1. Introduction to the policy
This policy is based on the district council responsibilities under:
- The Care Act 2014 in particular Sections 42 to 46 related to safeguarding, further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted
- The Children’s Act 2004, specifically Section 11 which places a duty on key people and public bodies, including district councils, to make arrangements to ensure that their functions are discharged with regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents
- Working Together to Safeguard Children, a guide to multi-agency working to help, protect and promote the welfare of Children, December 2023 Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk)
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.
- The Human Rights Act 1998 applies to all public authorities. Organisations must comply with the Act and the individual’s rights when providing a service or making decisions that impact on the individual’s rights.
- The Counter Terrorism Act 2015 section 26 which places a duty on certain bodies, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Prevent Agenda is one of four strands which makes up the Governments counter-terrorism strategy. Further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/6/contents
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015. Further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/contents/enacted
- The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in particular Part 10 relating to forced marriage. Further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents/enacted
- The Serious Crime Act 2015 particularly Part 5 relating to female genital mutilation, child cruelty and domestic abuse. Further information can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/9/contents/enacted
The policy is written with reference to the principle of Think Child, Think Parent, Think Family. Further information can be found at: http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/think-child
East Devon District Council are partners of the following Safeguarding Partnerships