Support for hospitality sector in effort to keep staff and public safe over holidays

The hospitality sector is being offered support in helping spot signs of abuse within their premises over the busy holiday period.

Volunteer Now, who provide specialist safeguarding training to organisations, are urging restaurants, hotels and bars to ensure staff are aware of the indicators of physical and sexual abuse, many of which can often be harder to spot during the busy Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“It’s our hope that everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season,” comments Ruth Mulholland, Volunteer Now. “That said, our hospitality sector is put under enormous pressure over the coming weeks and whilst most hotels, restaurants and bars understand their duty of care to protect staff and customers, due to the volume of people frequenting venues over the coming weeks, suspicious or abusive behaviour can be harder to spot and act upon.

“Our main message is, if something doesn’t seem right or someone appears to be at risk of harm in any way, hospitality staff and management must have a robust plan on how to handle this and feel confident in actioning it.

“Potential indicators that someone may be at risk in a hospitality setting might include unwanted attention or touch, a customer appearing unwell very quickly, someone being handled roughly, a hotel check-in which concerns you, finding someone in a secluded area inside or outside of the venue, a young person being collected by a group of older adults, or a person might tell you that they feel unsafe.

“We work with organisations to help them create policies that help them understand all aspects of safeguarding. We are keen to assist any organisation in our local hospitality sector on how to approach a difficult situation as we approach the busiest season of the year.

“We would underline that if anyone, a member of staff or a member of the public, witnesses signs of potential abuse, it should be reported to PSNI. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone has the right to feel safe,” Ruth Mulholland said.

Organisations that need advice or information around safeguarding can contact Volunteer Now on 02890 2023 2020 or visit the Safeguarding section of our website.