Child protection and safeguarding

We have a number of things in place that ensure our staff know what to do if there are any concerns.

• We have a set of Safeguarding Guidelines that cover both adult and child protection. These are reviewed and updated regularly.
• All our staff undertake introductory child protection training, while some staff have additional training depending on their role – for example, we have some staff who are trained as ‘Designated Safeguarding Officers’.
• We have got a Safeguarding Rota so staff can always check out concerns with a trained person and a decision can be made about next steps.
• We undertake risk assessments for any activities or events we deliver.
• One of our Board members chairs an annual review of our safeguarding activity to make sure it’s all being done right and see if there’s anything that we need to do differently.

We try to be as clear as possible about how child protection and safeguarding works in relation to the activities we deliver. For example, it will be discussed when groups for children and young people are being set up or new members join, so everyone understands what we need to do if there is a concern. And if concerns need to be shared, whether that is from a group, through one of our ASL Services or an event, we will do everything we can to ensure this is talked through with the people involved.

It is important to note that we do not investigate reports of abuse or neglect – this is not part of our role – but we will share any concerns we have with the relevant people.