At Middle World Farms, we prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals on our premises, including children, young adults, and vulnerable persons. To ensure our staff are equipped to uphold safeguarding standards and that visitors are informed of our expectations, we implement thorough training and awareness initiatives.

1. Staff Training

Middle World Farms provides comprehensive safeguarding training to all staff members, tailored to their roles and responsibilities. Our training programme includes:

• Induction Training: All new staff and volunteers receive mandatory safeguarding training during their induction. This training covers safeguarding policies, recognising signs of abuse or neglect, and understanding reporting procedures.
• Regular Refresher Training: Safeguarding policies and practices are regularly reviewed, and all staff participate in refresher training annually to ensure they remain up-to-date with current best practices.
• Role-Specific Training: For staff members who interact directly with children, young adults, and vulnerable persons, additional in-depth safeguarding training is provided. This includes scenario-based exercises and information on managing specific safeguarding issues that may arise in their roles.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training: Our DSL and any Deputy DSLs undergo advanced safeguarding training to manage reports, conduct risk assessments, and liaise with external safeguarding agencies.
• Ongoing Learning Opportunities: We encourage staff to participate in ongoing safeguarding courses, workshops, and webinars to deepen their understanding and stay informed about new developments in safeguarding practices.

2. Visitor Awareness Initiatives

In addition to staff training, we have initiatives to make all visitors to Middle World Farms aware of our safeguarding commitment and expectations:

• Safeguarding Information Signage: Clear, visible safeguarding information is posted at all entrance points and in key areas across the premises. This signage includes a summary of our safeguarding policy and contact information for our DSL.
• Visitor Code of Conduct: All visitors are provided with a code of conduct upon arrival, which outlines expected behaviour and emphasises our commitment to a safe environment. This code of conduct is especially emphasised for visitors participating in programs or events involving children and vulnerable groups.
• Guided Tours and Group Orientations: For visitors attending guided tours or group activities, staff provide a brief orientation that includes an overview of our safeguarding policy, reporting procedures, and ways they can contribute to a safe environment.
• Educational Materials: We provide safeguarding pamphlets or handouts, highlighting our policies and what to do if a visitor has any safeguarding concerns. This information is available at our reception area and online.
• Visitor Reporting Procedures: Visitors are informed of how they can report any safeguarding concerns they may observe while on the premises. This process includes contacting the DSL directly or speaking to a staff member, who will then relay the information to the DSL.

3. Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding

Middle World Farms fosters a proactive culture of safeguarding by encouraging open communication, awareness, and responsibility among all individuals on-site:

• Encouraging Open Dialogue: Staff members are encouraged to discuss safeguarding concerns or ideas for improvement. We hold regular team meetings to review safeguarding practices and share insights.
• Staff Accountability: Each staff member is expected to model appropriate behaviour and uphold our safeguarding values in interactions with visitors, ensuring that everyone contributes to a safe, welcoming environment.
• Feedback Channels: We provide visitors and staff with opportunities to offer feedback on safeguarding practices, allowing us to continuously improve our policies and procedures.