Safeguarding policy

Safeguarding Policy Summary

Policy Statement

This safeguarding policy applies to everyone working with or on behalf of Groundwork North East & Cumbria, including staff, senior managers, trustees, employees, volunteers, and contractors. It is designed to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with our services and activities.

At Groundwork, we believe everyone has the right to live free from abuse. We are fully committed to promoting the welfare and safety of everyone involved in our programs.

Purpose of the Policy

The policy has two key aims:

  1. To safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk who participate in our services and activities.
  2. To provide clear principles and guidelines for staff and volunteers, ensuring they understand and fulfill their safeguarding responsibilities.

Our Beliefs and Commitments

Groundwork North East & Cumbria is guided by the belief that the welfare of children and vulnerable individuals is paramount. We strive to:

  • Ensure all participants are treated equally and fairly, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religion, sexual orientation, or identity.
  • Provide extra support to those who may be more vulnerable due to their experiences or specific needs.
  • Collaborate with individuals, families, and external agencies to safeguard and promote well-being.

Safeguarding Commitments

To uphold the highest safeguarding standards, we are dedicated to:

  • Creating safe and inclusive environments for all participants.
  • Empowering children, young people, and adults at risk to understand their rights and maintain their safety.
  • Encouraging open communication, so participants feel secure, supported, and heard.
  • Ensuring all decisions prioritize the needs and welfare of participants.

Groundwork follows robust safeguarding procedures aligned with Local Safeguarding Partnerships and Adult Safeguarding Boards. We also have a dedicated Safeguarding Team that leads these efforts.

Additionally, we are committed to:

  • Supporting individuals who have experienced harm and assisting staff in handling safeguarding concerns.
  • Maintaining safer recruitment practices to ensure unsuitable individuals do not join our workforce.
  • Providing safeguarding training for all staff, tailored to their roles, with ongoing supervision and support.
  • Partnering with external organizations responsibly, with clearly defined safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Reviewing safeguarding policies annually, promptly addressing any gaps or incidents.
  • Learning from experiences and reflecting on cases to improve safeguarding practices continuously.

Legal Framework

Our safeguarding practices align with key legislation and guidelines, including:

  • The Children Act (1989, 2004, 2014)
  • The Sexual Offences Act (2003)
  • The Equality Act (2010)
  • The Care Act (2014)
  • The Data Protection Act (2018)
  • The Modern Slavery Act (2015)

We also follow government safeguarding guidance, such as Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022).

Safeguarding Practices in Action

The policy is supported by comprehensive safeguarding procedures that cover:

  • Definitions and types of abuse.
  • Roles and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Team.
  • Steps for managing disclosures and concerns.
  • Early intervention procedures for children and young people.
  • Preventative measures for protecting adults at risk.
  • Handling allegations against staff or volunteers.
  • Guidelines for safe service delivery with partners and external agencies.
  • Information sharing, record-keeping, and external contact protocols.
  • A staff code of conduct and whistleblowing guidelines.

Communication and Training

The safeguarding policy and procedures are introduced to all staff during onboarding and made accessible through internal platforms. Updates are communicated promptly to staff, contractors, and partner agencies. Participants, and their parents or carers when appropriate, are informed about the policy and key safeguarding contacts at the start of any activity or service.

Continuous Improvement

To ensure ongoing effectiveness, our Safeguarding Team conducts regular reviews of the policy. These reviews incorporate lessons from incidents, feedback, and updates in legislation or best practices.

Groundwork North East & Cumbria remains fully committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for everyone involved in our activities.

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