The Society recognises that allotment sites can be sociable places, populated by people who share a mutual appreciation of gardening. The Society encourages activities that further the development of social interaction and a sense of community on allotment sites. At the same time, the Society recognizes that allotments are both public and private places, within which some tenants may wish to be left to garden in peace. The Society recognises the right of any tenant gardening in compliance with their tenancy agreement to the quiet enjoyment of their allotment garden.
The Society maintains that responsibility for the behaviour of any person who is invited onto an allotment garden by a tenant lies with the tenant, and that this principle should be included in the tenancy agreement. This principle applies both to members of the tenant’s family of whatever age and to third parties such as informal garden sharers.
The Society recognizes the value and importance of good social relations between allotment associations (and individual tenants) and parties external to the allotments, including neighbours, sympathetic individuals and organisations, and institutions with the power to help protect allotment sites. It encourages the controlled and well-managed opening of allotment sites to facilitate such relations, subject to recognition of the rights of individual tenants and appropriate arrangements for insurance.
In addition to the foregoing The Winern Glebe Allotment Society (WGAS) fully recognises the moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults (18 and over) who may visit the site.
The welfare of children is paramount and as such it is expected that all children who visit the site must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent, close relative or guardian who must be a member of the society or a close relative of same).
All children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, ability, culture, race, language, religious beliefs, sexual or gender identity, have equal rights to protection.
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All Society Members, attending the site have a responsibility to respond positively to any concerns, that may suggest a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm. In the event of such an incident then the member should contact the Society Chairman or Secretary as soon as possible with details of the incident such that appropriate action may be initiated.