Safeguarding Statement

Purpose and Scope of this Statement

Hanwell Carnival CIC is a Community Interest Company dedicated to organising community carnival events and celebrations that bring together families and residents of Hanwell and surrounding areas. We organise annual carnival events, parades, and associated community activities that celebrate local culture and foster community spirit.

The purpose of this safeguarding statement is:

To protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend our events from
To provide clear guidance to our directors, volunteers, contractors, and partners on our approach to safeguarding
To ensure we create safe, welcoming, and inclusive community events
Directors and board members
Volunteers
Contractors and service providers
Partner organisations working with us

Legal Framework

This statement has been developed in accordance with current legislation and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable adults in England, including:

Children Act 1989 and 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Care Act 2014
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

Our Commitment - What We Believe

We believe that:

Hanwell Carnival CIC is committed to creating safe, enjoyable community events for all. This statement demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding and will be made available on our website and at our events.

All children, young people, and vulnerable adults have the right to enjoy our events in
Everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
Community events should be inclusive and welcoming spaces for all families

We recognise that:

The welfare and safety of attendees is paramount in all our event planning and delivery
Some individuals may be more vulnerable due to age, disability, circumstances, or other factors
Working in partnership with families, local authorities, and other agencies is essential
All people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from harm

How We Will Keep People Safe

Event Planning and Management:

Conduct risk assessments for all events, specifically considering safeguarding risks
Ensure adequate security and stewarding arrangements are in place
Maintain clear sight lines and well-lit areas throughout event spaces
Provide accessible facilities suitable for all attendees
Establish clear protocols for lost children and vulnerable adults

Policies and Procedures:

Maintain up-to-date safeguarding policies and procedures
Ensure all volunteers and contractors understand their safeguarding responsibilities
Implement a clear code of conduct for all those involved in our events
Establish procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns

Training and Awareness:

Provide safeguarding awareness training for all directors and key volunteers
Ensure our designated safeguarding lead maintains current training
Share safeguarding information with event attendees through signage and communications

Safe Recruitment:

Conduct appropriate background checks on directors, regular volunteers, and contractorsHanwell Carnival CIC is committed to creating safe, enjoyable community events for all. This statement demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding and will be made available on our website and at our events.
Obtain references for key volunteer positions
Ensure DBS checks are completed where required and appropriate

Information Management:

Handle all personal information in accordance with data protection legislation
Maintain confidential records of any safeguarding concerns or incidents
Share information appropriately with relevant agencies when required

Creating a Safe Environment:

Foster an open, transparent culture where concerns can be raised
Ensure clear communication channels for reporting concerns
Provide visible information about how to access help and support
Work with local police and council services as appropriate

Partnership Working:

Collaborate with local safeguarding partnerships and relevant agencies
Ensure partner organisations and contractors share our commitment to safeguarding
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for our activities

Responding to Concerns

If anyone has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult at our events, they should:

Immediate danger: Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Report to our team: Speak immediately to our designated safeguarding lead or any director
External reporting: Contact local authority safeguarding services or police as appropriate

All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.

Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Rosalie Pereira
Phone: +44 7958 326331
Email: [email protected]

Chair/Director with Safeguarding Responsibility:
Name: Desmond McManus
Phone: +44 7725 318762
Email: [email protected]

External Contacts:

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Ealing Council Safeguarding: 020 8825 8930 (office hours) / 020 8825 8000 (out of hours)
Emergency Services: 999

Review and Monitoring

This safeguarding statement will be reviewed annually by the board of directors and updated as necessary to reflect:

Changes in legislation or guidance
Learning from incidents or near misses
Feedback from stakeholders
Changes in our activities or risk profile

Last reviewed: 18.08.2025

Next review due: 18.08.2026

Approved by: Desmond McManus, Treasurer