necessary.
It is important not to have physical contact with children and this should be avoided.
It is not good practice to take children alone in a car on journeys, however short.
Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about a child, even in fun as this could be misinterpreted.
It is important not to deter children from making a disclosure of abuse through fear of not being believed, and to listen to what they have to say. If this gives rise to a child protection concern it is important to follow FRESH FILM Festival’s procedure for reporting such concerns, and not to attempt to investigate the concern yourself.
Remember that those who abuse children can be of any age (even other children), gender, ethnic background or class, and it is important not to allow personal preconceptions about people to prevent appropriate action taking place.
Good Practice includes valuing and respecting children as individuals, and the adult modelling of appropriate conduct will always exclude bullying, shouting, aggression, racism, sectarianism or sexism.

Communications with young people

Telephone/Mobile Phone:

Staff/volunteers should not contact a young person or store their number on their personal phone.
Any phone communication with young people should only be used for the effective and efficient delivery of an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL programme and should cease upon completion of the programme.
Access to phones that include young people’s contact details are controlled and restricted to those with a direct need to access them.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL does not provide young people’s phone numbers to any third party unless there is a legitimate reason and the young person in question gives their permission. (Parents/Primary carers must also give permission if a young person is under 18).
In the case of an emergency, where a young person cannot be located or if they are in danger of harm, a Welfare Officer can contact individual young people by telephone. A staff member, in the case of an emergency, may contact a young person on their personal phone but the number is not to be retained.
Copies of all text messages sent to young people should be retained on the mobile for at least thirty days after an activity/event.
No images should be taken by FRESH FILM FESTIVAL staff/volunteers with any mobile phone unless for the purposes of an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL event/programme and only after parental consent has been received. Any such images should be transferred to an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL computer as soon as possible. They should not be retained on the mobile phone. All images should be managed in line with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL policy.
Staff/volunteers should never send any communication that could be interpreted as offensive or inappropriate.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL requires that staff/volunteers be aware of the possibility of bullying via mobile phone, not only among young people participating on its programme, but also the possibility that a staff/volunteer may use a mobile phone to bully a young person.

There is also a possibility that a young person may use a mobile phone to harass or target a staff member/volunteer. Any such occurrences will be taken seriously and should be reported to the Designated Person.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL asks that staff be aware of the risk of abuse being carried out/initiated by mobile phone. Any staff member/volunteer who has any concerns about a mobile phone communication received by a young person should follow FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s Internal Reporting Procedures (detailed below in section 6.)
Staff/volunteers and participants should be aware that the sending of offensive or indecent material by mobile phone is treated very seriously under Irish Law.
Staff/volunteers should not use a mobile phone or other device to play video/audio for young people unless the content is appropriate and it is directly related to an event/programme.

Email

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL staff, who have access to an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL email account, should not use their own personal email account to communicate with young people.
All email communications with young people should be professional, appropriate and respectful.
Any email communication with young people should only be used for the effective and efficient delivery of an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL programme and should cease upon completion of the programme. In the event that the email is to young people involved in an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL specific project, the email should be copied to another member of staff.
In circumstances where an adult engaged by FRESH FILM FESTIVAL needs to contact participants in relation to a project from an email address other than an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL email address, they should get permission from the Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL in advance and set up an email address specifically for the purpose. They should cease to use this email account once the project is completed. The Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL, or Designated Person, should be included in all emails sent including those sent in reply to a response from a young person.
Communication with young people should stop once the project ceases and their email address should not be used in the future.
‘Joke’ and ‘circular’ emails even if they seem innocuous should not be forwarded to young people.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL requires all staff/volunteers be mindful of the possibility of email communications being used not only by a participant to bully another participant but also as a means for an adult to bully a young person. Any such occurrence should be taken seriously and reported to the Designated Person or the Director of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL.
Email communications can be used as a means of abuse/initiating abuse. Any staff member/volunteer who becomes aware of any suspicious communication, should follow FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s Internal Reporting Procedure. (Detailed below section 6)
Use of emails should be in line with Data Protection Legislation. (See Section on Confidentiality)

Third Party Social Networking Sites

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL takes every reasonable effort to ensure safe use of any third party sites by adhering to the following:
An assessment is made of the site and the most suitable settings for a FRESH FILM FESTIVAL presence before any content goes live.
Inappropriate content will be removed as soon as FRESH FILM FESTIVAL becomes aware of it.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL staff/volunteers should separate their own personal social networking presence from that of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL FILM FESTIVAL requests that anyone who wishes to set up a social networking presence associated with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL but not managed by it, e.g. the alumni of the Hothouse or for the participants of a festival, contact FRESH FILM FESTIVAL in advance. Any content included on these sites should be appropriate and not damage the reputation of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will take bullying or harassment by anyone who uses FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s third party sites very seriously. Any instance will be reported to those who run the website and if appropriate to the Gardai.
Staff/volunteers should report any suspicious behaviour by a user. If abuse is suspected, staff/volunteers should follow FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s Internal Reporting Procedures.
Youth leaders/members, professional film companies, film practitioners, arts organisations and youth work organisations working for the benefit of young people are welcome to post content on FRESH FILM FESTIVAL third party sites. Content from other parties is considered on an individual basis and will be removed if not in keeping with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL ethos or if not of relevance to the interests of young people and/or theatre as an artform.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL does not require any users of third party sites to disclose personal information.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will promote safe use of social networking and other third party sites among participants on its programme when drafting any group contract.
In the case of a programme where use of social media is an aspect of the programme, as in the case of the Hothouse, staff will provide clear guidance to young people on safe use of the platform(s) in question.
Use of images/video footage will be in line with FRESH FILM FESTIVAL policy.
In the case of Twitter, staff/volunteers should not re-tweet FRESH FILM FESTIVAL tweets, especially those from young people, via their own personal account.

Images/Video Footage

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL is conscious of the responsibility it has for ensuring any images/video footage of young people are used in a safe and responsible manner that does not put any young person at risk. Photographs and visual images are regarded as personal data under the Data Protection Acts 1998/2003. Therefore all images must be obtained fairly and used only for one or more specified legal purpose.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL has developed the following policy on use of images/footage, informed by the Arts Councilʼs Guidelines for taking and using images of children and young people in the arts sector (2009):

Images/footage of young people will only be recorded if there is a valid reason relating to the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL programme.
Consent for the use of images/footage is sought from young people participating on FRESH FILM FESTIVAL events, and from the parents/guardians where a participant is under 18.
A refusal of permission will not restrict the participation of a young person on an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL programme.
No images should be taken by FRESH FILM FESTIVAL staff/volunteers with their own personal mobile phone. Any images taken with an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL mobile phone should be transferred to an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL computer as soon as possible and should not be retained on the mobile phone.
Participants and primary carers are informed in advance as to the specific uses of any images/footage and as to whether they will be provided to third parties.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will only use images/footage for the reasons specified.
Care will be taken that young people whose images are captured are dressed in a way

that is appropriate to their age.

Every precaution will be taken to ensure no image/footage used may expose any participant to embarrassment or distress.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL only provides images/footage to third parties when there is a legitimate reason for doing so e.g. distributing images to the media when promoting IYFMA or in the case of an FRESH FILM FESTIVAL event being featured as part of a wider event as in the case of the international, Hothouse or showcase programme.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will only identify/provide names of individual young people to third parties in a situation where they are being publicly acknowledged. Parental consent will be sought before providing any details of a young person aged under 18.
When using images/footage FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will not provide information that could be used to make contact with a young person.
Images/footage will only be used in the context in which they were captured.
• While in the vast majority of cases images of groups will be used rather than images of individual participants there are exceptions e.g. if a participant’s local newspaper was seeking an image of them for a feature. Another exception might be in the case where a publicity image is taken of an individual young person and it is agreed that this is the best way to represent a production or event. If the image of a single young person is used, FRESH FILM FESTIVAL will be especially careful that the image is appropriate and that tight control is maintained over how the image is used and distributed.
It is important that images are reflective of the diversity of young people participating on any FRESH FILM FESTIVAL programme.
We will be particularly sensitive when using images of young people whom we are aware are particularly vulnerable.
Any misuse of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL images/footage should be reported to the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Director or Designated Person.
If any individual is unhappy with the manner an image/footage is obtained, used or retained by FRESH FILM FESTIVAL, they should follow FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s Complaints Procedure. Any such complaint will be taken very seriously and procedures will be followed in full.
While FRESH FILM FESTIVAL can not completely control and regulate the taking of photos or video footage at it’s events by participants or members of the public, we request that any such images/footage are not made available in the public sphere, are used in a way that is appropriate and are kept within the context in which they were captured.
It should be made clear to participants that there are situations when it is inappropriate to capture photos/footage of each other. It should be made clear to them that they need to think carefully before they post an image where it can be viewed by others and should not take images out of context. They should be made aware that there are unscrupulous individuals who might use images to identify young people and may seek to make contact with them.
Staff/volunteers should be alert to the possibility of participants capturing and distributing images with a view to causing another young person embarrassment or upset. Participants should be informed that any such occurrence will be treated extremely seriously and will be treated as an instance of bullying. Depending on the circumstances, it may be treated as a child protection issue and a report may be made to the statutory authorities.

Use of images/footage on the Internet.

The posting of images/footage on the Internet is an area of particular risk and FRESH FILM FESTIVAL is cognisant of the possibility of images and footage being used and manipulated by those who seek to harm children and young people and the danger of any information provided being used to contact a young person with a view to grooming them for abuse.

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL takes the following steps for the use of images/footage on the Internet:
• Particular care should be taken when posting such content on the Internet that it is appropriate, does not provide any information that could be used to contact or locate a young person and does not put a young person at risk in any other way.
• While it is impossible to completely control use of images once they are posted to the internet, FRESH FILM FESTIVAL requests that all users of its own website and any third party sites on which it has a presence adhere to the following, taken from FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’s Acceptable Usage Policy:

– Do not use any content including images from the site without receiving permission from FRESH FILM FESTIVAL.

– Do not misuse or take out of context any content on the site including images or video footage.

– Do not tag photos posted by FRESH FILM FESTIVAL.

– Any comments added should be respectful.

– Do not add comments to photos that may identify individual young people in the photo.

Designated Child Protection Person (DCPP)

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival has appointed a designated child protection person who is responsible for dealing with any concerns about the protection of children. This person is Jayne Foley, Festival Director is contactable by telephone: 086 8155610 on landline: 061319555

The role of the designated person(s) is to:

Know which outside child protection agency to contact in the event of a child protection concern happening.
Provide information and advice on child protection to members and staff of the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival.
Ensure that appropriate information is available at the time of referral and that the referral is confirmed in writing under confidential cover.
Liaise with the Health Board and other agencies, as appropriate.
Keep relevant people in FRESH FILM FESTIVAL informed about any action taken and any further action required.
Ensure that a proper record is kept of any referral and action taken, and that this is kept safely and in confidence.
Advise the board of child protection needs; and
Liaise with the Health Board to review the operation of the Child Protection Policy regularly to ensure the procedures are working and that it complies with current best practice.

Procedure for Reporting Concerns

Staff could have their suspicion raised in a number of ways, the most likely of which are:

The conduct of a member of staff,
A child “disclosing” abuse,
Bruising or evidence of physical hurt; which may or may not be accompanied by;
Unusual behaviour by a child.

* If a member of staff has such concerns they should be reported to the DCPP using the form available for this purpose.

* Concerns about a specific child should be reported immediately by telephone to the DCPP and confirmed in writing within 24 hours using the form available from the DCPP. Delay could prejudice the welfare of a child. If the concerns relate to the conduct of a member of staff these should be reported by phone to the DCPP at the earliest opportunity.

* The DCPP will consider the report and either refer this immediately to the authorities or, after taking appropriate advice (which may include discussing the circumstances on a confidential basis with the Health Board), decide not to refer the concerns to the authorities but keep a full record of the concerns. or, after taking appropriate advice (which may include discussing the circumstances on a confidential basis with the Health Board), decide not to refer the concerns to the authorities but keep a full record of the concerns.

Definitions of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. It may be the result of a deliberate act, but could also be caused through omission or failure to act to protect.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent ill treatment of a child or young person such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve making a child feel or believe that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of, or consents to, what is happening. It may involve physical contact, including rape or oral sex, or non-penetrative acts such as fondling. Boys and girls can be sexually abused by males and/or females and by other young people. It also includes non-contact activities such as involving children in watching or taking part in pornographic material, or encouraging children to behave in inappropriate ways.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/ or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, or failing to ensure that a child gets appropriate medical care or treatment.

Responding appropriately to a Child making an Allegation of Abuse

Remain calm.
Listen carefully to what is said.
Explain to the child that the information will need to be shared with others -do not promise to keep secrets.
Tell the child the matter will only be disclosed to those who need to know about it. This is not a breach of confidentiality.
Allow the child to continue at her/his own pace.
Ask questions for clarification only, and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you.
Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
Record in writing what was said, using the child’s own words as soon as possible -note the date, time, any names mentioned, to whom the information was given and ensure that the record is signed an dated.
It is important to remember that the person who first encounters a case of alleged abuse is not responsible for deciding whether abuse has occurred. That is a task for the professional child protection agencies, following a referral from the designated child protection person.
The parent or guardian of the child has a right to know if personal information is being shared and/or if a report is being made to the HSE unless doing so puts the child at further risk.
All records of incidents reported must be kept in a safe and confidential manner. They must be stored under lock and key and only the Designated Person (or the deputy designated person, depending on who the allegation was made against) should have access.

Recruitment and Selection Procedures

Appropriate recruitment and selection procedures for staff in the context of child protection in line with recommendations by the Department of Health and Children have been adopted by the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival and include the following:

Clear definition of the role of employees or volunteers
Application Form
Candidates who will have contact with children are required to sign a declaration
Interview process
Documented evidence of qualifications.
Candidates are required to have written references that will be verbally confirmed
Garda Clearance must be obtained by the candidate (subject to availability)

10.Management and supervision of staff

A mandatory induction will be given to all new staff.
Staff will be made aware of the code of conduct, child protection procedures and the designated person and their role.
It will be mandatory for all new core staff to attend a training day on child protection procedures provided by a recognized authority at the earliest availability and convenience.
A senior member of staff will be available at any time to assist with any queries that the new staff may have in relation to this document and its implementation.
New staff must sign a copy of the policy document stating that they have read it in full and are confident they understand its contents.

Involvement of primary carers

The FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival is committed to being open with all primary carers.

We will endeavor to advise primary carers of our child protection policy. This is also free to download for any member of the public from our website.
Inform primary carers of any activity that their child may take part in.
Issue contact/consent forms for any activity where the child may be involved in group
Workshops, trips away or any activity that involves the child being photographed or recorded.
Always ask the primary carer about any medical history that might affect or prevent the child from taking part in an activity. Issue medical history forms for any activity that places you the staff in a position of temporary carer.

Procedures for dealing with allegations against staff

Two separate procedures must be followed:

In respect of the child/young person Jayne Foley will deal with issues related to the child/young person.
B. In respect of the person against whom the allegation is made the Board of Directors will deal with issues related to the staff member.

The first priority is to ensure that no child or young person is exposed to unnecessary risk;
If allegations are made against the Designated Person, then the Deputy Designated Person should be contacted;
The reporting procedures outlined in Section 4 of these guidelines should be followed. Both the primary carers and child/young person should be informed of actions planned and taken. The child/young person should be dealt with in an age appropriate manner;
The staff member will be informed as soon as possible

° of the nature of the allegation;

° the staff member should be given the opportunity to respond.

The chairperson/head of the organisation should be informed as soon as possible.

Any action following an allegation of abuse against an employee should be taken in consultation with Health Service Executive and Gardaí;
After consultation, the chairperson/head of organisation should advise the person accused and agreed procedures be followed.

Complaints Procedure

In the event of complaints or comments:

Complaints or comments will be responded to within 2 weeks,
The Festival Manager has responsibility for directing complaints/comments to the appropriate person.
Verbal complaints will be logged and responded to.
If the complainant persists in pursuing their complaint further, then it is the responsibility of the board of directors to decide on further action.

Accidents Procedure

In the event of an accident occurring to a child:

A designated health and safety officer will be identified.
They must have health and safety training.
The location of a first aid box must be made known to all staff.
If the child has suffered a serious accident they will be taken immediately into the nearest hospital and their primary carer notified.
In the instance of a minor injury, the situation will be assed by the health and safety officer and treatment given accordingly. The primary carer will be made aware of the incident.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL keeps an incident report book, the whereabouts of which is made known to all members of staff who are shown the procedure for filing a report.
External organisations with which the FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival has dealings must provide proof that they have public liability insurance.
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Festival has public liability insurance for any permanent or temporary member of staff it employs. As developed and regularly reviewed by the Management of FRESH FILM FESTIVAL Film Ltd.

Once you have read the Child Protection Policy please sign and date below.

I _____________________hereby confirm that I have read and understood FRESH FILM FESTIVAL’S Child Protection Policy.