Oxford u3a is committed to safeguarding the health, safety, wellbeing and human rights of its members and visitors while taking part in u3a activities.
Oxford u3a does not hold any statutory authority. Matters of concern will be reported promptly to the relevant safeguarding authorities.
Members should bring any safeguarding concerns they have to their committee. When the committee becomes aware of a safeguarding concern, steps will be taken, as needed, to ensure that the safety of members and visitors at risk is secured as a priority. The steps taken will be documented and stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. The first step will be to gather as much information as possible to assist with the decision as to the next steps. It may be necessary to conduct a risk assessment. Where the risk is high and immediate action needs to be taken, the committee will contact the relevant authorities and the u3a Trust for advice and support. Assistance will always be sought before moving to exclude any member on the basis of safeguarding.
Courses of action will include members who exhibit health concerns that could put themselves or others at risk, convictions (previous or pending) that include offences of a sexual or violent nature, inappropriate behaviour exhibited by a member including sexual advances, bullying, aggressive or violent behaviour, harassment and/or discrimination. This can include behaviour exhibited face to face as well as electronic communications or via social media platforms.
The policy was developed using guidelines from the u3a Trust. The committee will monitor the implementation of the policy and procedure annually.
You can click here to download a copy of this statement.