Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement
Splatt Farm Gardensis committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and we are dedicated to protecting the welfare and rights of all individuals under our care.
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2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and trustees of Splatt Farm Gardens, as well as anyone working with or on behalf of the organization.
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3. Principles
•    The welfare of the child or vulnerable person is paramount.
•    All individuals have the right to be protected from harm.
•    Staff and volunteers must act in the best interests of those in their care.
•    Allegations or concerns must be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
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4. Definitions
•    Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
•    Vulnerable adult: Anyone over 18 who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
•    Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, and online abuse.
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5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1. Staff and Volunteers
•    Must read and understand this policy.
•    Must report any concerns, suspicions, or disclosures immediately.
•    Must act in accordance with safeguarding training and procedures.
5.2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
•    Responsible for overseeing all safeguarding concerns.
•    Acts as the first point of contact for staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
•    Maintains secure records of safeguarding concerns.
•    Ensures safeguarding training is up to date.
5.3. Management/Board
•    Ensures that safeguarding policies are implemented effectively.
•    Provides support and resources for safeguarding measures.
•    Reviews policies annually or after significant incidents.
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6. Reporting Procedures
6.1. Recognising Concerns
Staff or volunteers should be alert to signs of abuse or neglect, including but not limited to:
•    Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour
•    Fearfulness, withdrawal, or distress
•    Disclosure of abuse or neglect
6.2. Immediate Action
•    If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services (999 or 112).
•    If not immediate, report to the DSL as soon as possible.
6.3. Reporting Channels
•    Verbal report to DSL (within 24 hours).
•    Written record of concern (using standard safeguarding form).
•    DSL assesses urgency and contacts appropriate external agencies, e.g., local safeguarding board or social services.
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7. Investigation Procedures
•    All reports will be taken seriously and logged confidentially.
•    DSL will assess and, if necessary, initiate an internal or external investigation.
•    Investigations will be conducted with impartiality, fairness, and confidentiality.
•    Actions may include:
o    Referral to external agencies (children’s social care, police)
o    Suspension of staff or volunteers pending investigation
o    Support for victims and witnesses
o    Review and improvement of policies to prevent recurrence
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8. Confidentiality
•    Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis to protect individuals and conduct investigations.
•    Records will be stored securely in line with GDPR and organization data protection policies.
•    Staff must not discuss cases outside official channels.
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9. Training and Awareness
•    All staff and volunteers must receive safeguarding training before starting work.
•    Refresher training must occur at least annually.
•    Training covers:
o    Recognizing abuse
o    Reporting procedures
o    Roles and responsibilities
o    Confidentiality and record-keeping
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10. Safe Recruitment
•    All staff and volunteers undergo:
o    Background checks (DBS in the UK)
o    Reference checks
o    Interviews assessing safeguarding awareness
•    Ongoing monitoring of staff behaviour and conduct
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11. Code of Conduct
•    Treat all children, young people, and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity.
•    Avoid being alone with a child where possible; if unavoidable, ensure transparency.
•    Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
•    Report any breaches immediately.
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12. Monitoring and Review
•    DSL will maintain a safeguarding log and report to management quarterly.
•    Policy will be reviewed annually or after serious incidents.
•    Feedback from staff, volunteers, and service users will inform improvements.
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13. Links to Relevant Legislation
•    Children Act 1989 and 2004
•    Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
•    Keeping Children Safe in Education (if applicable)
•    Care Act 2014 (for adults)
•    GDPR 2018