Draft guidance for managing Gypsy and Traveller sites - Chapter 12: safeguarding residents and visitors of site

Local authorities should have in place policies that promote a preventative and proportionate approach to resolving any conduct issues which may be experienced on a site before they have the potential to escalate. These policies should be equally applicable to both site residents and the settled community. Additionally, these policies should aim to safeguard those on individual pitches on the site from issues arising from other pitch residents or neighbouring settled community members.

Local authorities should include the site rules and policies about expected standards of conduct as express terms in the pitch agreement.

The site manager should work with residents, the settled community, the local authority and other service providers, including the police where appropriate, to ensure that the site is a safe and peaceful place to live for all residents. Residents should be advised that the site manager will liaise with the local authority, the police and any other agencies as may be relevant to deal with any unlawful activities they identify on or off site, whether by residents or non-residents.

The site manager may be expected to act as a mediator between residents on site or with members of the settled community in order to resolve problems, where necessary. It is important that any site manager has the necessary skills and support to fulfill this role and receives any required training. The site manager should be fully supported by the local authority and operational manager in this role and should be able to refer any issues to their line manager whenever they require additional support.

It is recommended that a record be kept of any incidents which may occur on a site, supported by photographic evidence where possible, to ensure the local authority and the police have suitable measures in place to safeguard the well-being of all residents and visitors.