Cultivating Wonder Safeguarding Policy

1.1      Introduction

Safeguarding runs through every delivery that Cultivating Wonder provides. It is important that everyone understands that the first priority is the protection of people and in ensuring that this procedure is followed at all times.

1.2     Application

This procedure applies to all people accessing Cultivating Wonder services.

1.3     Responsibility

Jonathan Self is safeguarding officer. He has a legal responsibility to ensure that it is adhered to and for ensuring that all staff are trained in the application of this procedure. Everyone has responsibility for implementing this procedure.

1.4     Process

This process described here MUST be followed:

Any suspicion of abuse must be reported to Jonathan Self immediately that you are aware that there is a potential problem. The following actions are taken by all staff:

Step 1 – Immediate Action to be taken

If a service user tells you about something that may be abuse, or if you see anything which may have resulted from abuse you must tell the Course Leader immediately and ensure that the Jonathan Self is called.

a) If the person needs emergency help, dial 999. If there is any evidence, it should not be disturbed.

b) Call Jonathan Self. Explain the circumstances and await instructions.

c) If the course attendee makes a disclosure, you should listen but DO NOT interview them. If they ask you to keep the matter secret tell them that this is not possible and that you will tell someone. Write down as many details as you can as soon as possible after the event. Do not collaborate with anyone else when you write it down.

d) Check that it is OK for the course attendee to leave at the end of a session. This is only possible with the explicit confirmation of Jonathan Self.

Step 2 – Role of Designated Safeguarding Officer, or Deputy

a) The Manager or most senior staff member on duty should consider the allegation and if it falls within local authority guidelines for abuse, begin the notification process. The telephone numbers are held by Jonathan Self.

b) If a member of staff is suspected to be a perpetrator, the Service Co-ordinator will ensure that they do not work on any Cultivating Wonder delivery without the express agreement of the owner, Jonathan Self.

c) The staff who raised the concern will be notified of the outcome of the notification.

Step 3 – Follow up on reporting

d) The designated person will follow up on any Safeguarding notifications made to the local authority within 48 hours and no longer than 72 hours after making a notification to the local authority, requesting confirmation of action taken. This is then recorded on the Safeguarding file.

e) The staff member who raised the concern will be notified of the outcome of the notification.

Step 4 – Conclusion of Investigation by Safeguarding Officer

On conclusion of the investigation, check whether there is a need to implement a Vetting and Barring report using a referral form from the local authority.

If a member of staff has been implicated, begin a formal disciplinary procedure.

Important Numbers

Phone numbers for all areas where Cultivating Wonder delivers services are available from Jonathan Self. If a safeguarding incident takes place, you must follow this procedure.

Safeguarding Process

If there is a safeguarding issue during the course, Jonathan Self has the right to eject the perpetrator from all course activities and groups.

In the event of a safeguarding issue:

Course leader contacts the contact Jonathan Self.

Jonathan Self will advise as appropriate, and contact local authorities where necessary.