Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
Acorns is committed to safeguarding all vulnerable people we engage with through our work and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.
We recognise that:
- the welfare of the child/young person or vulnerable adult is paramount
- all people, regardless of age, ability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
- working in partnership with children, young people, and parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare
We will seek to safeguard by:
- valuing , listening to and respecting children and vulnerable adults;
- adopting child and vulnerable adult protection guidelines through our procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers;
- sharing information about child and vulnerable adult protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers;
- sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents, vulnerable adults and children appropriately;
- providing effective management to staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
Responsibilities
Every member of staff and volunteer working for Acorns has a responsibility to safeguard. Key members of staff take a lead in this area. We all have a duty to report concerns wherever they arise for instance through our work in support of families, at fundraising events, with regard to the behaviour or practice of staff, volunteers, other organisations or individuals.
Key areas covered in our policy include:
- Importance of taking any concerns or allegations seriously and never keeping any concerns to yourself
- Clearly detailing roles and responsibilities for safeguarding
- Everyone understanding the need to discuss, report and record concerns as appropriate
- Whistleblowing policies and procedures to deal with concerns about staff or volunteers
As part of our safeguarding policy, Acorns will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns.
Monitoring and review: Our policy will be reviewed every two years or in response to changes in legislation and/or government guidance or significant internal changes.
Copies of Acorns Safeguarding Policy can be obtained by contacting the Caldicott Guardian on 01564 825000
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