Acorns is committed to safeguarding all vulnerable people we engage with through our work. We actively support the Six Principles of Safeguarding which are: Protection; Prevention; Partnership; Proportionate; Empowerment and Accountability. Operating with transparency, Acorns is an organisation committed to protecting and championing human rights and encouraging a just culture where issues are quickly identified, investigated and lessons are learned.

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 adults
  • sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents, adults and children appropriately
  • 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 through a robust recruitment process of all staff, volunteers and trustees following the principles for Safe Recruiting, which includes DBS checks, references, employment history and interviews
  • safeguarding responsibilities are included within all job descriptions, clinical and non-clinical at all levels, including our trustees and volunteers
  • safeguarding lead who is visible and available for 1:1 and group discussions and supervision sessions

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. 

Diversity and inclusion

Acorns is committed to equality of opportunity and ensuring the needs of children, young people and families across our broad demographic are met.

To achieve this we consistently work on developing our knowledge, skill and awareness of diversity issues. The care we provide and the environment we create to deliver care reflects our ongoing commitment to respecting the diversity of the communities we serve.

Acorns provides care and support to people from all cultures; those with faiths, beliefs and religions and those without. We readily endeavour to provide the spiritual care and faith support required by the families and children who use Acorns. We have established links with faith leaders in the Midlands and each hospice has spiritual resources to aid spiritual comfort. A private and appropriate quiet place will always be provided for families wishing to pray, meditate or reflect.

In the hospices we plan for and celebrate the major cultural and religious festivals and holidays each year. In respecting the diversity of the community we live in, everyone can share in the enjoyment of these special times of the year.

If you have a concern when not at Acorns

Follow the guidance of the local Safeguarding Partnerships where the child or young person lives.

In an emergency (if at immediate risk and if a crime has been committed) contact the Police on 999.

For less urgent advice you can contact a relevant health, education, social care professional or the duty office or a social worker know to the child/ young person or family.

 

If you have a concern when at Acorns

Ask to speak to the Nurse in charge, Matron, a Family Team Worker, or the Safeguarding Lead.

Monitoring and review

Acorns adheres to the Royal College of Nursing Intercollegiate Guidance for Safeguarding Competencies for all staff and The Charity Commission’s Guidance for volunteers. These ensure that all training provided is relevant to role and provides assurances that Acorns acts appropriately in managing any safeguarding concerns.

Robust governance structures are in place internally, but also with Integrated Care Boards (ICB’s); Local Authorities and The Care Quality Commission.

Our policy will be reviewed both routinely and in response to changes in legislation and/ or government guidance or significant internal changes.