Our Commitment

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All employees, volunteers and those acting on our behalf must play their full part in safeguarding people who come into contact with the charity. They have an obligation and responsibility for safeguarding and to achieve the commitments in this policy. They are responsible for the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of their safeguarding activity.

No one should ever experience abuse through our activities. Prevention, awareness and empowerment are core elements of effective safeguarding arrangements.

Everyone, be they beneficiaries, donors, partners, members, volunteers, guests, or staff, has the right to protection from abuse or harm of any kind regardless of their experience, background or status.

We recognise that abuse can be perpetrated by anyone and could take place anywhere. Abuse can be a single or repeated act, or failure to take appropriate action, which causes harm or distress to a person. We take a holistic approach to safeguarding and seek to promote the welfare of all those affected by our work.

The primary consideration when managing safeguarding is always to act in the best interests of those at risk of or experiencing harm. The welfare of the individual is paramount and we will always consider how best they can be supported and the potential effect the application this policy may have on their life.

Working in partnership with children, young people and vulnerable adults as well as their carers and parents is essential for effective safeguarding practice. We will provide everyone connected with the organisation (including parents, children and volunteers) with the opportunity to be heard about safeguarding matters; including sharing any concerns which they have about risks of harm.

What happens when you report a concern or incident to us

• We will let you know as soon as possible that we have received your message and will respond to it within a maximum of two working days.
• We will review and assess your concern and if we have any immediate questions about understanding your concerns we will get back to you. We will support you, offer advice and make decisions about the next steps to take.
• We will pass on or act on the information you have shared on a need-to-know basis. If there is a serious concern about a child or adult at risk and you have shared information about their identity, we will make a referral by sharing the information with social services. If the child or adult at risk is in immediate danger we would also contact the police or other statutory service.
• Regardless of the outcome of your concern, we will always encourage you to get in touch again if you need to.
• We will keep detailed, accurate and secure records of all concerns and referrals.

Recognise, Report, Respond, Record, Review

Safeguarding can be complex. The rights of an individual to determine something themselves and to be involved in decisions about their lives needs to be balanced against risks, such as the need to keep others safe.

Click here to read more about the process.