Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk from abuse or neglect.

This policy defines how Dora Brown operates to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk of abuse or neglect.

We have a duty of care and are committed to the protection and safety of everyone who we work with including children, young people and adults at risk involved in our work. We also have a duty to safeguard and support our volunteers and staff.

2. Definitions

a. Children and young people are defined as those persons aged under 18 years old.

This policy will apply to all staff, contractors and volunteers and will be used to support their work.

b. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment

  • preventing impairment of children’s health and development

  • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

c. Adult at risk of abuse or neglect For the purposes of this policy, adult at risk refers to someone over 18 years old who, according to paragraph 14.2 of the Care Act 2015:

  • has care and support needs

  • is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect

  • as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

If someone has care and support needs but is not currently receiving care or support from a health or care service, they may still be an adult at risk.

d. Abuse can be defined as any behaviour which knowingly or unwittingly causes harm, endangers life, or violates rights. The Care and support statutory guidance identifies the following ten types of abuse. Definitions of the types of abuse can be found at appendix 5.

  • Physical abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Domestic violence or abuse, including so called 'honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage

  • Financial or material abuse

  • Modern slavery

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Neglect or acts of omission

  • Self neglect

  • Organisational or institutional abuse

3. Persons affected

  • All volunteers and staff

  • All those attending any project that is being delivered by Dora Brown

  • All visitors and contractors

4. Policy principles

There can be no excuses for not taking all reasonable action to protect adults at risk of abuse, exploitation, radicalisation, and mistreatment. All citizens of the United Kingdom have their rights enshrined within the Human Rights Act 1998. People who are eligible to receive health and community care services may be additionally vulnerable to the violation of these rights by reason of disability, impairment, age, or illness.

Dora Brown has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

Dora Brown recognises that under the Care Act 2014, it has a duty for the care and protection of adults who are at risk of abuse. It also recognises its responsibilities for the safety and care of children under the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

Dora Brown is committed to promoting wellbeing, harm prevention and to responding effectively if concerns are raised.

Dora Brown is aware of the work of their local safeguarding Board/Partnership and other support organisations on the development and implementation of procedures for the protection of adults vulnerable from abuse.

The local adult and child safeguarding board is:

The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership www.suffolk so.org.uk

The policy is about stopping abuse where it is happening and preventing abuse where there is a risk that it may occur.

Dora Brown is committed to the following principles:

  • The welfare of the child, young person or adult at risk is paramount

  • All children, young people and adults at risk have the right to protection from abuse

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part; and

  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be properly reported to the relevant internal and external authorities and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

5. Procedures

a. All staff, trustees and volunteers will have proof of a relevant DBS check or the company will arrange for one to be completed in accordance with the Dora Brown DBS Policy (appendix 1).

b. All members of staff, trustees and volunteers will familiarise themselves with safeguarding responsibilities and ensure that they understand the principles set out in this policy at 4 above.

c. All members of staff, trustees and volunteers will abide by Dora Brown’s Code of Conduct (appendix 2) and Safeguarding Quick Reference (appendix 3) and Guidance on responding to a disclosure of abuse (appendix 4) documents.

d. Staff working directly with children and adults at risk will undertake training on safeguarding issues including whistleblowing where it is available and offered by their local safeguarding board/ partnership or other local support organisation. Refresher training will be undertaken every three years. Safeguarding training will also be offered to trustees, volunteers and other staff members.

e. All members of staff, trustees and volunteers will work together to promote a culture that enables issues about safeguarding and promoting welfare to be addressed.

f. All members of the staff, trustees and volunteers will not have unsupervised access to children or adults at risk unless appropriately vetted.

g. Dora Brown directors, trustees and staff will follow safe recruitment practices.

h. A member of Dora Brown will be appointed to be responsible for child and adult at risk safeguarding matters. This person will have responsibility for reporting concerns that arise, as a matter of urgency, to the relevant safeguarding agency.

The named person is:

Jo Revett

jo@dorabrown.com

07751 232244

In the event that the Designated Safeguarding Lead is absent or unavailable the Designated Safeguarding Deputy will take on this responsibility.

The Designated Safeguarding Deputy will also take responsibility in the event that there is allegation against the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Deputy:

James Hathorn

i. All suspicions or allegations of abuse against a child or adult at risk will be taken seriously and dealt with speedily and appropriately following the process outlined at Appendix 5 This process will also be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or misconduct about a trustee, staff member or volunteer within Dora Brown. The appointed person will know who to contact and where to go for support and advice in relation to an allegation a concern about the quality of care or practice or a complaint. An allegation may relate to a person who who has:

  • behaved in a way that has harmed a child or adult at risk or may have harmed a child or adult at risk

  • possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or adult at risk; or

  • behaved towards a child or children or adult at risk in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

j. Dora Brown will carry out an annual review of this policy.

Appendix 1 - DBS Policy

  • Every member of staff must be DBS checked

  • Every volunteer working on site in a family home must be DBS checked

  • When a new volunteer who has been interviewed and inducted is attending a trial shift they must remain in the presence of a DBS checked staff / volunteer at ALL times. If they wish to continue volunteering after their first two shifts (trial plus one other shift) they will be DBS checked

  • Every trustee must be DBS checked

  • If volunteers or trustees have an existing DBS via the DBS Update Service, dated within one year and to the level required (adult/child/enhanced/basic), we accept that in place of our own DBS check

  • DBS checks will be redone every 3 years

  • A personal reference will also be requested for every volunteer working on site in a family home

  • All information regarding an individuals DBS will be emailed to them with requests for the appropriate information

  • Please refer to our GDPR Policy on confidentiality and filing of personal documents

Appendix 2 - Code of Conduct

On Site Code of Conduct

  • Confidentiality of families is paramount - please do not disclose any information including names/addresses/family details. Please do not discuss anything about the family which could enable someone else to identify who you are talking about. This is hugely important due to the vulnerability of the families, including cases related to child protection or domestic violence.You will work in pairs or more, never alone – please ensure that you are not alone with members of the family wherever possible

  • You should not be alone in a room with a family member for longer than your volunteer partner to get or remove something. You must never be alone with a family member with the door closed. You must never be alone in a room with an under 18 (under 25 with SEND). This protects the family and yourself, but also Dora as an organisation.

  • Do not show/voice any reactions to the state of the home or strong personal opinions in front of family or in proximity to the family home

  • Report anything that you feel uneasy about immediately to the onsite Project Manager

  • No photos are to be taken on site without explicit direction from the onsite Project Manager

  • Wear closed toe shoes + clothes you do not mind getting dirty or damaged + bring nothing of value on site, including wallets

  • You must never search for or contact/connect with a family member on social media.

  • Keep phones + car keys in pocket or bum bag on your body at all times. Dora Brown accepts no liability to loss, damage or theft of your personal possessions

  • Dora Brown will provide gloves, but please bring your own mask if you wish

  • Break times must be observed by all Dora staff and volunteers on site for the full duration as this is also a chance for the family to have a break and be alone for ten minutes

  • If you are symptomatically unwell with heavy cold/sore throat/stomach upset please don’t attend to protect co-workers and families. Please let us know asap

  • Any questions, issues or complaints please contact onsite Project Manager or Jo.

Out of Hours Code of Conduct

  • If you see a Dora family member out of the home (for example when out and about, shopping, socialising etc.) please do not acknowledge them, unless the family member does first. If the family member does acknowledge you please never disclose how you know them to anyone else who is there.

  • You must never search for or contact/connect with a family member on social media.

  • There are some rare instances when a volunteer may go to a family home outside of normal Dora volunteer shifts, for example to return laundry or drop off a donated item. Dora has a strict procedure to be followed in these circumstances. Again, this protects the family and yourself, but also Dora as an organisation.

  • You must never enter a family home alone and out of hours. Drop offs must be done on the doorstep, outside the home.

  • You must never have the phone number/email address of a family member.

  • You must not turn up without warning, the day and time of the drop off must be prearranged. Please let a Dora staff member know what time you would like to drop off the item/s and we will liaise with the family.

  • When you have made the drop off and left please text a Dora staff member to confirm this.

  • Any questions, issues or complaints please contact Jo or another Dora staff member.

In Addition

  • Dora Brown’s Safeguarding Policy AND Safeguarding Quick Reference sheet will be emailed to you. Please confirm receipt + reading by email before your second home visit

Appendix 3 - Safeguarding Quick Reference Sheet

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Jo Revett

jo@dorabrown.com

07751 232244

 

In the event that the Designated Safeguarding Lead is absent or unavailable the Designated Safeguarding Deputy will take on this responsibility.

The Designated Safeguarding Deputy will also take responsibility in the event that there is allegation against the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Deputy:

James Hathorn

Dora Brown follows the 5 R’s of safeguarding:

Recognise

Know the signs and indicators of neglect + abuse

Talk to Dora Brown’s Designated Safeguarding Lead if you are unsure

Respond

Know how to deal with a concern or disclosure

Tell the Project Manager on site

In an emergency call 999

Report

Make a full record of a concern or disclosure, dated and signed

Record

Send your record to Dora Brown’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy

Refer

Make sure you have informed Dora Brown’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy + the appropriate referral will be made

  • We have a zero tolerance approach to neglect + abuse

  • Tell Jo – do not keep anything a secret

  • Where appropriate we will discuss with our partnering referral agency

  • Where advice is required we will contact Suffolk Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

We have a duty of care + are committed to the protection and safety of everyone who we work with including children, young people + adults at risk involved in our work. We also have a duty to safeguard + support our volunteers + staff

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Human beings should live free from abuse, harm, exploitation + neglect

It is our responsibility to make sure that no one who comes into contact with our organisation comes to any harm

Appendix 4 - Guidance on responding to a disclosure of abuse

1. Listen carefully to what they're saying

Be patient and focus on what you’re being told. Try not to express your own views and feelings. If you appear shocked or as if you don’t believe them it could make them stop talking and take back what they’ve said.

2. Let them know they've done the right thing by telling you

Reassurance can make a big impact. If they’ve kept the abuse a secret it can have a big impact knowing they’ve shared what’s happened.

3. Tell them it's not their fault

It’s important they hear, and know, this.

4. Say you'll take them seriously.

They may have kept the abuse secret because they were scared they wouldn’t be believed. Make sure they know they can trust you and you’ll listen and support them.

5. Don't confront the alleged abuser.

Confronting the alleged abuser could make the situation worse for the person.

6. Explain what you'll do next.

For younger children, explain you’re going to speak to someone who will able to help. For older children and adults, explain you’ll need to report the abuse to someone who can help.

7. Report what the person has told you as soon as possible.

Report as soon after you’ve been told about the abuse so the details are fresh in your mind and action can be taken quickly. It can be helpful to take notes as soon after you’ve spoken to the person. Try to keep these as accurate as possible.

Appendix 5 -Process for Safeguarding Lead or Deputy responding to a safeguarding concern

Responding to a child safeguarding concern:

In an emergency call 999

Ensure that the person raising the concern makes written, factual record including the date and time. The record must be signed and include their name and job role

Contact NSPCC helpline (help@nspcc.org.uk or 0808 800 5000) or Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership (https://www.suffolksp.org.uk) and follow advice given

Refer to social services if necessary using the process below

Making a Child Safeguarding Referral

1. Telephone local children's social care services or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

2. Say: "I wish to make a child protection referral. Can I speak to a duty social worker?"

3. Follow up the referral by:

a. Making a factual record of what concerned you: timed, signed and dated.

b. Confirming your referral to children's social care services or MASH  in writing within 24 hours. (normally via a secure online log in provided by them)

Record all Safeguarding Lead or Deputy decisions, actions, monitoring or referrals, and include date, time and signature. All records should be kept in a locked and secure place, hard copy or electronically.

Inform the referee of the family concerned and/or the safeguarding lead at their organisation

Responding to an adult safeguarding concern:

In an emergency call 999

Ensure that the person raising the concern makes written, factual record including the date and time. The record must be signed and include their name and job role

Contact Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership (https://www.suffolksp.org.uk) and follow advice given

Refer to social services if necessary using the process below

Making an Adult Safeguarding Referral

1. Telephone local adult social care services

2. Say: "I wish to make an adult safeguarding referral. Can I speak to a duty social worker?"

3. Follow up the referral by:

a. Making a factual record of what concerned you: timed, signed and dated.

b. Confirming your referral to adult social care services in writing within 24 hours. (normally via a secure online log in provided by them)

Record all Safeguarding Lead or Deputy decisions, actions, monitoring or referrals, and include date, time and signature. All records should be kept in a locked and secure place, hard copy or electronically.

Inform the referee of the family concerned and/or the safeguarding lead at their organisation

To consider - Factors which might influence your decision to refer an adult at risk could include:

The adult at risk's age, maturity and mental capacity.

Family circumstances.

The adult at risk's possible special needs, medical condition or disability.

Possible cultural issues.

The wishes and feelings of the adult at risk

Consider whether this wider picture would make any difference to your concerns and remember that all adults at risk , whatever their religious or cultural background, must receive the same and equal  care and safeguards with regards to abuse and neglect.

What happens after the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy makes an child or adult safeguarding referrals?

Social care services will receipt your referral and decide what to do.

They can take emergency action when necessary.

Social care services will complete an initial assessment and identify actions.

If it is considered a crime may have been committed, the police will be involved.

Depending upon your organisation's involvement with the adult at risk and/or family, you may be asked for further, more detailed information.

Appendix 6 - Definitions of types of abuse

(source - Care and support statutory guidance)

Physical abuse includes:

  • assault

  • hitting

  • slapping

  • pushing

  • misuse of medication

  • restraint

  • inappropriate physical sanctions

Sexual abuse includes:

  • rape

  • indecent exposure

  • sexual harassment

  • inappropriate looking or touching

  • sexual teasing or innuendo

  • sexual photography

  • subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts

  • indecent exposure

  • sexual assault

  • sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting

Psychological abuse includes:

  • emotional abuse

  • threats of harm or abandonment

  • deprivation of contact

  • humiliation

  • blaming

  • controlling

  • intimidation

  • coercion

  • harassment

  • verbal abuse

  • cyber bullying

  • isolation

  • unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks

Domestic violence or abuse includes:

  • psychological abuse

  • physical abuse

  • sexual abuse

  • financial abuse

  • emotional abuse

  • so called ‘honour’ based violence

  • female genital mutilation (FGM)

  • forced marriage

Financial or material abuse includes:

  • theft

  • fraud

  • internet scamming

  • coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions

  • the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits

Modern slavery encompasses:

  • slavery

  • human trafficking

  • forced labour and domestic servitude.

  • traffickers and slave masters using whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment

Discriminatory abuse including forms of:

  • harassment

  • slurs or similar treatment:

    • because of race

    • gender and gender identity

    • age

    • disability

    • sexual orientation

    • religion

Neglect and acts of omission includes:

  • ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs

  • failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services

  • the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating

Self-neglect covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. It should be noted that self-neglect may not prompt a section 42 enquiry. An assessment should be made on a case by case basis. A decision on whether a response is required under safeguarding will depend on the adult’s ability to protect themselves by controlling their own behaviour. There may come a point when they are no longer able to do this, without external support.

Organisational abuse includes neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

Last updated: November 2024

Next update due: November 2025