Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Open Spaces Departmental Business Manager introduced a report of the Director of Open Spaces on a proposed Departmental Safeguarding Policy. She noted her thanks to staff from the North London Open Spaces Division and the Children and Community Services Department for their input in drafting the policy. She concluded by saying that the policy had been produced to ensure best-practice and not in response to a particular incident.

In response to a question from a member she confirmed that the policy covered City of London staff only, and not members attending events at Open Spaces sites. The Chairman and Director of Open Spaces noted that when members were attending such events a common-sense approach should be adopted by members – for example, it was appropriate to shake hands with minors who were prize winners. The Director advised members that if they were in any doubt in a given situation they should not hesitate to approach staff to ask for advice.

An observer to the Committee noted that he felt the policy was too ambiguous and broad in its definitions and that whilst it covered staff, it was not clear if it covered volunteers in Open Spaces. The Director pointed out that the Committee was be asked to agree the policy in principle and that the observer’s comments could be taken into account when finalising the policy on points of detail.

A member requested that the list of venues on Appendix 4 be expanded to include those at Queen’s Park and Highgate Wood.

RESOLVED:

·         That members note the report

·         That subject to the comments made by members the Departmental Safeguarding Policy be agreed.