SAFEGUARDING POLICY AND CHILD PROTECTION

Togetherness for Families
Effective Date: June 2023
Review Date: June 2025

 

1. Policy Statement

Togetherness for Families Limited is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe every child and young person, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has the right to protection from abuse and exploitation. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and young people in our care.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Provide a safe environment for children and young people.
  2. Ensure staff and volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
  3. Outline procedures for responding to concerns or allegations of abuse.
  4. Promote safe working practices and reduce risk of harm.

 

 

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following UK legislation and guidance:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Equality Act 2010

 

4. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, trustees, and anyone working on behalf of Togetherness for Families Limited.

 

5. Definitions

Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring safe and effective care, and enabling children to have the best life outcomes.

Child Protection: The actions taken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

 

6. Key Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Name: Natalie Speed

Contact: 0151 440 2941 / 07526 890 732 hello@togetherness.org.uk

The DSL is responsible for:

  1. Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals.
  2. Liaising with social care, police, and other relevant agencies.
  3. Ensuring safeguarding training is up to date.
  4.  Keeping secure and accurate records.

 

All staff must:

  1. Read and understand this policy.
  2. Report concerns immediately to the DSL.
  3. Attend regular safeguarding training.

 

7. Types of Abuse

Staff must be alert to the following forms of abuse:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
  • Radicalisation and extremism
  • Online abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • County lines exploitation

 

8. LGBTQ children


  • At Togetherness for Families Ltd, we provide LGBTQ+ children with a safe space to speak out or share their concerns with members of staff.
  • We may source local resources and groups to parents of LGBTQ children to build confidence in responding to their child and enhance understanding.

  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child underpins our approach.

 

 

9. Training Standards

Anyone working with children in our organisation are trained to:

  • 
Speak to the child without leaving with an agenda.

  • Listen to what they say.
Should take their views seriously.
  • 
Be vigilant and notice when things are troubling them.


Staff are provided with direct work resources to assist in engaging children in direct work.

 

10. Responding to Concerns

If a child or young person discloses abuse:

  • Listen calmly and attentively.
  • Reassure them they have done the right thing.
  • Do not promise confidentiality—explain you have to pass the information on.
  • Record the concern as soon as possible using the organisation’s safeguarding form.
  • Report to the DSL without delay.

 

11. Safer Recruitment

Togetherness for Families Limited is committed to safe recruitment procedures:

  • All staff and volunteers will undergo enhanced DBS checks.
  • References and identity checks will be completed before starting work.
  • Staff will receive safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

 

12. Training

All staff and volunteers must be qualified to level 3 in safeguarding or be willing to commit to completing, within a timeframe set by the DSL.

  • All staff and volunteers will receive:
  • Initial safeguarding induction training
  • Annual safeguarding refresher training
  • Additional training relevant to their role
  • Lone worker training

 

13. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
  • All concerns, disclosures, and referrals will be recorded securely.
  • Records will be kept in line with data protection and safeguarding guidance.

 

14. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegations against staff or volunteers must be reported to the DSL or a senior manager. If the allegation involves the DSL, it should be reported directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

 

15. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to report concerns about poor practice or wrongdoing within the organisation. Whistleblowers will be protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

16. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation or practice.

 

Approved by:
Name: N. Speed
Position: Director and DSL
Date: 08th June 2023