Safeguarding Policy – Adults

Friendship Cohousing Limited Safeguarding adults policy 2021

Introduction

Friendship Cohousing Limited. is for many of us a source of great richness, support , togetherness and strength. However, it also carries a risk that we may fail to notice, question or act on behaviours of concern, out of naivety, loyalty to friends or lack of awareness; or an assumption that “it couldn’t happen here” or “they would never do a thing like that.” This policy is an expression of the first ethical principal: to avoid harming living beings. : It refers to law and good practice mainly in England and Wales.

The purpose of this policy

Members and friends involved in Friendship Cohousing community activities as residents or volunteers, It aims to provide

• Protection for adults attending Friendship Cohousing community activities, including those who may be “at risk” or vulnerable, and

• Protection for Friends, and members working with them. It sets out

• information and practices contributing to the prevention of harm to adults

what to do if harm is suspected.

Our values

Although we do not run activities specifically for those with mental illness or addiction, we recognise that people who may be vulnerable in these ways may attend our events and take part in the life of our community. The Directors of Friendship Cohousing Limited recognise their responsibility to Safeguard adults, including those who may be deemed to be “at risk” or “vulnerable”, visiting or involved in Friendship Cohousing Community

[Name] is our Safeguarding officer.

They are responsible for co-ordinating the protection of children and adults at Friendship Cohousing community . (See also our Child protection policy.)

[Safeguarding officer’s secure email address]

Who is an “adult at risk”?

This is not currently well defined. However, the following is one widely-used definition: A person aged 18 or over, who needs, or may need, community care services because they are frail or have a learning disability, physical disability, sight or hearing disability or mental health issues; and cannot (or may not be able to) care for themselves, or take steps to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. Adults who may be ‘at risk’ may also include those who • have dementia • have learning disabilities • have mental health problems • have drug, alcohol or substance dependency • have physical or sensory disabilities • have been bereaved, suffered grief and loss • through age or illness are dependent on other people to help them • live with domestic abuse • are homeless • are refugees or asylum seekers and • for any reason may be considered not to have ‘mental capacity’. (See below.) Whether or not a person is “at risk” or “vulnerable” in these cases will vary according to circumstances, and it should be noted that a person with a physical disability is not necessarily vulnerable or at risk, though they could be. Each case must be judged on its own merits.

What is ‘mental capacity’

? Whether a person has mental capacity is a matter of specialist assessment and not for us to make. However, it may be useful to know something about it. Mental capacity is the ability to make a particular decision. An adult may be at risk if they are unable to make a decision due to illness, disability, poor mental health, dementia, a learning disability or something else that may impair their judgement. A person may be deemed to be ‘without capacity’ if they cannot: • understand the decision • retain the information • weigh up the information • communicate their decision about matters such as • finance • social care

Vulnerability can be variable

As is made clear above in the reference to the vulnerability of those who have suffered grief and loss we recognise that many people who are generally emotionally and psychologically stable in most aspects of their lives may on occasion find themselves vulnerable or at risk. This may be because of illness, relationship breakdown or bereavement, we will bear in mind that a person who is emotionally vulnerable for any reason may not be able to make balanced decisions regarding giving money or becoming more involved, or entering into intimate relationships, whether friendship or relationships which are more romantic or sexual in nature. We will take great care to help each other avoid exploiting people in such everyday situations of vulnerability.

Protecting those with psychological disorders

We are aware that those attending our community and activities include adults experiencing psychological disorders ranging from mild to severe. We recognise that we do not have the professional skills to diagnose or help people with psychological disorders and that they may not be helped solely by the kindness. In such cases we may need to advise them to seek professional help. Where we believe a person to be at risk of suicide or self-harm, or to pose a risk to others, we will alert our centre Safeguarding officer, who will refer to local mental health services and/or the police as appropriate,.

Renting or hire outs

Our community rent premises for the following activities room rental and holiday let. We understand that there is joint responsibility on our community and those renting/using our premises for the Safeguarding of children and adults, but that our Directors bear ultimate responsibility for the Safeguarding in all activities on our premises. Therefore we will ask the individual using our premises to sign a lettings agreement which says they have read safeguarding policy.

What to do next

• Your first concern is the safety and wellbeing of the person bringing the allegation. Do not be distracted from this by loyalty to the person who has been accused or your desire to maintain the good name of your community .

• If you are not the Safeguarding officer, tell the Safeguarding officer only. They will co-ordinate the handling of the matter on behalf of the trustees. However, if this is not possible and you think the person is in immediate danger phone social services or police straight away. A telephone referral should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours. If necessary, the Safeguarding officer should • Every person has a legal right to privacy under the International Convention on Human Rights and data protection legislation; therefore if possible you need to get the person’s consent to share the information they have given you, within the limits described here and below.

• However, if necessary it is legal to pass on information without their consent if you believe they are at risk of significant harm.

• Meanwhile, make detailed factual notes about the conversation/concern/incident as soon as possible, including time, date and location. Give them to the Safeguarding officer. (See ‘Secure, confidential record-keeping’ below.)

• No member should attempt to investigate a criminal allegation. This is the job of the police and to attempt this could prejudice a court case and put the person in danger. Finally, if the allegation may be criminal, without giving personal details of those involved you should notify the Board of Directors.

Reviewing our policies annually

All our Safeguarding policies will be reviewed by the Safeguarding officer annually and the review recorded in the minutes of their board meetings

Safeguarding Policy – Children

Friendship Cohousing Limited Child protection policy 2021

Introduction

Friendship Cohousing Community. This is for many of us a source of great richness, support and strength, and friendship following the Quaker principles. However, it also carries a risk that we may fail to notice, question or act on behaviours of concern, out of naivety, loyalty to friends or lack of awareness; or an assumption that “it couldn’t happen here” or “they would never do a thing like that.” This policy is an expression of the first principal to avoid harming living beings. It refers to law and good practice mainly in England and Wales.

The purpose of this policy

This document is for members, volunteers, of Friendship Cohousing Community .

It aims to provide

• protection for children (anyone under 18) who live, visit or take part in its activities at Friendship Cohousing community

• protection for members, who may have contact with children in the course of Friendship Cohousing community activities.

It sets out

• practices and procedures contributing to the prevention of abuse of children.

• what to do if abuse is suspected.

Our values

Although we do not run activities specifically for children, we recognise that they may happen to visit from time to time/ a teenager under 18 may wish to attend our activities

[Name] is our Safeguarding officer

We recognise that

: • the welfare of the child is paramount.

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from harm.

• partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

This policy applies to all staff, including the community residents and directors, volunteers, and anyone else working on behalf Friendship Cohousing community,

We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:

• valuing them, listening to and respecting them.

• adopting child protection guidelines and a code of conduct for staff members.

• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.

• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

• providing effective management for volunteers through supervision, support and training.

Who is a “child”?

In the United Kingdom a “child” is a person who has not yet passed their 18th birthday.

What is “child abuse”?

The World Health Organisation defines “child abuse” as “all forms of physical and/or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.”

Types of abuse

• Physical abuse including hurting or injuring a child, inflicting pain, poisoning, drowning, or smothering.

• Sexual abuse including direct or indirect sexual exploitation or corruption of children by involving them (or threatening to involve them) in sexual activities.

• Emotional abuse Repeatedly rejecting children, humiliating them or denying their worth and rights as human beings.

• Neglect The persistent lack of appropriate care of children, including love, stimulation, safety, nourishment, warmth, education, and medical attention. A child who is being abused may experience more than one type of cruelty. Discrimination, harassment, and bullying are also abusive and can harm a child, both physically and emotionally.

Signs of abuse

These are many and varied. Some have perfectly acceptable explanations. It is useful to bear in mind:

• Any injuries that cannot be explained

• Injuries not consistent with falls or rough games

• Mal-nourishment

• Any allegations made by children concerning abuse

• Sexual activity through words, play or drawing

• Self harm

• Eating disorders

Engaging safely with children in person

Outside our own personal and family relationships we will not arrange to meet any child under 15 individually anywhere if unaccompanied by a parent/guardian.

It is good Safeguarding practice to make contact with a parent/guardian before meeting those aged 15- 17 and we will take care to meet in public spaces where others are present.

We will not give lifts to anyone under 18, if nobody else is in the vehicle. If it’s unavoidable, for the protection of both parties the child/teenager should sit in the back seat.

Engaging with children using email and social media We are aware that individual contact with under 18s using email or social media carries the risk of accusations of “grooming”; relationships established with a view to sexual contact.

We will not engage by email, text or social media with anyone under 15. We will engage with those 15-17 only with the written permission of a parent/guardian.

Welcoming school visits safely Schools and other youth groups visit our community . We will require every group to bring at least two adults capable of supervising all members of the group at all times. We will make clear that we are not to be left alone with their pupils and we will ensure that all those who lead such visits on behalf of our community are DBS checked.

. DBS checks /security checks

As rules on requirements and eligibility for DBS checks are complicated and change from time to time, our Safeguarding officer will check annually with external Safeguarding experts such as Thirtyone:eight (www.thirtyoneeight.org) to ensure that anyone required to have an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS (with check of barred lists) has been checked. Any DBS certificate should be less than five years old

Managing those who pose a risk to children

We will not allow someone who is likely to pose a risk to children to have contact with anyone under 18 (for example, a person who is known to have a previous criminal conviction for sexual or other violent offences, someone who is under investigation for possible sexual or other violent offences or someone who has disclosed a sexual interest in children).

Such a person will be asked by the Safeguarding officer to negotiate a behaviour contract setting out the terms of their continued participation in Friendship cohousing community within agreed boundaries.

Such a person cannot be asked to sign the Child Protection Code of Conduct as it would conflict with the terms of their contract and in any case it would be very unwise to permit such a person to have any contact with those under 18 .

Lettings/rentals ] Our community rents premises for the following short term rentals, holiday lets and camping.

We understand that there is joint responsibility on our comunity and those renting/using our premises for the Safeguarding of children and adults taking part in such activities, but that our directors bear ultimate responsibility for the Safeguarding in all activities on our premises. Therefore we will ask the organisation or individual using our premises to sign a lettings agreement which says they have read our Safeguarding policies and agree to abide by them, or that they have shown us their own Safeguarding policies.

Reporting concerns or allegations

All reports or suspicions about abuse must be treated seriously. They may include

• something you see

• something you are told by someone else

• rumours about a person’s previous behaviour

• behaviour you observe in a child and

• disclosure from a child directly.

What to do if a person under 18 alleges abuse

• Be aware the child may have been threatened and may be very afraid.

• Look directly at the child.

• Keep calm and reassure the child that they are doing the right thing and are not to blame, even if they have broken some rules.

• Accept what the child says without judgement. Never suggest that the child may be wrong or mistaken. Your responsibility is to take them seriously, not to decide whether what they are saying is true.

• Never push for information or question the child. Let them tell you as much as they are ready to tell you.

• Be honest. Do not promise confidentiality; let them know you will have to get help for them but that you will try to agree with them what should happen next. This means that you will need to share what they say with others – on a need-to-know basis only.

What to do next

• Your first concern is the safety and wellbeing of the child. Do not be distracted from this by loyalty to the person who has been accused or your desire to maintain the good name of the community.

• If you are not the Safeguarding officer, tell the Safeguarding officer only. They will co-ordinate the handling of the matter on behalf of the comunity. However, if this is not possible and you think the child is in immediate danger phone social services or police straight away. A telephone referral should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours.

• Every person has a legal right to privacy under the International Convention on Human Rights and data protection legislation; therefore, if possible you should get the consent of the child’s parent or guardian to share the information they have given you.

• However, it may be necessary, and therefore legally justifiable, to report without parental consent, if you believe that the child is suffering, or at risk of, significant harm and that informing parents/guardians would not be in the child’s interest.

• No community member should attempt to investigate a criminal allegation. This is the job of the police and to attempt this could prejudice a court case and put the person in danger. Finally, if the allegation may be criminal, without giving personal details of those involved you should email the Directors that there has been a serious Safeguarding incident, addressed it according to your Safeguarding policies and that the police have been informed.

Keeping confidential records

We understand that because many abuse cases come to light 30 or more years later our insurers may require us to keep our logs for up to 50 years..

Reviewing our policies annually

All our Safeguarding policies will be reviewed by the trustees and Safeguarding officer annually and the review recorded in the minutes of their meeting

Safeguarding Policy – Teens

Caring for teenagers in Friendship Cohousing Community 2021

Guidance on the care of those aged 15-17

This guidance document is based on law and best practice in the UK. It should be read together with Friendship Cohousing Limited safeguarding policy.

Is a teenager a child?

In UK law a teenager who has not reached their 18th birthday is still a child. While wishing to respond to the interest of many teenagers, we have an ethical and legal duty to protect them from harm.

How old should a child be to attend activities unaccompanied by a parent

There is no legal guidance on this in the UK, but external advisers Thirtyone:eight consider 15 to be a reasonable lower limit. www.thirtyoneeight.org Thus, this document applies to those aged 15-17. For guidance on the care of those under 15 please see our Caring for children policy.

Written parental consent Where a teenager aged 15-17 attends our events

When a teenager , unaccompanied by their parent/guardian (ie if it’s more than a drop-in or one-off visit and it’s clear they are likely to keep coming) it is regarded as good Safeguarding practice for the Safeguarding officer to make contact with their parent/guardian to ensure they know this is happening, and to record in writing that contact has been made, along with contact details and any medical conditions we may need to know about.

Social media and meeting up

Those leading activities should be alert to attempts by anyone over 18 in the class to befriend a 15-17 year old outside the class or share contact details or befriend them on social media. Nobody at a T should engage with anyone aged 15-17 using email or social media except with written permission from their parent/guardian, specifying the agreed medium and the named Order member/s who will be contacting them on behalf of the Friendship Cohousing community. Any personal meetings between members, or Friends and a person 15-17 (whose parents have given permission) should be arranged to take place in public, when others are present or in a café or public library. Those 15-17 should only be invited home where there are group activities or other teenagers present and the parents are aware of the invitation.

Keep age ranges as narrow as possible

Events aimed specifically at, for example, 15-30 year olds, are not a good idea. Older people might class them all as young adults but a 15-year old will experience a huge difference, and power imbalance, between themselves and even a 20 year-old, which can make the younger person vulnerable to influence. In pair work it is advisable to pair a person aged 15-17 with someone as near as possible to their own age, or to pair them with someone from the team – or put them in a three with one or two people as near as possible to their own age and/or someone from the team.

Security checks

Any event intended for those under 18 (or at which it is known one or more under 18s are likely to attend) requires ‘safer recruitment’ – which means

• Enhanced DBS checks with check of barred lists for all working with them

• Enhanced DBS checks with check of barred lists for those leaders/team members directly involved with running events involving anyone under 18.

• Anyone who is not DBS checked who helps with activities involving an under-18 must be supervised at all times by someone who is DBS checked (ie never left alone with the under-18).

• Taking out references for anyone volunteering short term to work with teenagers on an event, even if they will be supervised by people who have been DBS checked.

• No DBS checks are necessary for the team when an under 18 just turns up unexpectedly to an event. But in this case everyone on the team should be reminded to be particularly aware of the centre’s Child Protection Policy and Code of conduct for keeping them and everyone safe – nobody over 18 being alone with the under 18 out of sight and hearing of others, for example.

• On a residential event at which anyone under 18 is present , the Child Protection Code of Conduct, should be followed for everyone’s protection.

Residential events for those under 18/mixed age groups Where unaccompanied 15-17 year-olds attend residential events intended for those under 18 (or mixed age groups, such as family events) you must get written parental permission for them to attend.

Residential events for those over 18

A 15-17 year-old on a residential event advertised more generally for adults must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and, preferably, share a room with their parent/guardian. If that is not acceptable to the parent/guardian and teenager, the teenager could be in a single room, if possible adjoining the parent/guardian’s room. If not accompanied by their own parent/guardian, the teenager could be accompanied by an adult friend appointed by the parent/guardian as their carer for the event, in which case the community must obtain a written agreement made personally between the parent and the carer referring specifically to the event, and the carer and teenager should share a room, or sleep in adjoining rooms.

More generally .

If they have to enter the room to talk to the under-18 you should leave the door open. 15-17s should always sleep in rooms shared with others of the same sex and as close in age as possible, or in a single room if there is nobody of appropriate age and sex to share with. Those under and over 18 should not share if possible (but close friends and siblings could be an exception). The more beds in a dorm the better, making it less likely that anyone under 18 could find themselves alone with someone else 18 or over. Over 18s should not go into the under 18s’ rooms unless they are family.

Friendship Cohousing Limited

Company General Policy Statement

Approved at a directors’ meeting on 19^th April 2021

1 BASIS OF OUR WORK

Friendship Cohousing is a community of people working towards living in a way that is supportive of our members and visitors, the environment which feeds and provides for us, and the wider community in which we all live. We will achieve this through enhancing our own development, learning and understanding of sustainability, and by applying ecological and permaculture principles to our use of the land.

We intend to create a centre aiming to enable and encourage people to set up cohousing communities as well as helping with aspects of climate change including climate justice, self-sufficiency, permaculture, rewilding, regenerative agriculture, adaptation & spiritual awareness. Although the community will be for people of all faiths or none, its ethics will be based on the Quaker values of Truth, Peace, Equality and Simplicity.

The Company’s policy is to work towards carrying out the above work through collaborative partnerships with local people, community groups and other organisations. We aim to benefit our members and visitors; to contribute to the local community through our activities related to food production, land management and education; and to be a resource for enhancing sustainability and a loving response to the climate crisis, both locally and regionally.

2 ETHICAL POLICY

2.1 In all people we look for goodness.

2.2 All members shall have the right to personal freedom and respect.

2.3 Members and visitors

All members and visitors of Friendship Cohousing shall agree to follow our vision statement and to abide by all our byelaws.
All have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to work in an environment free from discrimination, victimisation, harassment, or general hostility.
All people staying at Maningham shall have the right to adequate accommodation. The acceptability of overnight sleeping in tents and caravans in the winter will be reviewed for each individual case.

2.4 Conflict Management

The Company will follow its conflict management procedures which are laid down in the licence and the Company Byelaws.

2.5 Social contract

We shall abide by our social contract which serves the common good and protects individuals.

3 SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

The Company’s policy is to follow these principles:

3.1 Energy

Minimise fossil fuel consumption from both direct and indirect use.

Generate power and capture as much energy from renewable resources as possible. Maximise efficiency of all energy use. Aim to become carbon neutral.

3.2 Water

Minimise our use of mains water – increase water harvesting.

3.3 Waste

Discourage, minimise or avoid the use of non-renewable or unsustainable resources wherever possible.

Reduce, re-use and recycle our waste.

Minimise (and aim to eliminate) our use of toxic chemicals.

3.4 Biodiversity

Maintain and enhance biodiversity through appropriate land management practices including organic production, making space for nature and enhancing ecosystem services.

3.5 Transport

Encourage its members and visitors to use walking, cycling and public transport whenever possible.

Car use: renewable sources of fuel and car sharing will be encouraged.

3.6 Development

All new projects and practices undertaken by the Company and its members will be examined for their potential environmental impact prior to their commencement.

3.7 Community

Create a supportive community that values freedom, responsibility, acceptance and respect for each other, for our land, and for nature.

3.8 Local community

Engage with the local community and create opportunities for increased local food production and consumption and increased environmental and sustainability awareness.

3.9 Cohousing communities

Demonstrate quality of life in a sustainable community. Encourage local government policies that enable people to live in rural communities that live lightly on the land and are prepared for the climate crisis.

4 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

4.1 Health and Safety improvement

The Company is committed to a continual updating and improvement of Health and Safety standards and to the elimination of all accidents on site.

Health and Safety is the responsibility of all personnel including members, visitors, employees and volunteers.

4.2 Health & Safety director

The Company will have a designated director to act as Health & Safety Officer who will evaluate the site and working practices, make available an accident book, ensure all accidents and near misses are recorded and report to the directors at every directors’ meeting. Recommendations by the H&S officer will be acted on by the Company. The Health & Safety Officer will ensure there is a designated First Aider and will arrange First Aid training for members.

4.3 Pandemics

The Company has a Pandemic Safety Plan Byelaw which must be followed.

4.4 Health & Safety Induction

All new members, residents, employees and volunteers that come to live or work on site will be given a Health & Safety induction and agree to comply with the Health & Safety Policy.

4.5 Accident procedure

In the event of an accident on site or at any work location, it is a Company requirement that the details are properly reported and investigated, and prompt action is taken to avoid recurrence.

4.6 DBS

To ensure the safety of all residential and visiting children and vulnerable people, the Company will request a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check of any person as they see fit.

5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE POLICY

5.1 Fire

In case of fire, alert those in the immediate area and, if the fire is small, extinguish using the nearest applicable fire extinguisher.

5.2 Fire alarm

If the fire is not able to be extinguished, immediately activate the nearest fire alarm and call 999 before alerting all members, residents, visitors, employees and volunteers.

5.3 Assembly in the case of fire

Assemble at the designated area and await authority to enter the building/s once the fire has been extinguished.

5.4 Physical accident or medical emergency

If a physical accident or a medical emergency occurs, assess the situation and alert the designated First Aider. Alternatively call 999 if applicable.

6 SAFEGUARDING POLICY

6.1 Detailed safeguarding policy

The Company has a detailed safeguarding policy available.

6.2 Right to protection

There are different levels of vulnerability and each member, resident, employee and volunteer has the right to protection from all types of harm and abuse.

6.3 Duty of care

Each member, resident, employee and volunteer has a duty of care to those who may be vulnerable and to raise awareness to a Director or Nominated Safeguarding Officer if concerned.

6.4 Recognising equality

In all activities at Friendship Cohousing, all members, residents, employees and volunteers are required to value, listen and respect those who may be vulnerable and ensure that equality is recognised amongst people and relationships.

6.5 Duty of Good Faith

The parties to our financial agreements owe to each other an express duty of good faith.

7 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

7.1 Equal opportunities

The Company promotes equal opportunities in the organisation. There will be no discrimination on grounds of age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, colour, race, disability, religion or any other attribute of a human being.

7.2 Application

The Company’s equal opportunities policy will apply to recruitment, training, development opportunities, terms and conditions of membership, residence, employment and to volunteers.

7.3 Disabled access

It is the Company’s policy that access to all facilities will be provided wherever possible to all people regardless of any disability they may have and that assistance will be available as far as can reasonably be provided. However we also aim to avoid any significant impediment to the normal working of the estate.

8 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT / VOLUNTEERING

8.1 Standards of conduct

The Company expects its members, visitors, employees, volunteers and contractors to maintain good standards of conduct at all times, carry out their lives and their work in a responsible, courteous and helpful manner, observe all safety regulations and treat all Company property with care.

8.2 Smoking in communal areas

There is no smoking in or immediately outside of any communal area.

8.3 Retirement benefits

The Company abides by the Auto-Enrolment Pension rules in line with Government Policy for all employees.

8.4 Holidays

All employees will be accorded holiday in line with Government Guidelines.

8.5 Training and development

The Company is committed to career development and training for its members, employees and volunteers.

8.6 Expenses

Expenses will be paid against receipts for travel, accommodation and other items procured on behalf of the Company according to Company procedures.

8.7 Pets

Pets and livestock may only be brought to live at the site with the prior consent of the community. Owners are always responsible for them and should ensure that they do not foul the house and grounds or cause noise or other nuisance. Owners are responsible for clearing up any mess in the grounds or buildings.

8.8 Illegal Substances

No illegal substances are allowed on site and anyone found either growing, using or selling will be given immediate notice to leave.

9 ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY

The Company will adhere to the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) standards that are based on scientific research, veterinary advice and practical farming experience. They are more comprehensive than the welfare requirements of current UK and EU legislation and consist of Five Freedoms, namely:

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
Freedom from Discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
Freedom from Fear and Distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

10 TREE AND WOODLAND POLICY

10.1 Woodland Management

We shall follow our document “wood management and keeping the wood at Maningham safe” document.

10.2 Preservation of trees

We shall follow the Tree Preservation Order and seek to keep all the mature trees at Maningham alive and healthy.

11 PUBLIC OPEN DAYS POLICY

11.1 Enveloped dwelling

Because Maningham is a dwelling owned by a company it is an “enveloped dwelling” so would be liable for Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) unless it attracted relief.

11.2 Open days policy

The policy of Friendship Cohousing Limited will be to open its grounds and communal areas in the main house to the public on at least 28 days per year and to make a charge for entrance and to use the profits from the open days for the upkeep of the property and/ or to apply to the objects of the Company. The Company will ensure that it follows the conditions linked to Code 35 relief in upholding this public open days policy and thus be eligible for 100% ATED relief.

12 FINANCIAL POLICIES

12.1 Our risk statement is:

Friendship Cohousing Limited aims to provide secure and affordable homes for its members in an atmosphere of community harmony.

12.2 Reducing financial risk

We reduce our risk (and therefore increase the security of our homes and of our finances) through:

Keeping commercial borrowing lower than 80% of the property value
Investing in sustainable infrastructure projects to reduce future bills
Putting time and energy into growing our own food
Investing both time and money in non-violent communication practices and training
Maintaining a service charge which is as low as possible in order to be affordable but always sufficient to cover all bills
Assisting members to start businesses that are not unsustainable, either locally or on-line

12.3 Our reserves policy is

We retain financial reserves to allow flexibility and the make it easier for members to leave.
We manage our cash-flow so that we never have a negative bank balance.
We do not approve expenditure on anything until we have the money to pay for it.

13 FUNDRAISING POLICY

The Company will accept all donations from individuals, companies and organisations, including those which are unethical, provided there are no conditions attached that the Company finds unacceptable.

The Company’s policy is to try to help organisations and companies – especially our sponsors – to improve their environmental performance and understanding of sustainable communities and the climate emergency.

14 PURCHASING POLICY

The Company will endeavour only to make purchases from ethical companies or organisations which meet our environmental and sustainability aims.
Food purchases will prioritise organic production and fair-trade, but local production / local enterprise will also be taken into account.
The carbon footprint of all purchases will be factored into purchasing decisions.

15 DATA PROTECTION POLICY

The Company will act in accordance with the Data Protection Act by:

Ensuring that all personal data will be processed fairly and lawfully.
Ensuring that all personal data is kept up to date and for no longer than is reasonably required.
When a member, resident, employee or volunteer leaves their personal information will be deleted and destroyed, apart from any financial records which have to be legally retained for a minimum of 6 years.

16 PLANNING POLICY

16.1 Single household

Our policy is to function as a single household consisting of people who live in the same dwelling and share meals. The people living in this dwelling only have one address and have bills that are paid centrally from a household account. Private units within the community are not separate dwellings and may not be sold separately.

16.2 Large House in Multiple Occupancy

Change from C3(a) to C3(c) is within the same class (C3) and is permitted by Article 3 of the Use Classes Order, so if there are no more than 6 members of the community forming a single household, no application of permission for a change of use if necessary. If there are more than 6 unrelated people forming a single household within the ordinary meaning, that’s sui generis. Change from C3(a) to C3 (sui generis) does not require planning permission because it is not a material change of use.

Use for cohousing is not materially different than use for a large family home including extended family members and servants in the past.

16.3 Additional building work

Our policy is to carry out extension and construction work that falls within permitted development and not to carry out further development that requires planning permission unless it is agreed to apply for planning permission for a specific project at a general meeting with the decisions adopted at a directors’ meeting.

17 LISTED BUILDING POLICY

17.1 Grade II listed building

Maningham is a Grade II listed building. Our policy is to follow listed buildings rules and guidance.

We shall care for the building and its grounds with respect for its history.

Accepted at a general meeting of Friendship Cohousing Limited on 23^rd March 2021

Approved by the board of directors of Friendship Cohousing Limited on 19^th April 2021

Company Policies