Safeguarding Policy & Procedures for Children, Young People and Adults (June 2020)
Index
1. An introduction to Safeguarding
2. Purpose of the policy
3. Policy Statement
4. Legislation
5. Guidance
6. Growing Links CIC responsibilities
General Principles
General Responsibilities
Professional Boundaries guidance for when a child, young person or adult wants to confide in you.
Reporting Procedures
Specific job roles within Growing Links CIC which have enhanced responsibilities for Safeguarding
Recruitment
Induction & Training
Raising Concerns
7. Related Policies
8. Safeguarding Policy sign off
9. Safeguarding Policy Annual audit.
1. An Introduction to Safeguarding
Definition of safeguarding: “…to protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure…”
As per legislation around safeguarding, all community sector organisations have responsibilities to safeguard the rights and welfare of any child, young person and adult who accesses their services. All aspects of safeguarding need to be considered:
● the organisation must work in line with current legislation and guidance
● safe work practises used and risk assessing situations
● all staff and volunteers must be diligent, proportionate and report any concerns.
● all staff and volunteers who have direct access with service users are DBS checked and monitored.
Children
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) defines a child as everyone under 18 unless, "under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”
The term ‘child’ means any person under the age of 18 years, or 16 years, if married. Child protection guidance refers to anyone under the age of 18.
In England a child is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. Child protection guidance points out that even if a child has reached 16 years of age and is:
● living independently
● in further education
● a member of the armed forces
● in hospital; or
● in custody in the secure estate
“They are still legally children and should be given the same protection and entitlements as any other child” (Department for Education, 2018a). NSPCC, 2020
Definition of abuse
“A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (e.g. via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.” Source: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
Adults
Definition of Adult at risk
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited. This may include a person who:
● Is elderly and frail
● Has a mental illness including dementia
● Has a physical or sensory disability
● Has a learning disability
● Has a severe physical illness
● Has had adverse childhood and/or adulthood experiences
● Is a substance mis-user or recovering user
● Is homeless
Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
● has needs for care and support whether or not the Local Authority is meeting any of those needs, and
● is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and
● as a result of those care and support needs they are unable to protect themselves from either the risk of or the experience of abuse or neglect. (Care Act guidance 14:2)
“Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. This could be a single act or repeated over time and may be deliberate or happen by mistake. The individual may not fully understand the consequences of what is happening to them.” Source: No Secrets, 2000.
2. Purpose of the policy
This policy sets out the approach that Growing Links CIC will take to safeguard the welfare of every child, young person or adult who access our various services, our staff and volunteers who deliver the services or those who we encounter in the local community on a daily basis.
3. Policy Statement
Growing Links CIC recognises that, when working with children, young people and adults, it is the individual’s welfare that is paramount, and our overriding aim is to conduct our activities in a way which will keep them safe from harm and exploitation and uphold their rights.
Growing Links believes that everyone has the fundamental right to live free from the fear of abuse or harm in society and the world at large. Everyone should be encouraged to be an active member within their local community and be able to receive appropriate support and/or contribute to the appropriate support to others in said community. Everyone should be encouraged to recognise that we all have a duty of care to each other as human beings. Everyone should be able to live without being affected by poverty, in any or all of its forms; either the physical trappings of poverty which have long-term impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, or the social stigma and judgement of others.
4. Legislation
Growing Links CIC will uphold the rights of everyone as prescribed in the following acts of parliament. This list is not exhaustive and will change as legislation changes.
The Adoption and Children Act (2002), made the welfare of the child the paramount consideration for courts and adoption agencies in all decisions relating to adoption, including in deciding whether to dispense with a birth parent's consent to adoption. It provides a welfare checklist which must be applied by the court and adoption agencies.
The Care Act (2014) made provisions for safeguarding adults at risk by outlining the legal responsibilities when protecting adults at risk. It sets out that local authorities have the primary responsibility and must work in partnership with health and care organisations.
The Care Standards Act (2000), was introduced to regulate, and ensure that agencies/ providers were competent in their duty of care, and to develop a level playing field for all service providers of social care. The standards are built on five principles; dignity and respect, compassion, be included, responsive care and support and wellbeing.
The Charities Act (2011) consolidated the bulk of the Charities Act 2006, outstanding provisions of the Charities Act 1993, and various other enactments. This act helped to clarify those charities who should work for the “public benefit”.
The Children & Families Act (2014) demonstrated a commitment to improve services for children at risk and support strong families. The act reforms the systems for adoption, looked-after children, family justice and special educational needs.
The Children’s Act (1989) specified that more than one person can have parental responsibility, although they can act alone in decision making for the child. If a child does not have anyone to care for them with parental responsibility, a guardian can be appointed by the court.
The Children’s Act (2004) a development from the Children Act (1989), reinforced that all people and organisations working with children have a responsibility to help safeguard children and promote their welfare.
The Childcare Act (2006) set out the following legal duties: local authorities are required to ensure sufficient childcare; local authorities are required to provide information to parents and families; agencies are required to work together and integrate services.
The Counter-Terrorism & Security Act (2015) received Royal Assent on 12 February 2015. Among other provisions, the act places the Prevent programme on a statutory footing. Prevent is one of four strands of the government's counter terrorism strategy, and aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
The Data Protection Act (2018) and GDPR Principles Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called 'data protection principles'. They must make sure the information is: used fairly, lawfully and transparently.
Education Act (2002) introduced the requirement of safeguarding children and young people from abuse or neglect. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of teachers and those with delegated responsibility for child protection. This Act was created in response to the UK's adoption of the Human Rights Act 1989 & 1998.
The Equality Act (2010) defined nine “protected characteristics” (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation). When assessing whether a person is at risk, there can’t be any discrimination based around these characteristics – all choices, assessments, and decisions must be consistent.
General Data Protection Regulation (2018) placed duties on organisations and individuals to process personal information fairly and lawfully; they are not a barrier to sharing information, where the failure to do so would cause the safety or well being of a child to be compromised.
The Health and Social Care (Safety and Quality) Act (2015) was made to improve safety and quality of care. Among the measures introduced by the act is a duty on health and adult social care providers to share information about a person's care with other health and care professionals.
Human Rights Act (1989) protects all of us from having our human rights taken away by the state. It means that public authorities have a legal obligation to uphold our human rights.
Human Rights Act (1998). This piece of legislation outlining everyone’s basic rights in law. Regarding safeguarding adults at risk, there are 5 articles that are of particular note: article 2 protects the right to life; article 3 affords freedom from degrading and inhumane treatment; article 4 prohibits slavery and forced labour; article 5 enshrines the right to liberty and security; article 8 guarantees the right to a private life, family life, and a home life. A person is able to seek legal recourse or have someone go through the law on their behalf if these rights are violated.
Mental Capacity Act (2005) applies to everyone involved in the care, treatment and support of people aged 16 and over living in England and Wales who are unable to make all or some decisions for themselves. The act is designed to protect and restore power to those people at risk who lack capacity.
Mental Health Act (1983) was guided by 5 principles for how patients with mental health issues should be treated: least restrictive option and maximising independence, empowerment and involvement, respect and dignity, purpose and effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. In certain conditions, health professionals were now given the power to detain, assess and treat people with mental disorders in the interests of their health and safety or for public safety.
Mental Health Act (2007), broadens the group of practitioners who can take on the functions currently performed by the approved social worker and responsible medical officer. The new role of responsible clinician can be undertaken by a number of qualified mental health professionals with the appropriate skills and training.
Modern Slavery Act (2015) introduced a number of measures to combat slavery and human trafficking. In addition to creating new criminal offences, powers of enforcement and measures to protect victims, it introduces requirements intended to eliminate slavery and trafficking in global supply chains.
NHS and Community Care Act (1990) required local authorities to carry out assessments of people who 'appear to be in need' of community care services and to arrange packages of care.
The Police Act (1997) safeguards adults at risk if they are substantially dependent on others in performing basic functions or their ability to communicate with those providing their services. The vetting and barring scheme (originally known as CRB and now known as DBS) will help employers to check on an individual's suitability to work with people at risk.
Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998) provides protection to "workers" making disclosures in the public interest and allows such individuals to claim compensation for victimisation following such disclosures.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) was introduced in order to protect individuals who are convicted of minor, one-time offences from future discrimination. The act enables certain convictions to become 'spent', or ignored, after a 'rehabilitation period'.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006), ensured unsuitable people with a history of abusive behaviours do not work with adults at risk. People who have a criminal history of abuse and exploitation are placed on a list that is checked when anyone applies for a job with adults at risk.
Serious Crime Act (2015) built on the current criminal and civil law to ensure that the National Crime Agency, the police and other law enforcement agencies can continue effectively and relentlessly to pursue, disrupt and bring to justice serious
and organised criminals. There are provisions to strengthen the protection of children at risk and others (including to tackle female genital mutilation and domestic abuse) as well as provisions to tighten prison security and to guard against the threat of terrorism posed by returning “foreign fighters”.
Sexual Offences Act (2003), redefined definitions of many sexual offences. It defines "consent" and "sexual" and sets out evidential and conclusive presumptions about consent. Amongst other provisions, the act makes it an offence for those engaged in providing care, assistance or services to someone with a learning disability or mental disorder to engage in sexual activity with that person whether or not that person has the capacity to consent.
NOTE: The legislation summaries above are basic and merely intended as a brief introduction to the legislation. For a full detailed look at the above legislations, we refer readers to https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ .
5. Guidance
Growing Links CIC also relies on the following guidance for best practice:
Care Act (2014) Statutory guidance on Care and Support
Changes to Female Genital Mutilation Act (FGM) 2003 arising from the Serious Crime Act (2015) inserted new section 3A into the 2003 Act; which created a new offence of failing to protect a girl from FGM.
Information Sharing (2018) is non-statutory and has been produced to support practitioners in the decisions they take to share information, which reduces the risk of harm to children and young people and promotes their well-being.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (2018) set out the legal duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18 in schools and colleges.
No Secrets (2020) provides guidance on developing and implementing multi agency policies and procedures to protect adults at risk from abuse.
Professional Boundaries – Guidance for Social Workers (2009) General Social Care Council define and prescribe professional boundaries standards for social workers in the UK.
What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused (2015), is non-statutory, and has been produced to help practitioners identify child abuse and neglect and take appropriate action in response.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), the statutory guidance on how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard children.
6. Growing Links CIC’s responsibilities
General Principles
1. The safety of every child, young person and adult is paramount. Growing Links CIC will create a culture where children and young people are valued and their right to safety and respect is upheld.
2. Growing Links CIC staff and volunteers must be vigilant when executing our duties with relation to Safeguarding.
3. All children and adults, regardless of the nine protected characteristics age, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage & civil partnership, maternity & paternity, race, religion and sexual identity can exercise their right to protection from harm or abuse when working with Growing Links CIC.
4. All potential safeguarding concerns and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
5. Growing Links CIC has a safe recruitment process for staff and volunteers which adheres to best practice.
6. Staff undertake risk management of programmes and undertake individual risk assessments for activities and specific cases.
7. All staff and volunteers at Growing Links CIC will have safeguarding training and understand how to report concerns through the appropriate channels.
8. Growing Links CIC will work responsively and appropriately with other agencies to safeguard children, young people and adults. Growing Links CIC is committed to adhering to best practice with regards to all aspects of Safeguarding matters in this policy.
General Responsibilities
All staff and volunteers are required to work within Growing Links CIC’s Safeguarding Code of Conduct and follow our Professional Boundaries Policy and guidance designed to safeguard children, young people and adults from harm and follow the procedures in reporting concerns.
All staff and volunteers are expected to be able to:
● Understand and follow safe, appropriate practice when carrying out their duties.
● Recognise signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns.
● Respond appropriately to a disclosure.
● All staff and volunteers understand that once they have reported the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Manager (Rebecca Morton-Clark at the Community Garden and Ally Katkowski at the Street Food Project), they will not be expected to investigate further or make any decisions about the next steps.
● Respond appropriately to allegations against staff or volunteers, other adults and against themselves.
● Not share details of any suspicions or allegations of safeguarding issues with family or friends or anyone outside the organisation.
Staff and volunteers should always have access to a copy of the company procedures and specifically contact details for our Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officers while fulfilling their duties for Growing Links CIC.
All staff and volunteers should be clear on the professional boundaries of their roles. Becoming too involved with or supportive of an individual can be counterproductive for that person and can lead to accusations of improper behaviour. To avoid this, staff and volunteers should always discuss situations with their line managers wherever they are being asked or encouraged to go beyond the general scope of services offered by Growing Links CIC.
The responsibility of responding to, and investigating referrals for situations where children, young people or adults are thought to have experienced abuse or neglect or may be at risk of abuse lies with the Police and the relevant Local Authority.
As per guidance from the NSPCC: “Professionals who fail to report cases of abuse or neglect may not currently face criminal penalties for non-reporting; however, they may be subject to professional disciplinary proceedings or held to account through Serious Case Review reports or professional negligence cases.”
Support
Growing Links CIC recognise that involvement in situations where there is risk or actual harm, or a serious disclosure has been made, can be stressful for staff and volunteers concerned. Growing Links CIC will offer appropriate support to enable the staff member or volunteer to be able to move on from the incident without being negatively impacted by guilt or anxiety, finding closure in the process.
The mechanisms in place to support staff include:
● Feedback from the Designated Safeguarding Manager so they know the report has been acted upon.
● Debriefing support from our Designated Safeguarding Manager for staff and volunteers so that they can safely reflect on the issues they have dealt with.
● Seeking further support as appropriate e.g. access to counselling
● Staff who have initiated protection concerns will be contacted by the Designated Safeguarding Officer within one week.
Where the case involves a member of staff or volunteer from Growing Links CIC, the impact could be wider than just the person reporting it and support may be needed by a wider group of colleagues. Managers should always respond sympathetically to any request for support from staff or volunteers but should also be proactive in offering it and not necessarily wait for it to be requested.
Professional Boundaries guidance for when a child, young person or adult wants to confide in you.
Do:
● Listen carefully. Let them tell their own story. Clarify details where you need to (using T.E.D. questions. Tell me. Explain to me. Describe).
● Take what they are trying to tell you very seriously, they are saying it for a reason.
● Reassure them that they are doing the right thing by talking about what has happened.
● Try to remain calm and do not show too much emotion.
● Explain, where appropriate, what you need to do next.
Don’t
● Promise you can keep it a secret, this must be reported.
● Make a judgement on your own about whether the child or adult is telling the truth.
● Interrupt or jump to conclusions.
● Ask leading or suggestive questions.
● Ask them to repeat the information to someone else.
● Ask to see marks/bruises that will involve them removing any clothing.
● Say it will be ok - it might not be for that child, young person or adult.
Five suggested things to tell a child, young person or adult who decides to confide in you:
● “What you are saying is important and I will treat it as such”
● “It’s not your fault”
● “I’m glad you were able to talk to someone.”
● “I will help you as best I can”
● “This is so important I need to talk to someone about it.”
Make careful records of what was said as soon as possible, but not in front of them, as this could deter them from making a full and frank disclosure.
Record verbatim what was said by both of you, where it took place, who else was present and the demeanor of the person.
The reporting areas to cover are as follows:
● Name of child, young person or adult
● Parent/guardian/carer details and other people at home, if known
● Child, young person or adult’s address or known locations
● Relevant telephone numbers you may know
● What is said to have happened or what was seen?
● When did it occur and where? Who else was on the scene?
● What was said by those involved?
● Whether there is any actual evidence e.g. bruising, bleeding, changed behaviour
● Who has been told about it?
● Was the person able to say what had happened?
● Were you able to ask for consent to share (if appropriate)?
For adults only:
● It is very important to ask: what would they like to happen?
With adults there is an assumption that you have informed consent from the person or guardian/carer. If this is not acquired, you may need to explain why you believe the person does not have the mental capacity to have understood the concern. In the case of an adult, it is essential to ask what they would like to happen with the referral.
Reporting procedures
Procedure when there is a concern: Abuse suspected.
1. Contact the Designated Safeguarding Manager/Officers of Growing Links CIC
Staff and volunteers must refer all child, young person or adult safeguarding concerns to our Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officers
Designated Safeguarding Managers: Ally Katkowski, Rebecca Morton-Clark & Emily Wright
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lynne Dyer
While it will be appropriate to contact the duty DSM / DSO for advice it is vital that the Office Manager of Growing Links is also advised of any potential safeguarding issues so that they can maintain an ongoing Safeguarding Log of Incidents. This could be used to show a pattern of behaviour or risk if a person is mentioned more than once.
The DSM/DSO will contact the appropriate agency:
MARU for children and young person concerns 0300 123 1116
Adult Safeguarding Triage Team for adult concerns 01872 326 433 Access Team for advice & all self-neglect concerns 0300 1234 131
2. The appropriate course of action may vary according to the situation: If injury is apparent:
● For urgent medical assistance phone 999
● For non-urgent medical advice phone 111
If crime is suspected
● If a crime is suspected the police must be informed. Contact the emergency services on 999 (or 101 if not at immediate risk)
In summary: In all cases, contact the DSM. Action must always be taken as soon as possible as delay can put a child, young person or adult in serious danger.
The DSM will update the Managing Director for discussion and learning opportunities
.
Procedure when abuse is disclosed to you.
1. Is medical attention required?
Wherever there is need for medical attention this should be the first priority and 999 contacted.
If medical attention is needed the child, young person or adult should be taken to the nearest casualty department, or an ambulance called, and the situation explained to the medical staff.
Confirm that the medical staff agree to contact the relevant
Safeguarding Authorities and give your name and contact telephone number to pass on.
2. Complete our Safeguarding Concern Form as soon as you can, and pass it to the DSM/DSO.
3. Update the Designated Safeguarding Manager/Designated Safeguarding Officers of Growing Links CIC.
Designated Safeguarding Officers: Lynne Dyer
Designated Safeguarding Managers: Ally Katkowski, Rebecca Morton-Clark & Emily Wright
While it will be appropriate to contact the duty DSM / DSO for advice it is vital that the Office Manager of Growing Links is also advised of any potential safeguarding issues so that they can maintain an ongoing Safeguarding Log of Incidents. This could be used to show a pattern of behaviour or risk if a person is mentioned more than once.
4. The DSM/DSO will update the Managing Director for discussion and learning opportunities.
What the DSM will do if abuse is suspected or disclosed
Phone call from staff/volunteer to Designated Safeguarding Manager.
1. The DSM will ring for advice or referral:
MARU for children and young person concerns 0300 123 1116
Adult Safeguarding Triage Team for adult concerns 01872 326 433 Access Team for advice & all self-neglect concerns 0300 1234 131
(During Out of Hours, the DSM/DSO will ring the
Social Services OOH 01208 251 300)
2. When the Safeguarding Concern form is received the DSO will complete, with you, the relevant inter-agency form and send it to MARU or Adult Safeguarding Triage Team.
3. The original is retained by the DSM in a locked filing cabinet or in a secure area of the G drive.
Any action taken by a DSO/DSM must be reported to the Office Manager of Growing Links CIC for inclusion in the Safeguarding Incident log.
Allegation against a staff member or volunteer
Guidance
What to do if the person suspected of abuse is a member of staff or volunteer, a Director or a Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officer within Growing Links CIC.
Growing Links CIC has a separate Whistleblowing Policy to refer to.
Wherever allegations are made against a staff member or volunteer, these must remain confidential (notwithstanding, the possible need to question staff or volunteers as part of the investigation process) to ensure the person is not adversely affected should the allegations not be upheld.
Growing Links CIC will have a current DBS check on record for staff and/or volunteers whose job role within Growing Links CIC requires one.
Procedure for an allegation made against a member of staff or volunteer
Member of staff/volunteer suspected of abuse
1. Concern reported to the Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officer.
2. DSM / DSO reports to LADO 01872 326536 or Adult Safeguarding Triage Team for advice 01872 326433
3. Appropriate Local Authority Officers will then advise on any appropriate action as well as when and if the staff member or volunteer concerned is to be informed.
4. If abuse is established, this may also lead to a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
5. The DSO/DSM will update the Office Manager of Growing Links CIC for recording purposes in the Safeguarding Incident log.
Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officer suspected of abuse
1. Concern reported to another member of the DSM / DSO team.
2. Other DSO/DSM to update our Board of Directors: contact Seb Lewis seblewis1992@outlook.com
3. One of the other DSM / DSO reports to LADO 01872 326536 or Adult Safeguarding Triage Team 01872 326433
4. Appropriate Local Authority Officers will then advise on any appropriate action as well as when and if the DSO concerned is to be informed.
5. If abuse is established this may also lead to a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
6. The DSO/DSM will update the Office Manager of Growing Links CIC for recording purposes in the Safeguarding Incident log.
A Director is suspected of abuse
1. Concern reported to the Designated Safeguarding Manager/Officers
2. DSM / DSO reports to LADO 01872 326536
or Adult Safeguarding Triage Team 01872 326433
3. Appropriate Local Authority Officers will then advise on any appropriate action as well as when and if the trustee concerned is to be informed
4. If abuse is established this may also lead to a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
5. The DSO/DSM will update the Office Manager of Growing Links CIC for recording purposes in the Safeguarding Incident log.
Specific job roles within Growing Links CIC which have enhanced responsibilities for Safeguarding
Whilst recognising that all staff and volunteers have safeguarding responsibilities under this policy, we have identified that certain roles within Growing Links CIC have additional or enhanced responsibilities as follows:
Directors are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Safeguarding Policy approved by the Board, in line with current legislation. They should ensure that robust, appropriate and diligent practices regarding safeguarding are embedded throughout the organisation’s culture and activities. They should encourage discussion and reflection on matters relating to all aspects of the Safeguarding Policy at Directors meetings. They should foster a culture of vigilance and resilience when it comes to safeguarding issues so that staff and volunteers feel able to deal with raising any concerns or issues they might have.
Managers must assess any risks to Growing Links CIC, the staff, the volunteers and the public, adhering to best practice on safeguarding inherent in the projects and services they are responsible for and ensure staff and volunteers deployed are appropriately trained and supported to deal with those risks. Safeguarding issues should be discussed regularly at team meetings and in individual appraisals.
Designated Safeguarding Manager (DSM) and Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSO)
Growing Links have appointed Designated Safeguarding Managers who have the support of Designated Safeguarding Officers.
This team will be responsible for ensuring best practice on a day-to-day basis, observing, monitoring and reporting back to the Senior Management team on all matters relating to safeguarding issues that arise to see if there are any learning opportunities to be made so that our procedures and policies can be modified to ensure best practice at all times.
The DSM (with support by the DSOs) will:
● manage and oversee individual cases
● manage and collate our safeguarding reporting records
● provide information, advice and guidance
● liaise with police and others about case progress
● be notified of suspensions, resignations or sackings where the employee posed a risk of harm.
Duties of the Designated Safeguarding Officer
● Be available to receive and give information, signposting and support to all staff, volunteers and clients within the organization on all matters pertaining to children, young people and adults’ issues.
● To be the point of contact for any report of concerns, disclosures or allegations in the case of children, young people to the Local Authority via MARU, and for Adults the Safeguarding Triage Team or Access Team.
● To be the point of contact for any report of concerns or allegations in the case of staff and volunteers (or potential volunteers) to the Local Authority Designated Officer for children (LADO) or the Adult Triage Team, and report as quickly as possible the full facts to the DSO, as per the Child, Young People and Adults Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
● To be the point of contact for any report of concerns or allegations in the case of partner agencies and clients to the Local Authority Designated Officer for children (LADO) or the Adult Triage Team.
● To regularly review the Child, Young People and Adults Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and consult with the Local Authority Safeguarding leads for Children and Adults as appropriate, forwarding recommendations to the Safeguarding Officers.
● The Designated Safeguarding Managers will arrange internal awareness and update sessions for staff and volunteers of Growing Links CIC.
Duties of the Designated Safeguarding Manager
● To support the DSO
● To report all safeguarding issues that have been raised to the Designated Safeguarding Officer for guidance.
● To receive completed Safeguarding Concern forms from members of staff, volunteers and service users or members of the public who have reported concerns, and pass those concerns on to the appropriate authority in accordance with this policy and procedures.
● Keep accurate records of any actions taken including the timeline involving children, young people and adults’ safety issues. Responsible for keeping these logs secure.
● To cover the eventuality that the Designated Safeguarding Manager is not contactable.
Recruitment
Growing Links CIC has adopted the NSPCC's 17 step recruitment process Safeguarding and Child Protection Standards for the Voluntary and Community for the safety of all children and young people.
All staff have completed enhanced DBS checks.
Please see our Safer Recruitment Policy.
Induction & Training
Growing Links CIC has an induction for all new staff and volunteers who come into direct contact with service users. Growing Links CIC is also committed to ongoing training for staff and/or volunteers to ensure that everyone working for the organisation understands the need to adhere to current best practice on safeguarding issues.
All staff who, through their role, are in contact with children, young people and adults will have access to safeguarding training at an appropriate level. Sources and types of training will include:
1. Level 2 Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults
2. Drug and alcohol awareness
3. Suicide awareness
4. Information, Advice and Guidance
For those working or volunteering in regular and close contact with children, young people and/or adults there will be a further, more detailed safeguarding training session which will be refreshed every 2 years (or sooner if appropriate).
Staff or volunteers who hold specific roles may be required to attend additional training appropriate to their responsibilities. Our Designated Safeguarding Manager / Officers will undergo Level 3 Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults every 2 years, or when there is an update in safeguarding practice.
All Street Food Project Volunteers will be given our Safeguarding Policy to read and sign once read, if appropriate, face to face volunteers with service users will also be given safeguarding training within the first 2 months of service.
7. Related Policies
With regards to the subject of safeguarding, there are other Growing Links CIC policies that relate to this:
Bullying Policy
Complaints Policy
Confidentiality Policy
County Lines Policy
Equality & Diversity Policy
Exploitation of Children and Young People
Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
On-line Behavior Policy
Prevent Policy
Whistle Blowing Policy
8. Safeguarding policy sign off
This policy has been approved and signed off by the Managing Director of Growing Links CIC.
Lynne Dyer
Date approved: 01 June 2021
Review date: June 2023
9. Safeguarding audit.
Growing Links CIC will undertake an annual audit of safeguarding practises & procedures as part of our commitment to being an exemplary safeguarding organisation.