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SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy for Sustainable Overton

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1. Policy Statement Sustainable Overton is committed to ensuring that children, young people and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst they are engaging with our organisation. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure their protection from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

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As Sustainable Overton does not directly provide care or supervision services to children and vulnerable adults, it expects all children and vulnerable adults engaged in its activities to do so with the consent and wherever possible the necessary supervision of a parent, carer or other responsible adult.

 

2. Purpose and Scope This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Sustainable Overton. It aims to:

  • Provide clear guidelines on safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Prevent harm through good practice and awareness, and ensure all activities are designed to limit risk to children and vulnerable adults.

  • Ensure appropriate action is taken when concerns arise, including record keeping of any incidents, accidents and complaints.

 

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework This policy aligns with UK legislation, including:

 

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • The Care Act 2014

  • The Equality Act 2010

  • The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

  • The Charity Commission’s guidance on safeguarding (CC30)

4. Responsibilities & Procedures

  • Trustees: Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly. Have regard for all statutory and other guidance from the Charity Commission, in particular: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-for-charities-and-trustees. Decisions on whether any person should be DRB checked will be made by the Trustees following a risk assessment.

  • Volunteers: Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns. In particular, volunteers will adhere to the ‘List of Recommended Behaviour’ namely: 

  • A minimum of two adults present when supervising children. 

  • Not to play physical contact games. 

  • Adults to wear appropriate clothing at all times. 

  • Ensure that accidents are recorded in an accident book. 

  • Never do anything of a personal nature for a young person. 

  • Keep records in an incident book of any allegations a young person may make to any volunteer. Incident book should be available at any Trustee meeting.

 

  • Safeguarding Officer: A Trustee who is responsible for the implementation of this policy and to act as the main point of contact for concerns will be nominated, and must complete a recognised training in Safeguarding. The Officer is also responsible for ensuring that all relevant volunteers are briefed appropriately before any Sustainable Overton event with children or vulnerable persons.

 

5. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns All individuals must be vigilant in recognising signs of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. If abuse is suspected:

  • Report concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.

  • Record details accurately and confidentially.

  • If urgent, contact local authorities or the police.

 

6. Training

  • All Trustees and any volunteers working alone with vulnerable individuals will undergo DBS checks if deemed appropriate. A list will be maintained by the Secretary of training and checks.

  • All volunteers under 18 years old should be accompanied by a parent where appropriate, or have a designated supervisor working with them.

  • Regular safeguarding training will be provided to Trustees and key volunteers as required.

 

7. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant legislative changes.

 

8. Contact Information Safeguarding Lead: Laura Harrison - 07789 223607


Local Authority Safeguarding Contacts: 

Hampshire Adult Services 0300 555 1386

Hampshire Children's Service 0300 555 1384

Emergency Services: 999 (if immediate danger)

This safeguarding policy ensures that Sustainable Overton remains a safe and responsible organisation for all those involved. For any questions, please contact our Safeguarding Lead.

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