Staff from licensed premises across Craven came together at the Black Horse on Skipton High Street last week to sign a safeguarding pledge.

The event was run by the Licensing Team at Craven District Council along with partners from North Yorkshire Police, Skipton BID, North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board and others. 

The pledge included the commitment to undertake a safeguarding risk assessment, train staff to recognise and respond to different types of vulnerability and needs, to refuse to tolerate irresponsible behaviour that might affect a child or vulnerable person, and to share information and report concerns.

Councillor Andy Solloway, chairman of the Community Safety Partnership and a member of Craven District Council’s Licensing Committee, said: "The licensed trade have a vital role to play in safeguarding; they are another set of 'eyes and ears' for unusual or suspicious activity. Plus their expertise in dealing with challenging situations, involving often vulnerable people, on a daily basis, has to be tapped into.

“We all have a part to play in keeping Craven a safe and wonderful place to live; let's continue to make sure that Safeguarding Is Everybody's Business.” 

Licence holders and their staff heard from a number of speakers including Sgt Paul Evans from North Yorkshire Police, Julie Hague, Licensing Manager at Sheffield Safeguarding Children’s Board, Chris Grunert, partner of John Gaunt and Partners Solicitors who specialise in licensing law, and presentations from North Yorkshire Police’s Domestic Violence unit.

Sera Brook, landlady of The Albion pub in Otley Street, Skipton, said: “I certainly thought it was really informative. It was a lot to take in in regards to stats but on the whole, it was really good to know and to be aware of what we should and shouldn’t look out for. 

“I think it’d be a great idea for them to offer courses for other staff members to ensure that the information is conveyed in the appropriate way.”

The event was held as part of North Yorkshire Safeguarding Week, which aimed to raise awareness of abuse of adults and children, and to work in partnership to reduce the risks of abuse.