Safeguarding Policy
Listening Ears is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all involved in its activities, and especially children, young people, and adults with additional needs, and will take all reasonable steps to protect them from physical, emotional, sexual or internet abuse and neglect.
Our policies recognise the obligations and duty of care on organisations working with children and young people as identified in the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004. These acts define children and young people as anyone up to the age of 18 years. We recognise that similar responsibilities cover our work with young people with learning disabilities until they are 25 years of age.
We will ensure that staff, volunteers, Trustees and Management Committee Members know how to recognise and respond to concerns that a child, young person or adult may be being abused or neglected.
The Trustees/Management Committee have appointed a Champion for Safeguarding from within their membership. They have also appointed a Safeguarding Lead. It is her/his responsibility to ensure that everyone adheres to the policies and procedures with regard to safeguarding and child protection. S/he will report annually to the Trustees/Management Committee on any safeguarding, child protection and/or vulnerable adult issues and/or any allegations which have arisen over the previous 12 months.
S/he is responsible for:
- receiving, monitoring and recording safeguarding concerns
- handling allegations against staff/volunteers
- making referrals to the local authority Family Front Door or Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team
- liaising with other agencies
- keeping written records of concerns and allegations securely.
[The Safeguarding Lead is also responsible for Vulnerable Adult Protection].
Our Safeguarding Lead
and the Deputy Safeguarding Lead (Rosebud Centre)
All workers and volunteers who have unsupervised regular direct contact with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults are required to have a relevant satisfactory enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before they can work unsupervised.
Child Protection Policy
Listening Ears recognises that the welfare of young people is paramount and that we have a duty of care when they are in our charge. We will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.
We will:
- treat all children and young people with respect
- be watchful for children, young people who are experiencing harm or neglect
- respond to disclosures, concerns and allegations appropriately
- adopt good practice with regard to safeguarding children and young people and ensure adherence to our policies and procedures
- ensure that safe recruitment and selection practices are followed
- ensure staff and volunteers are trained in accordance with their roles
- ensure that any concern about the welfare of any child, young person or vulnerable adult is shared with the Safeguarding Lead
- work in partnership with children, young people, parents/carers and other agencies
The Trustees/Management Committee have appointed a Safeguarding Lead who will be the day to day contact for safeguarding. S/he is responsible for:
- receiving, monitoring and recording safeguarding concerns
- handling allegations against staff/volunteers
- making referrals to the local authority Children’s Services or Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team
- liaising with other agencies
- keeping written records of concerns and allegations securely.
A Deputy Safeguarding Lead has been appointed.
Confidentiality:
In cases of disclosure of abuse or neglect, whether by children, young people, parents, carers or other adults, confidentiality cannot be promised. We are obliged to share the information with the Safeguarding Lead who may have to refer our concerns to Children’s Services.
Allegations:
Concerns about the behaviour of any adult in the group/organisation will be referred without delay to the Safeguarding Lead who may contact Children’s Services, including the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) or the Police as appropriate.
