Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Birmingham Carers Support ("the Organisation") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Organisation recognizes the duty of care to safeguard and protect the interests of all individuals involved in its activities, both directly and indirectly. This Safeguarding Policy outlines the Organisation's commitment and the steps it will take to ensure that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of its operations.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors, and any other individuals who work on behalf of the Organisation ("Staff").

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to:

• Provide a clear statement of the Organisation’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

• Define what constitutes safeguarding, outlining key issues such as child protection, exploitation, neglect, and harm.

• Set out the procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns or allegations.

• Establish the roles and responsibilities of all individuals associated with the Organisation in safeguarding matters.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the principles of relevant safeguarding laws, including but not limited to:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Protection of Children Act 1999

• The Care Act 2014

• The Human Rights Act 1998

• The Equality Act 2010

• Other applicable local, national, and international safeguarding laws, regulations, and guidance

4. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

• Safeguarding refers to the proactive steps taken to promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, ensuring their protection from harm, abuse, and neglect.

• Abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial abuse.

• Vulnerable Adults refers to adults who may be at risk due to physical or mental health conditions, disability, or other factors that make them susceptible to harm.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Safeguarding Officer: The Organisation will designate a Safeguarding Officer responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, ensuring this policy is implemented, and providing guidance on safeguarding issues.

• Designated Staff: All Staff must familiarize themselves with this policy and report any safeguarding concerns or suspicions to the Safeguarding Officer, in line with established procedures.

• Board of Trustees: The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the Organisation complies with its safeguarding obligations. The Board shall regularly review safeguarding practices and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately to support safeguarding activities.

6. Recruitment and Selection

The Organisation is committed to ensuring that all recruitment and selection processes adhere to rigorous safeguarding standards. This includes:

• Carrying out appropriate background checks, including DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service) for roles that involve direct contact with children or vulnerable adults.

• Interviewing and assessing candidates with safeguarding principles in mind, ensuring all Staff are suitably qualified and trained.

7. Code of Conduct

All individuals working with or on behalf of the Organisation are expected to adhere to a clear Code of Conduct, which includes:

• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with individuals.

• Never engaging in any form of abusive behaviour.

• Refraining from any inappropriate use of personal contact information or social media platforms.

• Ensuring that any concerns or allegations of abuse are reported in a timely and professional manner.

8. Safeguarding Procedures

• Reporting Concerns: All Staff are required to report any concerns they have regarding safeguarding issues. Concerns may include suspicions or disclosures of abuse or neglect. Concerns must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer, or, in their absence, to another designated individual.

• Confidentiality: The confidentiality of individuals involved in safeguarding cases will be maintained, but it is important to note that confidentiality is not guaranteed when there is a risk of harm to an individual or others. Information will be shared on a "need to know" basis and in compliance with legal obligations.

• Responding to Concerns: The Organisation will take all concerns seriously and will act appropriately to investigate and address any safeguarding issue, ensuring that any individual at risk is protected.

• Referral to Authorities: If the Safeguarding Officer or designated individual deems it necessary, they will refer the matter to appropriate external authorities, such as child protection services or the police, for further investigation and action.

9. Training and Awareness

The Organisation is committed to providing regular safeguarding training to all Staff, ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities and are equipped to handle safeguarding concerns. This training will be provided during induction and at regular intervals thereafter.

Additionally, all Staff will receive periodic updates on safeguarding legislation, procedures, and best practices.