Safeguarding Policy
PURPOSE
SPLAOCH Care Foundation Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals we work with, particularly single parents, young carers, and disadvantaged children. This safeguarding policy outlines our responsibilities and procedures for protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
SCOPE
This policy applies to:
- Staff and Volunteers: All employees, board members, and volunteers working with SPLAOCH Care Foundation Ltd.
- Service Users: Single parents, disadvantaged children, young carers, and other beneficiaries of our programs.
- Stakeholders and Partners: Any third-party organizations or individuals collaborating with us.
1. Creating a Safe Environment
We will provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all service users.
2. Protecting Vulnerable Groups
Our primary responsibility is to safeguard children, young carers, and adults with complex health challenges from harm.
3. Zero Tolerance Policy
We will not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, and will take immediate action to address any concerns.
4. Raising Awareness
We will ensure all staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding protocols and understand their responsibilities.
5. Partnership Collaboration
We will work closely with external agencies and authorities to ensure effective safeguarding measures are in place.
- Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to make informed decisions about their own safety.
- Prevention: Taking proactive measures to identify and reduce risks.
- Proportionality: Responding to safeguarding concerns appropriately and effectively.
- Protection: Supporting those in need and ensuring their safety.
- Accountability: Ensuring transparency and responsibility in safeguarding practices.
- Safer Recruitment
- All staff and volunteers will undergo rigorous background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance.
- Training and Awareness
- Regular safeguarding training will be provided to all staff and volunteers.
- Clear guidelines on recognizing signs of abuse and responding to concerns will be disseminated.
- Reporting Concerns
- Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer (DSO).
- All concerns will be documented and investigated thoroughly.
- Confidentiality
- Information about safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with relevant parties.
- Partnership Working
- We will collaborate with social services, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to ensure a robust safeguarding framework.
- SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS
- Victims of abuse or neglect will receive appropriate support, including counselling and referrals to external service
- Board of Trustees: Ensures compliance with safeguarding policies and legal obligations.
- Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Oversees safeguarding practices, responds to concerns, and liaises with external agencies.
- Staff and Volunteers: Must adhere to safeguarding protocols and report concerns promptly
We recognize and address all forms of abuse, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect or acts of omission
- Financial abuse
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in legislation, organizational needs, and best practices.
Date of Issue: 26th/01/2025
Review Date: 26th/07/2025
Approved By: Ms Francess H Massaquoi/ Director