Safeguarding Policy

This policy should be read alongside our policies and procedures on:

1. Equal Opportunities
2. Social Media policy
3. Complaints and compliments policy
4. Whistleblowing
5. Role of the designated safeguarding officer
6. Training, supervision and support with the option of continuous professional development
7. Recording and information sharing – Privacy statement 2018 7. Anti-bullying
8. Safe recruitment policy

We recognise that

• The welfare of the vulnerable adult is paramount, as identified in the Care Act 2014.
• The welfare of the child is paramount, as identified in the Children Act 1989.
• All adults and children, regardless of their age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Some adults and children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs and other issues such as health. Working in partnership with adults, children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep adults, children and young people safe by

• Valuing, listening to, and respecting them
• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) for children and young people, a deputy and a lead board member for safeguarding.
• Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures.
• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures.
• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made. All staff and volunteers have a clear DB.
• Recording and storing information professionally and securely and sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers via training, leaflets and posters.
• Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.
• Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately and efficiently.
• Creating and maintaining an anti- bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise.
• Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place and open to all staff, volunteers and members.
• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our adults, children and young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.