Safeguarding policy

P 1 Safeguarding Children Policy

Principles

1. Talkthru is committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people with whom it has contact. The Children Act 1989 makes it clear that the welfare of the child is paramount and that everyone involved in the care of children has a responsibility for the protection of those children from harm. It is also essential that we honour the trust of those who allow us to care for their children.

2. In order to give children protection from potential and actual abuse, Talkthru will act in accordance with National and local Safeguarding guidance as laid out in “Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 and acknowledge that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is therefore necessary for all staff and volunteers to have an understanding of the issues involved and that appropriate procedures are in place that are shared and understood by all concerned.

3. Talkthru Safeguarding children policy arises from the following principles:

The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children, regardless of age, gender, disability, or ethnic origin have a right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
It is not our responsibility as members of Talkthru to decide whether or not child abuse is occurring, but it is our responsibility to act on any concerns and do something about it.
We recognise the role that statutory safeguarding authorities (Social Services and the Police) have in investigating all suspicions and allegations of child abuse and will cooperate fully with all agencies to protect those at risk of harm.

Identifying child abuse and what to do if abuse is suspected

4. The term “child abuse” is used to describe various ways that a child can be harmed or mistreated. Abuse can happen anywhere and at any time, but research indicates that the perpetrators of abuse are likely to be known and trusted by the child. Children can be abused by an adult or adults or by another child or children.

5. Child abuse is generally split into four categories as defined by the government guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. (H M Government July 2018)

These are physical, neglect, sexual and emotional:

Physical abuse

This may involve hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, squeezing, suffocating, drowning, burning, or biting the child. Giving the child alcohol, drugs or poison are also forms of physical abuse. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs. This may include the failure to meet a child’s basic needs, like food, shelter, warm clothing, or medical attention. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of substance misuse and is also the failure to provide adequate supervision (including leaving children with inappropriate carers).

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. Activities may involve penetrative and non-penetrative acts or non-contact activities such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of pornographic materials, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual abuse includes grooming a child in preparation for abuse, for example, via the internet.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe adverse effects on a child's emotional development. This may involve a lack of love and affection, telling a child they are worthless, serious bullying or being constantly shouted at. Emotional abuse also occurs when the child is valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person, when the child is overprotected and unable to explore and learn on their own or when they witness the ill-treatment or abuse of another (including domestic violence), or animal cruelty. Other examples are serious bullying, including cyber bullying, making fun of what the child says or how they communicate.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity for:

1) something the victim wants or needs

2) for financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator

The victim may have been exploited even if the sexual activity was consensual CSE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology

6. Possible signs of abuse include:

Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries or the explanation of the cause of the injury is ill-fitting
The child discloses abuse or describes what appears to be an abusive act
Someone else (child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child
Unexplained change in behaviour such as withdrawal or sudden outbursts of temper. Reluctance to change for or participate in games or swimming
Repeated urinary tract infections or unexplained tummy pains
Inappropriate sexual awareness or sexually explicit behaviour
Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
Difficulty in making friends
Eating disorders, depression, self-harm, or suicide attempts
Sudden under achievement or lack of concentration
Attention seeking behaviour and inappropriate relationships with peers and / or adults.
Under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, untreated illness.

What to do if abuse is suspected

7. If any member of Talkthru suspect’s abuse is taking place they should immediately inform the designated safeguarding officer Janet Woodhouse on 01484 310429 or 07914379490 who will decide whether to take the matter further. A log of the concern must be kept.

8. If it is felt that further investigation is required in order to keep the child safe then the matter must be referred to Kirklees Children’s Care Management. Children’s Social Care may be contacted at any time for advice and consultation. In the event of a referral to Children's Social Care all relevant information must be shared, including copies of correspondence, log of previous concerns and notes of dialogue. The Data Protection Act is not a barrier to information sharing where doing so is necessary to safeguard children.

9. In the event that the designated safeguarding officer is not available or contactable this should not delay action being taken to protect a child. Any member of Talkthru may contact Children’s Social Care direct to raise their concerns.

10. Contact numbers for Kirklees Children’s Social Care MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)

Kirklees Duty and Advice Team: 01484 456848 (during office hours)
Kirklees Emergency Duty Service: 01484 414960 (outside of office hours)

11. If there are any concerns about the immediate safety of a child, then the police must be contacted without delay on 999 Police Child Protection Team 01924 431097

Allegations against staff

12. Any suspicion that a child has been abused by a member of staff or a volunteer must be reported to the designated safeguarding officer, who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

13. The designated safeguarding officer will refer the allegation to Children’s Social Care who may involve the police or will refer directly to the police if out-of-hours.

14. Children’s Social Care and the designated safeguarding officer will liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose responsibility it is to:

Provide advice and guidance.
Liaise with the police and other agencies.
Provide assistance in discussions regarding suspension and referral to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

15. The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from Children's Social Care and/or the police.

16. If the designated safeguarding officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the concern must be made to the Chair of the Trustees who will refer the allegation to Children’s Social Care.

17. Where there is a complaint against a member of staff there may be three types of investigation:

A criminal investigation
A child protection investigation
A disciplinary or misconduct investigation

18. The LADO in Kirklees is Sandra Shaw who can be contacted on 01484 221000 or by email: LADOcases@kirklees.gov.uk Internal Enquiries and Suspension

19. The designated safeguarding officer will make an immediate decision about whether any individual suspected of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and Children's Social Care enquiries.

20. Where an individual is suspended it is advised that other employees / volunteers should have no contact until enquires have concluded.

21. Irrespective of the findings of Children's Social Care or police enquiries the organisation will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.

Additional related policies

22. All members of Talkthru will receive a copy of this policy and undergo training as part of their induction to the organisation.

23. Talkthru also has policies on the following related topics which all staff and volunteers must be familiar with:

Safer Recruitment
Disciplinary and Grievance
Health and Safety
Complaints and Compliments

Government prevent agenda

24. We acknowledge that the Government online PREVENT training is a requirement for all volunteers and staff. Records of training will be kept for compliance.

This policy has been formally agreed and adopted by the Trustees of Talkthru. This policy will be reviewed yearly by the Trustees who are also responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Signed: Janet Woodhouse

Position: Talkthru Safeguarding Officer

Date: 28/09/2022

Review Date: 28/09/2023

All staff, volunteers and Trustees will complete Level 1 e-learning course, “An awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect” accessible from the Kirklees Safeguarding Board Website. The Designated safeguarding officer will complete level 2 and 3 training.

Level and Course Title Who? How delivered?

Level: Level 1

Course title: An Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect

Taken by: All staff, trustees, and volunteers

How delivered? E-learning course accessed through KSCB website

Level: Level 2

Course title: Working Together to Safeguard Children

Taken by: Designated safeguarding officer

How delivered? Multi-agency classroom-based course – apply via KSCB website

Level: Level 3

Course title: Managing Allegations Against Staff Safer Recruitment Courses on specific Safeguarding issues as appropriate

Taken by: Designated safeguarding officer/manager

How delivered? Multi-agency classroom-based course – apply via KSCB website

Policy number 1

Policy name: Safeguarding Children

Policy Author: Janet Woodhouse

Date: 19/09/2023

Review date: 19/09/2024

P 22 Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure

This policy will enable Talkthru (registered as Huddersfield Pregnancy Crisis Centre) to demonstrate its commitment to keeping safe, adults with whom it works alongside who may be at risk. Talkthru acknowledges its duty to act appropriately to any allegations, report, or suspicions of abuse.

It is important to have policy and procedures in place so that all managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers can work to prevent abuse and know what to do should a concern arise.

The policy and procedures have been drawn up in order to enable Talkthru to:

promote good practice and work in a way that can prevent harm and abuse occurring.
ensure that any allegations of abuse or suspicions are dealt with appropriately and the person experiencing abuse is supported; and
stop abuse occurring.

The policy and procedures relate to the safeguarding of adults at risk. Adults at risk are defined as individuals aged over 18 who:

have needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.
as a result of those care and support needs are unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
The policy conforms to legal requirements as laid out in the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2018

Definitions

“Adult at risk”

describes a person who is an adult (aged 18 or over), and who receives, or may be in need of, community care services because of frailty, learning or physical disability or mental health difficulty and who is, or may be, unable to take care of him or herself or take steps to protect him or herself from significant harm or exploitation.

“Harm” for adults at risk refers to the concept of ‘significant harm’ introduced in the Children Act 1989. “Harm” should be taken to include not only ill treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill treatment which are not physical) but also the impairment of, or an avoidable deterioration in, physical or mental health, and the impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, or behavioural development.

“Abuse” is a violation of individual human and civil rights by any other person(s). This definition of abuse includes singular and repeated acts or mistakes. Abuse may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction, to which he or she had not consented, never could consent to, or whose consent was deemed invalid due to a real lack of understanding as to the issue they were consenting to. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subject to it.

The policy applies to all managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers and anyone working on behalf of Talkthru.

It is acknowledged that significant numbers of adults at risk are abused, and it is important that Talkthru has a safeguarding adults policy, a set of procedures to follow and puts in place preventative measures to try and reduce those numbers.

In order to implement the policy and procedure, Talkthru will work to:

stop abuse or neglect wherever possible.
prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs.
promote the wellbeing of the adult(s) at risk in safeguarding adults’ arrangements.
safeguard adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control about how they want to live.
promote an approach that concentrates on improving life for the adults concerned.

raise awareness of safeguarding adults to ensure that everyone can play their part in preventing, identifying, and responding to abuse and neglect.
provide information and support in accessible ways to help people understand the different types of abuse, how to stay safe and what to do to raise a concern about the safety or well-being of an adult; and
address what caused the abuse or neglect.

Talkthru will:

ensure that all managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers are familiar with this policy and associated procedures;
work with other agencies within the framework of the Kirklees Safeguarding Adults Board Policy and Procedures, issued under Care Act 2014 statutory guidance;
act within its confidentiality policy and will usually gain permission from service users before sharing information about them with another agency.
pass information to the Local Authority when more than one person is at risk. For example: if the concern relates to a worker, volunteer or organisation who provides a service to adults with care and support needs or children;
inform service users that where a person is in danger, a child is at risk or a crime has been committed then a decision may be taken to pass information to another agency without the service user’s consent;
make a safeguarding adults referral to the Local Authority as appropriate;
endeavour to keep up to date with national developments relating to preventing abuse and welfare of adults;
will ensure that the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager (DASM) understands his/her responsibility to refer incidents of adult abuse to the relevant statutory agencies (Police/Local Authority).

The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager in Talkthru is Janet Woodhouse, Trustee.

Janet Woodhouse Contact Details :- 01484 310429 or 07914 379490

She should be contacted for support and advice on implementing this policy and associated procedures.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding Adults West and North Yorkshire And York Multi-Agency Policy and Procedures which are available at:http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/adult-social-care-providers/safeguarding-adults-information-professionals.aspx#panel1

This policy and associated procedures are kept online within the Talkthru password protected system and in the Policies and Procedures File which is kept on the Office Manager’s desk in the main office.

Procedures

1. Introduction

Talkthru provides a specialised counselling service to women and men who have experienced pregnancy related issues or baby loss. These procedures have been designed to ensure the wellbeing and protection of any adult who accesses services provided by Talkthru. The procedures recognise that adult abuse can be a difficult subject for workers to deal with. Talkthru is committed to the belief that the protection of adults at risk from harm and abuse is everybody’s responsibility and the aim of these procedures is to ensure that all managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers act appropriately in response to any concern of adult abuse.

2. Preventing abuse

Talkthru is committed to putting in place safeguards and measures to reduce the likelihood of abuse taking place within the services it offers and that all those involved within Talkthru will be treated with respect.

Therefore this policy needs to be read in conjunction with the following policies:

Equal Opportunities

Volunteering Agreement

Complaints Procedure

Confidentiality

Disciplinary and Grievance

Safer Recruitment

Code of Ethics

Child Protection

Talkthru is committed to safer recruitment policies and practices for paid staff and volunteers. This may include Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff and volunteers, ensuring references are taken up and provision of adequate training on safeguarding adults.

The organisation will work within the current legal framework for referring staff or volunteers to the DBS who have harmed or pose a risk to vulnerable adults and/or children.

Information about safeguarding adults and the complaints policy will be available to service users and their carers/families.

3. Recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse

Talkthru is committed to ensuring that all managers, staff and volunteers undertake training to gain a basic awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Talkthru will ensure that the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager, DASM Deputy and all counsellors have access to higher levels of training around safeguarding adults provided by the Kirklees Safeguarding Adults Board.

Talkthru will not be limited in their view of what constitutes abuse or neglect, as they can take many forms and the circumstances of an individual case will always be considered.

Abuse includes:

Discriminatory

Including forms of harassment, bullying, slurs, isolation, neglect, denial of access to services or similar treatment; because of race, gender, gender identity, age, disability or religion. This includes racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia or any other form of hate incident or crime.

Domestic abuse or violence

Including an incident or a pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, by someone who is, or has been, an intimate partner or family member regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This includes psychological/emotional, physical, sexual, financial abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Financial or material

Including theft, fraud, internet scamming, exploitation, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Modern slavery

Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Neglect and acts of omission

Including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to access appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

Organisational (sometimes referred to as institutional)

Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in a person’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

Physical

Including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, burning, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Psychological (sometimes referred to as emotional)

Including threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber-bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or support networks.

Sexual

Including rape, indecent exposure, sexual assault, sexual acts, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting. It also includes sexual exploitation which is exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the person receives “something” (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, mobile phones, cigarettes, gifts, money) or perceived friendship/relationship as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing sexual acts.

Self-neglect

Includes a person neglecting to care for their personal hygiene, health or surroundings; or an inability to provide essential food, clothing, shelter or medical care necessary to maintain their physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing and general safety. It includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Abuse may be carried out deliberately or unknowingly. Abuse may be a single act or repeated acts.

People who behave abusively come from all backgrounds and walks of life. They may be doctors, nurses, social workers, advocates, staff members, volunteers or others in a position of trust. They may also be relatives, friends, neighbours or people who use the same services as the person experiencing abuse.

4. Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager for safeguarding adults

Talkthru has an appointed individual who is responsible for leading safeguarding adults work in the organisation. In their absence, a deputy will be available for managers, staff or volunteers to consult with. The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager within Talkthru is:

Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager – Janet Woodhouse

Mobile number – 07914 379490

Emergency contact number – 01484 310429

Name of Deputy Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager – Jo Naylor

Work Telephone number - 01484 515137

Mobile Number - 07553 367345

Emergency Contact Number – 07840 723998

Should either of these named people be unavailable then managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers should contact Gateway to Care directly. See below for contact details.

The roles and responsibilities of the named person(s) are to:

ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they have concerns that an adult at risk may be experiencing, or has experienced abuse or neglect;
ensure that concerns are acted on, clearly recorded and referred to Gateway to or to the allocated social worker/care manager where necessary;
follow up any safeguarding adults referrals and ensure the issues have been addressed;
manage and have oversight over individual complex cases involving allegations against an employee, volunteer, or student, paid or unpaid;
consider any recommendations from the safeguarding adults process;
reinforce the utmost need for confidentiality and to ensure that staff and volunteers are adhering to good practice with regard to confidentiality and security. This is because it is around the time that a person starts to challenge abuse that the risks of increasing intensity of abuse are greatest;
ensure that staff and volunteers working directly with service users who have experienced abuse, or who are experiencing abuse, are well supported and receive appropriate supervision;
ensure staff and volunteers are given support and afforded protection, if necessary, under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998: they will be dealt with in a fair and equitable manner and they will be kept informed of any action that has been taken and its outcome.

5. Responding to people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse

Talkthru recognises that it has a duty to act on reports, or suspicions of abuse or neglect. It also acknowledges that taking action in cases of adult abuse is never easy.

How to respond if you receive an allegation:

Reassure the person concerned.
Listen to what they are saying.
Record what you have been told/witnessed as soon as possible.
Remain calm and do not show shock or disbelief.
Tell them that the information will be treated seriously.
Do not start to investigate or ask detailed or probing questions.
Do not promise to keep it a secret.

If you witness abuse, or abuse has just taken place, the priorities will be:

To call an ambulance if required.
To call the Police if a crime has been committed.

To preserve evidence.
To keep yourself and others safe.
To inform the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager.

To record what happened in the locked counselling filing cabinet where safeguarding adults concerns will be recorded.

All situations of abuse or alleged abuse will be discussed with the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager. If anyone feels unable to raise their concern with the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager then concerns can be raised directly with Gateway to Care.

If it is appropriate and there is consent from the individual, or there is a good reason to override consent, such as risk to others, a referral will be made to Gateway to Care. If the individual experiencing abuse does not have mental capacity to consent to a referral, a best interest decision will be made on their behalf.

In line with Making Safeguarding Personal principles, the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager should try to seek the views from the adult (or an appropriate representative) about what they would like to happen as a result of the concern. This will help to inform the multi-agency Safeguarding Adults Enquiry.

The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager should refer to the Safeguarding Adults West and North Yorkshire And York Multi-Agency Policy and Procedures and may also take advice from Gateway to Care and/or other advice giving organisations such as the Police (see useful contacts).

Making a safeguarding adults referral

All safeguarding adults referrals should be made using the online form to Gateway to Care, Kirklees (24 hours a day 7 days a week). A Gateway to care officer will then contact you directly via email or a telephone call.

Phone: 01484 414933

To refer a safeguarding adults concern out of hours contact Gateway to Care and ask for the Emergency Duty Team.

You should ask to make a safeguarding adults referral.

A Safeguarding Adults Manager (a Team Manager from Adult Social Care) will then decide what enquiries need to be undertaken. Feedback will be given to the person who made the safeguarding adults referral.

If the concern relates to a significant risk of (or actual) harm the concern will progress to Stage 2 of the Safeguarding Adults Enquiry and further information will be gathered.

The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will have an understanding of the multi-agency safeguarding adults process, so they can explain it to the person concerned and offer all relevant support to the person and process. This could be practical support e.g. providing a venue, or information and reports and emotional support.

Information should be provided to the individual. This could be about other sources of help or information that could enable them to decide what to do about their experience, enable them to recover from their experience and enable them to seek justice.

6. Managing an allegation made against a member of staff or volunteer

Talkthru will ensure that any allegations made against members or member of staff will be dealt with swiftly.

Where a member of staff/volunteer is thought to have committed a criminal offence the Police will be informed. If a crime has been witnessed the Police should be contacted immediately.

The safety of the individual(s) concerned is paramount. A risk assessment must be undertaken immediately to assess the level of risk to all service users posed by the alleged perpetrator. This will include whether it is safe for them to continue in their role or any other role within the service whilst the investigation is undertaken.

The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will liaise with Gateway to Care to discuss the best course of action and to ensure that Talkthru’s disciplinary procedures are coordinated with any other enquiries taking place as part of the ongoing management of the allegation.

Talkthru has a whistle blowing policy and staff are aware of this policy. Staff will be supported to use this policy.

7. Recording and managing confidential information

Talkthru is committed to maintaining confidentiality wherever possible and information around safeguarding adults issues should be shared only with those who need to know. For further information, please see Talkthru’s P4a Confidentiality Policy.

All allegations/concerns should be recorded in the locked counselling filing cabinet where safeguarding adults concerns will be recorded. The information should be factual and not based on opinions, record what the person tells you, what you have seen and witnesses if appropriate.

The information that is recorded will be kept secure and will comply with data protection.

This information will be secured in a locked filing cabinet in the organisation. Access to this information will be restricted to the Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager and Deputy.

8. Disseminating/Reviewing policy and procedures

This Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedure will be clearly communicated to managers, staff, volunteers, service users and carers. The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will be responsible for ensuring that this is done.

The Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures will be reviewed annually by a Talkthru trustee. The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will be involved in this process and can recommend any changes. The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will also ensure that any changes are clearly communicated to staff, volunteers, service users and carers. It may be appropriate to involve staff, volunteers, service users and carers in the review.

Useful Contacts

Gateway to Care, Kirklees

Online: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/contact-the-council/frequent-contacts/default.aspx?contact=gatewaytocare@kirklees.gov.uk

Phone: 01484 414933

Available: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

(24 hours a day 7 days a week)

West Yorkshire Police

Phone: 101

Ask for Local Area Police Station or Safeguarding Team.

Kirklees Council

Civic Centre 3, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2TG

Walsh Building, Town Hall Way, Dewsbury, WF12 8EQ

01484 414933 Open 24 hours a day

secure.gatewaytocare@kirklees.gcsx.gov.uk

This policy has been formally agreed and adopted by the Trustees of Talkthru. This policy will be reviewed yearly by the Trustees who are also responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Signed: Janet Woodhouse

Position: Talkthru Safeguarding Officer

Date: 23/02/2023

Review Date: 23/02/2024

All staff and volunteers will complete the e-learning course, "Safeguarding in FE”, accessible from the Education & Training Foundation https://www.foundationonline.org.uk/ . The course can be accessed through www.foundationonline.org.uk/mod/quiz/view.php?id=753. The Deputy Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager will complete a “Safeguarding for Alerters” course with Third Sector Leaders, TSL Kirklees. The Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager/ Safeguarding Officer will undertake “Safeguarding for Coordinators and Safeguarding Leads” with Thirtyone:Eight.

Level and Course title: Safeguarding in FE, Foundation level

Who? All staff & counsellors

How delivered? E-learning course accessed through the Education & Training Foundation Website

Level and Course title: Safeguarding for Alerters

Who? Deputy Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager

How delivered? One day course delivered by Third Sector Leaders, TSL Kirklees

Level and Course title: Safeguarding for Coordinators and Safeguarding Leads

Who? Safeguarding Officer / Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager

How delivered? One day course delivered by Thirtyone:Eight

Policy number: P22

Policy name: Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy

Author: R.Cannon / J. Woodhouse