SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Understand Me – Together We Grow, Together We Heal
1. Policy Statement
Understand Me is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We believe every individual has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, regardless of age, gender, race, ability, sexuality, or background.
2. Purpose
This policy sets out Understand Me’s approach to safeguarding and outlines procedures for staff, volunteers, and partners to follow to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, trustees, volunteers, session facilitators, and anyone working on behalf of Understand Me.
4. Key Principles
- The welfare of the child, young person, or vulnerable adult is paramount.
- All individuals have the right to protection from abuse.
- We are committed to working in partnership with other agencies to protect individuals.
- All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
5. Definitions
- Safeguarding: Protecting people’s health, well-being, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
- Abuse: Can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful in nature.
- Vulnerable adult: A person aged 18 or over who is in need of community care services due to disability, age, or illness.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Anne Marie Tracey, responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns and referrals.
- All staff and volunteers must:
- Read and follow this policy
- Complete safeguarding training
- Report any concerns to the DSL without delay
7. Reporting Concerns
- Record factual information (date, time, what was said, who was present)
- Report to the DSL immediately
- Not promise confidentiality but reassure the individual that the concern will be dealt with appropriately
8. Safer Recruitment
- All staff and volunteers undergo DBS checks where appropriate
- Two references are taken for each new staff member or volunteer
- Induction and safeguarding training are mandatory
9. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
- All safeguarding records are securely stored
- Only designated personnel have access
- Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis
10. Training and Awareness
All individuals working with Understand Me must complete annual safeguarding training and read this policy as part of their induction.
11. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation or incidents that require policy review.
12. Contact Information
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Anne Marie Tracey | 07561 532 611 | info@UnderstandMe.uk
- Local Authority Safeguarding Team: [Insert details for your local authority]
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000