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Safeguarding policy

UK Pathfinders is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all individuals who use our advocacy services.

We will work proactively to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect, and we will take all concerns seriously, acting in accordance with current legislation and best practices.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of UK Pathfinders, including employees, volunteers, and contractors. It also applies to interactions with children, young people, and vulnerable adults we support.

Definitions:

  • Child: Any person under 18 years of age.

  • Vulnerable Adult: An individual aged 18 or over who is at risk of abuse or neglect due to their needs for care and support.

3. Key Principles

  • The welfare of the individual is paramount.

  • All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, belief, or sexual orientation, have the right to protection from harm.

  • Confidentiality will be respected unless it compromises the safety of the individual or others.

4. Recognizing Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.

  • Emotional Abuse: Threats, humiliation, or constant criticism.

  • Sexual Abuse: Engaging in sexual activity without consent.

  • Neglect: Failing to meet basic physical, emotional, or medical needs.

  • Financial Abuse: Misuse or theft of money or possessions.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Jay Edwards, Owner UK Pathfinders]

    • Responsible for overseeing safeguarding within UK Pathfinders.

    • Point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • All Staff and Volunteers:

    • Must report safeguarding concerns promptly.

    • Act professionally and in line with this policy.

6. Safeguarding Procedures

Recognizing and Reporting Concerns

  1. Immediate Danger: If someone is at immediate risk, contact the emergency services by dialing 999.

  2. Non-Urgent Concerns:

    • Report concerns to the DSL: [jay@ukpathfinders.org].

    • If unavailable, contact the local authority safeguarding team (details below).

Responding to Disclosures

When a child or vulnerable adult discloses information:

  • Listen carefully and without judgment.

  • Do not promise confidentiality—explain that you may need to share information to keep them safe.

  • Reassure them and let them know they were right to speak up.

Record Keeping

  • Document all concerns accurately and factually, including dates, times, and details of discussions.

  • Store records securely in line with data protection laws (GDPR).

Contacts for External Support

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team: [Insert local contact details].

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000.

  • Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141.

7. Code of Conduct

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

  • Avoid situations where you are alone with a child or vulnerable adult in a private space.

  • Never engage in any behavior that could be misinterpreted as abusive.

8. Training

All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their roles. This training will be reviewed and updated annually.

9. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative changes or major incidents.

Date of Last Review: [Insert Date]
Next Review Date: [Insert Date]

Approval

This policy is approved and endorsed by UK Pathfinders.

Name: Jay Edwards
Role: Founder and Independent Advocate
Date: [01/11/24]

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