SAFEGUARDING & PREVENT 

INTRODUCTION

Throughout this policy, reference is made to ‘children, young adults, vulnerable adults and adults at risk from harm.

This policy brings together the key principles of Safeguarding, the Prevent Duty, Equality, Diversity and Health and Safety.  PhemaGrace is fully committed to safeguarding and accepts responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of its learners / apprentices and staff.

This policy has been created with reference to ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021).

PhemaGrace acknowledges that it is the duty of its workforce to uphold fundamental British Values and to safeguard the welfare of all by creating an environment that protects individuals from harm and reduces any potential risks of being exposed to violence, extremism, exploitation, or victimisation. 

The organization operates a culture of openness and transparency and embeds the principles of the 5 R’s:

• Recognise the signs and indications of abuse

• Respond as soon as possible

• Record everything you have heard, was said or any actions seen

• Report the concern / incident

• Refer to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

All staff and learners / apprentices must read and understand the contents of this Policy and remain aware of its contents and act accordingly. A copy of this policy is available to all learners / apprentices and their employees via the learning management system and to staff via internal HR systems.

2.POLICY STATEMENT

 

PhemaGrace has a statutory duty to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk of harm.  Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/ 1080047/KCSIE_2022_revised.pdf

The aim of this Policy is to provide a caring, welcoming and safe environment for all staff and learners / apprentices, so that they can learn and work in a positive and secure atmosphere.  PhemaGrace will achieve this in the following ways:

• Teach learners / apprentices how to keep safe and recognise behaviour that is unacceptable

• Identify the expectations of staff and promote their understanding and responsibilities relating to safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance

• Ensure relevant and effective safeguarding practices are in place and staff are appropriately trained to carry out practices

• Promote awareness to staff of the need to safeguard children, vulnerable adults and all people and to raise awareness of different types of abuse

• Ensure that the fundamental rights and needs of learners / apprentices are observed

• Ensure staff and learners / apprentices are protected from abuse regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and gender

• Take suspicions and allegations of abuse, including risks of radicalisation, extremely seriously and to respond to concerns in a timely manner and with consideration

• Provide guidelines for staff in handling matters relating to actual or suspected child abuse

• Prevent the risk of abuse by ensuring procedures and standards are in place and ensure staff act professionally

• Ensure that the fundamental rights and needs of PhemaGrace applicants, learners / apprentices are observed

• Deter potential, unsuitable individuals from applying to PhemaGrace by demonstrating attentiveness and vigilance in relation to safeguarding through the website, job advertisements and safer recruitment processes

• Reject anyone about whom we have doubts about suitability

• Work in partnership and in accordance with external organisations

• Have a DSL in place to advise on and manage any concerns and referrals

• Ensure sensitive personal data will be processed in accordance with the requirements of GDPR

3.DEFINITIONS

 

Children and young adults

Those under the age of 18.

Vulnerable adults

As defined in Section 59 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Groups Act 2006 and / or those persons aged 18 and over who by reason of mental or any other disability, age or illness are, or may be, unable to look after or to protect themselves against harm or exploitation.

Adults at risk of harm

Defined as people aged 18 years or over who may need or receive community care services by reason of mental health or other disability, age or illness and who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

 (No Secrets, Department of Health. March 2000). 

It is important that people are protected from all forms of abuse or potential harm.

Abuse may not limited to: 

 

• Sexual abuse (inappropriate behaviour or relationship) including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, teasing or innuendo or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting

• Physical abuse including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, restraint, or inappropriate physical sanctions

• Emotional abuse including threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation

• Neglect including ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs

• Female Genital Mutilation

• Exploitation including theft, fraud, sexual, forced marriage, forced labour through modern slavery and/or human trafficking

• Grooming (eg for a sexual, criminal or radicalisation intent)

• Domestic violence

• Bullying, including cyber bullying

• Victimisation

• Self-harm such as neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings

• Vulnerable adults and are considered vulnerable if they are:

• Substantially dependent upon others in performing basic physical functions, or their ability to communicate with other providing services, or to communicate with others, is severely impaired

• Living in in sheltered housing or residential accommodation, such as a care home or a residential special school

• Receiving any form of health care or domiciliary care in their own home

• Detained in a prison, remand centre, young offender institution, secure training centre or attendance centre or under the powers of the Immigration and Asylum Act

• In contact with probation services

• Receiving a welfare service

• Receiving a service or participating in an activity which is specifically targeted at people with age-related needs, disabilities or prescribed physical or mental health conditions

• Receiving direct payments from a local authority in lieu of social care services

• In need of assistance in the conduct of their own affairs

• A person may be deemed at risk of a safeguarding issue due to other factors such as:

• Poor numeracy and literacy skills, or specific learning need

• English is not a first language

• Unsupportive employer

• Under-represented group

• Acting as a carer for another family member

• Background in offending or is showing signs of being drawn in to antisocial or criminal behaviour

• Has a disability or social need

• Has special educational needs (whether or not they have a statutory Education, Health and Care Plan)

• Lives ‘In Care’ or has recently transitioned out of Care

• Is a young carer

• Is frequently missing/goes missing from care or from home

• Is within a family circumstance presenting challenges

 

Abuse

Sexual abuse (inappropriate behaviour or relationship) including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, teasing or innuendo or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

Physical abuse including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, restraint, or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Emotional abuse including threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation.

Neglect including ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs.

Female Genital Mutilation.

Exploitation including theft, fraud, sexual, forced marriage, forced labour through modern slavery and/or human trafficking.

Grooming (e.g., for a sexual, criminal or radicalisation intent).

Domestic violence.

Bullying, including cyber bullying.

Victimisation.

Self-harm such as neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings.

Vulnerable Person

Substantially dependent upon others in performing basic physical functions, or their ability to communicate with other providing services, or to communicate with others, is severely impaired.

Living in in sheltered housing or residential accommodation, such as a care home or a residential special school.

Receiving any form of health domiciliary care in their own home.

Detained in a prison, remand centre, young offender institution, secure training centre or attendance centre or under the powers of the Immigration and Asylum Act.

In contact with probation services.

Receiving a welfare service.

 

Receiving a service or participating in an activity which is specifically targeted at people with age-related needs, disabilities or prescribed physical or mental health conditions.

Receiving direct payments from a local authority in lieu of social care services.

In need of assistance in the conduct of their own affairs.

Other risks of a safeguarding issue

Poor numeracy and literacy skills, or specific learning needs.

English is not a first language.

Unsupportive employer.

Under-represented group.

Acting as a carer for another family member.

Background in offending or is showing signs of being drawn in to antisocial or criminal behaviour.

Has a disability or social need.

Has special educational needs (whether they have a statutory Education, Health and Care Plan).

Lives ‘In Care’ or has recently transitioned out of Care.

Is a young carer.

Is frequently missing or goes missing from care or from home.

Is within a family circumstance presenting challenges.

Safeguarding Concern

Referred to as Concern throughout this document

4.                  ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

4.1. SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Senior Management Team (SMT) ensures safeguarding processes and procedures are robust and consistently applied, policies and procedures are updated, implemented, and followed, and sufficient time and training resources are allocated to all employees and associates of PhemaGrace.

                 

4.2. DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for the overall management of safeguarding issues and reports to the SMT on any issues that arise. The DSL deals with concerns over the welfare of learners / apprentices, signposts and offers guidance, carries out investigations where appropriate and coordinates escalation processes liaising with external bodies such as local multi-agency safeguarding partnerships where cases of suspected abuse or allegations are raised.

The DSL is not entitled to give formal legal advice but is able to obtain such advice from experts and maintains links with local multi-agency safeguarding partners, informing and advising on legislation changes and current safeguarding themes.

The DSL monitors the support@ email inbox and ensures all concerns are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.

If necessary, the DSL will refer details of the circumstances to the Independent Safeguarding Authority dealing with suspicions or allegations of abuse.

The DSL takes lead responsibility for raising awareness across all employees relating to the welfare of children and young people.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Nathalie Francis

DSL Email:

safegaurdingteam@phemagrace.com

DSL Telephone:

07881305230

 

Safeguarding Senior Manager:

Stephanie Odozi  

Safeguarding Senior Manager Email:

safegaurdingteam@phemagrace.com

Safeguarding Senior Manager Telephone:

01388434377

4.3. TRAINERS, ASSESSORS AND MENTORS

Trainers, assessors and mentors check the safety and welfare of learners / apprentices at each visit / communication. They must be aware of safeguarding indicators and if there is a suspected safeguarding concern follow organisational reporting procedures. 

4.4. SUPPORT TEAMS

Support teams are mindful of safeguarding indicators and if a safeguarding concern is identified follow organisational reporting procedures.

                 

5. REPORTING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

5.1. CONCERN ABOUT A LEARNER / APPRENTICE

If any person raises a concern about either their own personal welfare and wellbeing, or the personal welfare and wellbeing of another learner / apprentice, staff must listen to and record all information on Safeguarding Referral Form at Appendix 1.  The following rules must be applied when completing the Form:

• Make no judgements or assumptions.

• Take any actions required to secure the immediate safety of the child or the adult at risk.

• Ask the learner / apprentice for their consent to refer the concern to the DSL.

• If the safety and / or wellbeing of the learner / apprentice is at risk and you believe the risk would increase if additional support and guidance is not sought, refer the matter to the DSL even if the learner / apprentice does not give their consent for you to do so.  The DSL will then decide the appropriate course of action.

• If a referral is made to an external organization / agency is appropriate the DSL will complete a Safeguarding Escalation Form.

• Do not provide copies of the Form to anyone.

• Give the original Form to the DSL.

Staff must be always mindful of confidentiality. No follow up information should be passed on to a person who raised a concern without the express consent of the learner / apprentice. 

5.1.1 APPRENTICE/LEARNER 

Making a report has access to online safeguarding system which learners can make a compliant if they or someone feels unsafe

Learners can share concerns via their welfare meeting with Pastor Kinglsey this is then reviewed by the DSL and audited by the SMT. If there are referrals that needs to be made to any other organisation this is then carried out by the DSL..

​

iIF you have a safeguarding concerns please report to ​

PhemaGrace 

Nathalie Francis - DLS 

Stephanie Odozi - Dept DSL 

i•Reporting via Backdrop Portal - https://uk.backdrop.cloud/login

•Welfare Meetings

•Email - safeguardingteam@phemagrace.com

•Call 01388 434 377

• For emergencies call the police on 999