Safeguarding policy
Good Things Foundation are committed to to the belief that the protection of vulnerable individuals from harm and abuse is everybody’s responsibility.
Introduction
This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who comes in contact with us, and includes all aspects of our work. This policy will be followed to our board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, agency or temporary staff, contractors and self-employed contracted persons, or anyone working with or on behalf of Good Things Foundation, including our network delivery partners.
For the purposes of this policy, a child is a person under the age of 18. This is in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which defines a child as everyone under 18 unless, “under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier” (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1989). The UK has ratified this convention.
Our commitment
Good Things Foundation is committed to protecting from harm all individuals without exception, regardless of age, gender, marital status, family or caring responsibilities, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, class or social background, political or trade union membership.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of relevant law and guidance, namely:
- Children Act 1989
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Purpose
This policy sets out to:
- Protect children, young people, vulnerable adults, and all other individuals from harm;
- Provide staff and volunteers with the principles that guide our approach to safeguarding;
- Set an organisational culture that prioritises safeguarding, so it is safe for people to report incidents and concerns in the knowledge they will be dealt with appropriately.
We will aim to keep individuals safe by:
- Providing a safe and trusted environment;
- Providing effective support and training for all staff and volunteers;
- Using safe recruitment best practice, completing any necessary background checks;
- Working together with our network delivery partners and sharing information and best practice with them;
- Sharing concerns with relevant agencies;
- Informing all visitors of Good Things Foundation of policies and safeguarding expectations.
Our safeguarding principles
- Empowerment: Ensuring people are supported and confident in making their own decisions and give informed consent.
- Protection: Providing support and representation for those in greatest need.
- Prevention: It is crucial to try and take action before harm occurs. Preventing neglect, harm or abuse is the primary objective.
- Proportionality: We must take a proportionate and least intrusive response to the issue presented.
- Partnerships: Creating partnerships with local communities can create solutions as they can assist in preventing and detecting abuse.
- Accountability: Being able to take accountability and have complete transparency in delivering safeguarding practice.
Contact details
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
Gabi Woodhams
We are committed to regularly reviewing this policy.
Last review: February 2019