Safeguarding Children

Introduction
This policy sets out our commitment to protecting children from harm and creating a safe environment where their rights are recognised and upheld.

Purpose
To provide clear guidelines for preventing child abuse and to ensure that everyone working with children understands and fulfils their safeguarding responsibilities.

Scope
This policy applies to all The Healing Hubs staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners, as well as anyone who may come into contact with children during the course of their work.

Definitions

·  Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

·  Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and any form of maltreatment.

Commitment to Safeguarding

·  We adopt a child-centred approach, prioritising the welfare, health, and development of children.

·  All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and appropriately.

Core Principles

·  Empowerment: Support children and families to participate in decisions affecting them.

·  Prevention: Proactive actions to reduce risk and harm.

·  Proportionality: Respond to risk with the least intrusive, appropriate measure.

·  Protection: Provide safety nets and support for those in need.

·  Partnership: Collaborate with local agencies to share information and coordinate action.

·  Accountability: Maintain transparency and oversight of safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

Management:

Maintain and regularly review this safeguarding policy.
Ensure provision of safeguarding training and resources.
Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) and named safeguarding leads.

Staff and Volunteers:

Comply with this policy at all times.
Complete safeguarding training and participate in ongoing learning.
- Recognise concerns, respond appropriately, and report them promptly.

Recruitment and Induction

·  Safer recruitment procedures are followed for all staff and volunteers, including reference checks and appropriate background screening.

·  Induction includes safeguarding responsibilities, signs of abuse/neglect, and reporting pathways.

·  Ongoing training on safeguarding signs, risk indicators, and escalation procedures is provided.

Reporting Procedures

·  Any suspected or disclosed safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer (DSO).

·  The DSO will document the concern with a confidential record, including dates, times, people involved, and actions taken.

·  If a child is at immediate risk, contact emergency services (local police) without delay.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

·  Name: Sarah Greenway

·  Role: Lead for safeguarding inquiries, initial risk assessment, and escalation to external agencies as required.

·  Contact details: sarah@thehealinghubs.org.uk

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

·  Safeguarding information is sensitive. Details are shared strictly on a need-to-know basis to protect the child’s safety.

·  RECORDS are securely stored and retained in accordance with data protection laws.

Safe Working Practices

Staff must work in ways that protect children from harm, including:

Supervising activities appropriately.
Ensuring appropriate ratios and environments for activities.
Prohibiting engaging in any form of physical punishment or verbal abuse.
Avoiding situations that could place a child at risk (e.g., unsupervised one-to-one activities in private spaces without appropriate safeguarding measures).

Online safety: Monitor and guide children’s online activity; ensure safe use of digital tools and platforms; report online harassment or inappropriate contact.

Communication and Awareness

We will communicate this policy to children, parents, carers, and the wider community. Information about children’s rights and how to report concerns will be accessible and easy to understand.

Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination, and exploitation of any kind.

Record Keeping

Maintain safeguarding records securely, with access limited to authorised personnel.

Ensure records are accurate, timely, and complete, including actions taken and outcomes.

Emergency Contacts and Escalation

·   Designated Safeguarding Officer: Sarah Greenway

·  Local Social Services: [insert local authority contact]

·  Police (non-emergency): [insert local number]

·  Emergency Services: 999 (UK) / equivalent in other regions

Review and Monitoring

·  The policy will be reviewed regularly (at least annually) and updated as needed to reflect changes in law, guidance, or practice.

·  Effectiveness will be monitored through audits, training completion rates, and safeguarding incident reviews.

Rights of the Child (summary)
The policy aligns with the basic rights of children as recognised in relevant international conventions. Key rights include:

·  The right to safety and protection from harm.

·  The right to be heard and have views considered.

·  The right to education, health, and overall development.

·  The right to privacy and protection from exploitation.

·  The right to participate in decisions affecting them, where appropriate, with support for evolving capacities.

Appendices
1) Safer Recruitment Checklist

·  Defined role description and essential qualifications.

·  Verified identity, employment history, and reference checks.

·  Disclosure and barring checks (where applicable).

·  Verification of qualifications and professional registrations.

·  Interview questions focused on safeguarding understanding and behaviour.

·  Induction and safeguarding training plan.

2) Policy Statement Writing Steps

·  Identify legal and regulatory requirements.

·  Define purpose, scope, and audience.

·  Outline responsibilities and reporting pathways.

·  Include monitoring, review dates, and confidentiality guidelines.

·  Obtain executive sign-off and communicate policy organisation-wide.

3) Training Materials for Staff

·  Recognising signs of abuse and neglect.

·  How to respond safely and appropriately.

·  How to document and report concerns.

·  Scenario-based practice modules.

·  Refresher training schedule and evaluation.

Last Reviewed: April 2026