NFPS Ltd Safeguarding Policy
Responsibilities
NFPS Ltd will:
1. Respect and promote the rights of children and adults at risk.
2. Promote and implement appropriate procedures to safeguard the well-being of children and adults at risk and protect them from abuse.
3. Recruit, train, support and supervise its members to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children and adults at risk from abuse and to minimise risk to themselves.
4. Inform members of staff, volunteers and committee members this policy and ensure they abide by it and adhere to our procedures.
5. Respond to any allegations of misconduct or abuse of children or adults at risk in line with this Policy and these Procedures as well as implementing, where appropriate, the relevant disciplinary and appeals procedures.
6. Review and evaluate this Policy and these Procedures on a regular basis.
Principles
The welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting them from abuse.
This Policy and these Procedures are based on the following principles:
The welfare of children and adults at risk is the primary concern.
All children and adults at risk, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
It is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns about abuse and the responsibility of the Police to conduct, where appropriate, a joint investigation.
All incidents of alleged poor practice, misconduct and abuse will be taken seriously, must be reported and will be responded to swiftly and appropriately.
All personal data will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Procedure
Staff and volunteers will be provided with details of this policy and their responsibilities made clear to them. Where possible staff will be provided with training in child protection and vulnerable adult procedures.
Staff and volunteers have a responsibility for the safety of people using our services and they must not agree to ‘keep things confidential’ in the event of an incident happening in our facilities or if information concerning abuse taking place elsewhere is disclosed to them.
In the event of an allegation of abuse, of disclosure of abuse or of any abusive misconduct the person receiving or witnessing this must immediately take action and without delay report the matter to the Lead Trainer / Director who will automatically involve the police and other authorities where appropriate.
A statement should quickly be taken from the victim, dated and signed so that if required a copy of this can be passed on to the police or other authorities where necessary. Other authorities can include the Social Services Child Protection team who are part of the county council (they can provide support and guidance if this matter concerns a child or person under 18).
Review
This Policy and these Procedures will be regularly monitored and reviewed:
In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on the protection of children and adults at risk or any changes within NFPS Ltd.
Following any issues or concerns raised about the protection of children or adults at risk within NFPS Ltd.
In all other circumstances, at least annually.
Mark Dawes
Director, NFPS Ltd.
Issued: October 2016
Due for Review: October 2017