SAFEGUARDING POLICY 2024

Policy Statement 

The aim of this policy is to provide Whitleigh Community Trust; Trustees, Staff and Volunteers with clear guidance about their role and responsibilities in safeguarding children and young people ages 0-18 years*.

*Some people have their entitlement to services extended beyond the age of 18. For instance, the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 states that local authorities in England and Wales must keep in touch with care leavers until they are at least 21, and they should provide assistance with education, employment and training. Young people with Learning Disabilities may also continue to be supported by Children’s Services after they reach the age of 18*.

We believe a child centred approach is fundamental to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. A child centred approach means keeping the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families.  

As an organisation based in, and working in the community we have a shared responsibility with others to: 

  •  Promote the welfare of children and young people. 

  • Safeguard children and young people. 

  • To protect children and young people who use our services.  

  • The Safeguarding of ALL children and young people is EVERYONE’s business.  

  • To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.  

  • Whitleigh Community Trust values are embedded in the principle that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind.   

  • We will professionally challenge other organisations if we feel the needs of the child or young person is not being met and take a stand in cases where we consider the protection of the child or young person has not been taken seriously either within our own organisation or others.  

Scope 

This policy and its related procedures have been developed in line with the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, The Children Act 1989, The Children Act 2004 and as well as with reference to the following: 

  • What to Do If You’re Worried a Child Is Being Abused (2015) 

  • Every Child Matters 2004 

  • Non Statutory Guidance on Safeguarding Disabled Children (2009) 

  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991. 

  • 2010 equality act  

  • Data Protection Act 2018 (General Data Protection Regulation; GDPR) 

  • Sexual Offences Act 2003  

 

The Principles behind the Safeguarding Children Policy  

In today’s world all agencies and individuals now share the responsibility to protect children from harm or the risk of harm. 

The application of Whitleigh Community Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures is based on the following key principles: 

  • The welfare of the child is paramount. 

  • All children have the right to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing. 

  • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity or additional vulnerabilities have the right to protection from harm and abuse. 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by: 

  • Valuing them, listening to and respecting them. 

  • By supporting their right to participate in decisions about their lives. That their views, wishes, feelings and experiences are evident in our work with them. 

  • Adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers  

  • Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through regular supervision, support and training.  

  • Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately.  

  • Working together with children, their parents, carers and other agencies to promote children’s welfare/wellbeing and ensuring their protection. Recognising that in some limited circumstances, it will not be appropriate to engage with parents and carers to protect the child. 

Accountabilities and Authorities  

Whitleigh Community Trust has direct contact with children and young people through the work we do in the community and through the work we commission. Therefore, it is essential that we have robust policies and procedures in place so that we know how to act within the ‘collective responsibility’ principle.’ 

All WCT Trustees, staff, volunteers and WBL partnership are expected to be familiar with, and comply with, this policy, and its procedures. 

It is not the responsibility of this organisation or its staff to determine whether abuse has taken place (this is undertaken in liaison with external child protection professionals), it is the Trusts responsibility to report any concerns in relation to children, or vulnerable adults to Plymouth Safeguarding Partnership.  

Concerns or allegations that Whitleigh Community Trust Trustees, Staff or Volunteers have abused or neglected a child or adult will be managed sensitively and fairly in accordance with these policies, relevant legislation and procedures.  

We apply a fair and consistent approach to recruitment to draw our workforce from the widest pool and select the best people on merit. We are committed to  

safeguarding children and young people and as such we have robust recruitment policies to minimise the risk of engaging anyone, as a staff member or volunteer, who may pose a risk to children. This includes enhanced DBS checks and references. 

  We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice on an annual basis.  

 Policy Review Date  

18. 04. 2025