About Us
About Us
About Us
About Us
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Purpose
This policy outlines GamLEARN’s (the Charity) commitment to Safeguarding, its responsibilities, an assessment of potential risks, steps taken to reduce those risks and the steps that should be taken in the event of the Charity becoming aware of a safeguarding issue.
Policy Statement
GamLEARN is committed to pro-actively safeguarding vulnerable adults with whom the staff or anyone acting on our behalf, come into contact with during any activity related to the charity. Examples of GamLEARN activities in which staff may encounter vulnerable adults include:
GamLEARN courses and delivery programmes, group member meetings, national or regional participation events. (This list is an example only)
Whilst the Charity is not routinely engaged in face-to-face activities at this time as many meetings are held remotely with its beneficiaries and through third parties (those whose services are bought in to deliver welfare on our behalf), the Charity nevertheless must ensure that appropriate due diligence is carried out on these third parties, ensuring they have the appropriate systems of control in place, including adherence to adequate safeguarding policies and training and procedures.
The welfare and safety of the person at risk is paramount. All vulnerable people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Some of our beneficiaries and supporters are additionally at risk because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
The Charity takes all reasonable care to protect beneficiaries and supporters.
Legal Obligation
Safeguarding is a complicated affair and exists within a framework of both criminal and civil law. Legislation is supported by a body of statutory guidance. The Charity, as a voluntary organisation, must comply with Section 11 of the Children’s Act 2004, specifically the legal framework in statutory guidance “Working Together To Safeguard Children 2015”, and the Care Act 2014. It is also under a duty to ensure that anyone that provides a service on the Charity’s behalf also complies with Section 11.
We will seek to fulfil our legal obligations (Legal Framework details in Annexe A) and commitment to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of anyone within GamLEARN.
The production of a policy and procedures with a clear line of accountability, to which all will comply.
At Trustee Board level – the designated manager – to take leadership responsibility for the Charity’s safeguarding arrangements; to act as the organisational interface with the
Local Authority whenever a situation arises.
A culture of listening to vulnerable adults and taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of any support services.
Clear whistleblowing procedures which are suitably referenced in staff training and codes of conduct.
Arrangements which set out clearly the process for sharing information with other professionals and with the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LASB).
The safer recruitment for individuals whom the Charity will permit to work regularly with vulnerable adults, carrying out the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, depending on their access to vulnerable adults.
Appropriate supervision and support for staff, including undertaking safeguarding training.
Ensuring the staff are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding.
Clear policies in line with those from the LSAB for dealing with allegations; responding without delay to concerns and complaints regarding actual or potential abuse, harm, or maltreatment.
This policy applies to all employees, Trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of GamLEARN.
Responsibility and Accountability
Trustees are overall responsible for safeguarding, even if certain aspects of the work are delegated to the Founder and employees on contract to the Charity. They should proactively safeguard and promote the wellbeing and welfare of the Charity’s beneficiaries, staff and volunteers and others who come into contact with the Charity. This is a key governance priority.
The issue of safeguarding is subject to regular reviews at Trustee Board level and is reported on by exception at Board of Trustee’s meetings. In addition, ‘Safeguarding’ will be reported upon in the Annual Report and Accounts. There will be a lead Safeguarding Trustee appointed.
The Charity’s lead for safeguarding policy and management is Tracy ‘O’Shaughnessy, supported by Fay Kepidou (Trustee Safeguarding oversight). The Safeguarding Lead will report to Trustees.
Risk Assessments
Our Trustees have a duty to manage and to protect the reputation and assets of the Charity. It is therefore vital that Trustees assess the risks that arise from the Charity’s activities and operations involving vulnerable adults and develop and put in place appropriate safeguarding
policies and procedures to protect them. They must also undertake on-going monitoring to ensure that these safeguards are being effectively implemented and practiced. This is critically important because charities may be targeted by people who abuse their position and privileges to gain access to vulnerable people, or their records, for inappropriate or illegal purposes.
Key Safeguarding risks for the Charity are:
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during Charity activities, through failure to safeguard them.
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during third-party organised activities, supported, or funded by GamLEARN.
• Ensuring that those who run activities that may include vulnerable beneficiaries have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to do so properly.
• Failure to deal with any incident responsibly, appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Failure to ensure Trustees are clear about their responsibilities for safeguarding.
• Failure to ensure that staff, Trustees, and volunteers coming into contact frequently with vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted.
• The reputational risk of damaging public trust and confidence in the charity through the occurrence of any alleged or actual incident.
The Charity seeks to manage effectively the risks associated with activities, events through teams:
• Completing a risk assessment process which involves identifying risks and means of reducing or eliminating them, for any new activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults, and if changes are being made to activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults.
• Implementing the required actions identified by the risk assessment process and reviewing the effectiveness of these on a regular basis.
• Ensuring that the appropriate DBS or basic disclosure checks are conducted, depending on eligibility, for any individuals working with vulnerable adults.
• Requiring new employees and individuals working with vulnerable adults familiarise themselves with the content of this policy and the Code of Safer Working Practice.
Code for Safer Working Practice
The Code (at Annexe A) is provided for all those across the Charity to follow, in working and volunteering with vulnerable adults. The Code represents the behaviours which constitute safe working practice. As such it will assist those working with vulnerable adults to do so safely and responsibly, enabling each to monitor their own standards of integrity and good practice. The Code sets clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice which serve to reduce the possibilities of positions of trust being abused or misused, or false accusations being made.
Partnering Organisations
We must exercise due diligence with our partnering organisations that deliver welfare services on our behalf and conduct face-to-face, in person visits to any of our beneficiaries.
With regards to engaging with other charities or organisations under contract to deliver service/provision/welfare support. It is the Charity’s responsibility to ensure that each of these organisations provides assurances to the Charity that it has adequate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Also, that they are reviewed regularly, under which the quality of delivery would be subject to routine scrutiny, and that details of any safeguarding incident which might have impact on the Charity or its reputation are advised to us in a timely manner. Without such policies and procedures, the Charity will not engage or contract any organisation to deliver welfare services on our behalf.
Incident Reporting
Staff and volunteers and Trustees need to be aware of their responsibilities for reporting concerns in relation to safeguarding matters and the circumstances in which they should make a referral to the Local Authority or Police in necessary.
Safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adults and others who come into contact with the Charity will be diligently and promptly responded to, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved. Where there is a concern, this should be reported to the appropriate person (Tracy O’ Shaughnessy) immediately where possible, but at least within 24 hours, to determine what action, if any, must be taken. This will enable each situation to be investigated thoroughly, whilst treating the parties involved fairly and with sensitivity. It will also ensure that suitable steps are taken because of investigations, which may include contacting the police and or fulfilling legal duty to refer information to the DBS and or the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as required. Not all concerns justify a notification to the LA but MUST still be recorded.
The Trustees acknowledge their duties to make a Serious Incident report to the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies if:
• There has been an incident where someone has been abused or mistreated (alleged or actual) and this relates to the activities of the Charity.
• Beneficiaries of the Charity have been, or are alleged to have been, abused or mistreated while under the care of the Charity, or by someone connected with the Charity, for example a Trustee, staff member or volunteer: or
• There has been a breach of both procedures or policies at the Charity which has put beneficiaries at risk, including failure to carry out checks which would have identified that person is disqualified under safeguarding legislation, from working with adults.
Safer Recruitment
Although most of the Charity’s activities do not involve contact with children or working in ‘regulated activity’ with adults at risk, the Charity has a responsibility to ensure the suitability of those Trustees, employees (self – employed) and volunteers who may work with, or encounter adults at risk.
The Charity’s recruitment process as well as the quality of our employment contract are critical to our approach to safeguarding; they must be sufficiently robust, rigorous and appropriately reviewed. Although, as previously stated, the Charity does not generally engage in ‘regulated’ activity with children or vulnerable adults, the Charity Commission recommends that Trustees always obtain a DBS check when they can, as it is an important tool in ensuring that the person is suitable to act. Any requirement for a DBS check is out in the job advert (if applicable). Given the usual nature of activity by the Charity, there is no current requirement for Enhanced Disclosure.
The Charity’s priority staff posts requiring DBS checks are:
• Trustees and those in a Safeguarding role or Financial role
• Lead Safeguarding Officer
Facilitators of programmes
The Charity utilises the Disclosure Service to provide DBS checks of the appropriate level on staff, volunteers, and Trustees. Due to the Data Protection Act the Charity will rely on the Human Resources agency to ask to see any applicants/staff members DBS certificate and or number.
As part of recruitment good practice, the Charity will also make other checks, as undertaking DBS checks is not enough on its own; for example, taking up two written references for successful candidates, which will be checked, challenging employment gaps, declaring unspent relevant convictions, as part of the recruitment process.
Training
Training will be provided for conducting risk assessment in relation working with vulnerable adults. This will be identified as appropriate in advance by the Trustees and supplied to all staff, volunteers and others where required.
All members of GamLEARN must be made aware of this policy and given the opportunity to read it during their induction period, together with sight of the Government leaflet “What to do if you’re worried that a child or vulnerable person is being abused” – Guide for Practitioners 2015.
Critical to training outcomes is that staff should always know to whom they report concerns.
Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Charity policies and procedures:
• Data Protection Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Serious Incident Reporting Policy
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the Designated lead annually and the refreshed version presented to the board of Trustees for review.
Purpose
This policy outlines GamLEARN’s (the Charity) commitment to Safeguarding, its responsibilities, an assessment of potential risks, steps taken to reduce those risks and the steps that should be taken in the event of the Charity becoming aware of a safeguarding issue.
Policy Statement
GamLEARN is committed to pro-actively safeguarding vulnerable adults with whom the staff or anyone acting on our behalf, come into contact with during any activity related to the charity. Examples of GamLEARN activities in which staff may encounter vulnerable adults include:
GamLEARN courses and delivery programmes, group member meetings, national or regional participation events. (This list is an example only)
Whilst the Charity is not routinely engaged in face-to-face activities at this time as many meetings are held remotely with its beneficiaries and through third parties (those whose services are bought in to deliver welfare on our behalf), the Charity nevertheless must ensure that appropriate due diligence is carried out on these third parties, ensuring they have the appropriate systems of control in place, including adherence to adequate safeguarding policies and training and procedures.
The welfare and safety of the person at risk is paramount. All vulnerable people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Some of our beneficiaries and supporters are additionally at risk because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
The Charity takes all reasonable care to protect beneficiaries and supporters.
Legal Obligation
Safeguarding is a complicated affair and exists within a framework of both criminal and civil law. Legislation is supported by a body of statutory guidance. The Charity, as a voluntary organisation, must comply with Section 11 of the Children’s Act 2004, specifically the legal framework in statutory guidance “Working Together To Safeguard Children 2015”, and the Care Act 2014. It is also under a duty to ensure that anyone that provides a service on the Charity’s behalf also complies with Section 11.
We will seek to fulfil our legal obligations (Legal Framework details in Annexe A) and commitment to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of anyone within GamLEARN.
The production of a policy and procedures with a clear line of accountability, to which all will comply.
At Trustee Board level – the designated manager – to take leadership responsibility for the Charity’s safeguarding arrangements; to act as the organisational interface with the
Local Authority whenever a situation arises.
A culture of listening to vulnerable adults and taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of any support services.
Clear whistleblowing procedures which are suitably referenced in staff training and codes of conduct.
Arrangements which set out clearly the process for sharing information with other professionals and with the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LASB).
The safer recruitment for individuals whom the Charity will permit to work regularly with vulnerable adults, carrying out the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, depending on their access to vulnerable adults.
Appropriate supervision and support for staff, including undertaking safeguarding training.
Ensuring the staff are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding.
Clear policies in line with those from the LSAB for dealing with allegations; responding without delay to concerns and complaints regarding actual or potential abuse, harm, or maltreatment.
This policy applies to all employees, Trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of GamLEARN.
Responsibility and Accountability
Trustees are overall responsible for safeguarding, even if certain aspects of the work are delegated to the Founder and employees on contract to the Charity. They should proactively safeguard and promote the wellbeing and welfare of the Charity’s beneficiaries, staff and volunteers and others who come into contact with the Charity. This is a key governance priority.
The issue of safeguarding is subject to regular reviews at Trustee Board level and is reported on by exception at Board of Trustee’s meetings. In addition, ‘Safeguarding’ will be reported upon in the Annual Report and Accounts. There will be a lead Safeguarding Trustee appointed.
The Charity’s lead for safeguarding policy and management is Tracy ‘O’Shaughnessy, supported by Fay Kepidou (Trustee Safeguarding oversight). The Safeguarding Lead will report to Trustees.
Risk Assessments
Our Trustees have a duty to manage and to protect the reputation and assets of the Charity. It is therefore vital that Trustees assess the risks that arise from the Charity’s activities and operations involving vulnerable adults and develop and put in place appropriate safeguarding
policies and procedures to protect them. They must also undertake on-going monitoring to ensure that these safeguards are being effectively implemented and practiced. This is critically important because charities may be targeted by people who abuse their position and privileges to gain access to vulnerable people, or their records, for inappropriate or illegal purposes.
Key Safeguarding risks for the Charity are:
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during Charity activities, through failure to safeguard them.
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during third-party organised activities, supported, or funded by GamLEARN.
• Ensuring that those who run activities that may include vulnerable beneficiaries have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to do so properly.
• Failure to deal with any incident responsibly, appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Failure to ensure Trustees are clear about their responsibilities for safeguarding.
• Failure to ensure that staff, Trustees, and volunteers coming into contact frequently with vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted.
• The reputational risk of damaging public trust and confidence in the charity through the occurrence of any alleged or actual incident.
The Charity seeks to manage effectively the risks associated with activities, events through teams:
• Completing a risk assessment process which involves identifying risks and means of reducing or eliminating them, for any new activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults, and if changes are being made to activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults.
• Implementing the required actions identified by the risk assessment process and reviewing the effectiveness of these on a regular basis.
• Ensuring that the appropriate DBS or basic disclosure checks are conducted, depending on eligibility, for any individuals working with vulnerable adults.
• Requiring new employees and individuals working with vulnerable adults familiarise themselves with the content of this policy and the Code of Safer Working Practice.
Code for Safer Working Practice
The Code (at Annexe A) is provided for all those across the Charity to follow, in working and volunteering with vulnerable adults. The Code represents the behaviours which constitute safe working practice. As such it will assist those working with vulnerable adults to do so safely and responsibly, enabling each to monitor their own standards of integrity and good practice. The Code sets clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice which serve to reduce the possibilities of positions of trust being abused or misused, or false accusations being made.
Partnering Organisations
We must exercise due diligence with our partnering organisations that deliver welfare services on our behalf and conduct face-to-face, in person visits to any of our beneficiaries.
With regards to engaging with other charities or organisations under contract to deliver service/provision/welfare support. It is the Charity’s responsibility to ensure that each of these organisations provides assurances to the Charity that it has adequate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Also, that they are reviewed regularly, under which the quality of delivery would be subject to routine scrutiny, and that details of any safeguarding incident which might have impact on the Charity or its reputation are advised to us in a timely manner. Without such policies and procedures, the Charity will not engage or contract any organisation to deliver welfare services on our behalf.
Incident Reporting
Staff and volunteers and Trustees need to be aware of their responsibilities for reporting concerns in relation to safeguarding matters and the circumstances in which they should make a referral to the Local Authority or Police in necessary.
Safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adults and others who come into contact with the Charity will be diligently and promptly responded to, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved. Where there is a concern, this should be reported to the appropriate person (Tracy O’ Shaughnessy) immediately where possible, but at least within 24 hours, to determine what action, if any, must be taken. This will enable each situation to be investigated thoroughly, whilst treating the parties involved fairly and with sensitivity. It will also ensure that suitable steps are taken because of investigations, which may include contacting the police and or fulfilling legal duty to refer information to the DBS and or the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as required. Not all concerns justify a notification to the LA but MUST still be recorded.
The Trustees acknowledge their duties to make a Serious Incident report to the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies if:
• There has been an incident where someone has been abused or mistreated (alleged or actual) and this relates to the activities of the Charity.
• Beneficiaries of the Charity have been, or are alleged to have been, abused or mistreated while under the care of the Charity, or by someone connected with the Charity, for example a Trustee, staff member or volunteer: or
• There has been a breach of both procedures or policies at the Charity which has put beneficiaries at risk, including failure to carry out checks which would have identified that person is disqualified under safeguarding legislation, from working with adults.
Safer Recruitment
Although most of the Charity’s activities do not involve contact with children or working in ‘regulated activity’ with adults at risk, the Charity has a responsibility to ensure the suitability of those Trustees, employees (self – employed) and volunteers who may work with, or encounter adults at risk.
The Charity’s recruitment process as well as the quality of our employment contract are critical to our approach to safeguarding; they must be sufficiently robust, rigorous and appropriately reviewed. Although, as previously stated, the Charity does not generally engage in ‘regulated’ activity with children or vulnerable adults, the Charity Commission recommends that Trustees always obtain a DBS check when they can, as it is an important tool in ensuring that the person is suitable to act. Any requirement for a DBS check is out in the job advert (if applicable). Given the usual nature of activity by the Charity, there is no current requirement for Enhanced Disclosure.
The Charity’s priority staff posts requiring DBS checks are:
• Trustees and those in a Safeguarding role or Financial role
• Lead Safeguarding Officer
Facilitators of programmes
The Charity utilises the Disclosure Service to provide DBS checks of the appropriate level on staff, volunteers, and Trustees. Due to the Data Protection Act the Charity will rely on the Human Resources agency to ask to see any applicants/staff members DBS certificate and or number.
As part of recruitment good practice, the Charity will also make other checks, as undertaking DBS checks is not enough on its own; for example, taking up two written references for successful candidates, which will be checked, challenging employment gaps, declaring unspent relevant convictions, as part of the recruitment process.
Training
Training will be provided for conducting risk assessment in relation working with vulnerable adults. This will be identified as appropriate in advance by the Trustees and supplied to all staff, volunteers and others where required.
All members of GamLEARN must be made aware of this policy and given the opportunity to read it during their induction period, together with sight of the Government leaflet “What to do if you’re worried that a child or vulnerable person is being abused” – Guide for Practitioners 2015.
Critical to training outcomes is that staff should always know to whom they report concerns.
Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Charity policies and procedures:
• Data Protection Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Serious Incident Reporting Policy
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the Designated lead annually and the refreshed version presented to the board of Trustees for review.
Purpose
This policy outlines GamLEARN’s (the Charity) commitment to Safeguarding, its responsibilities, an assessment of potential risks, steps taken to reduce those risks and the steps that should be taken in the event of the Charity becoming aware of a safeguarding issue.
Policy Statement
GamLEARN is committed to pro-actively safeguarding vulnerable adults with whom the staff or anyone acting on our behalf, come into contact with during any activity related to the charity. Examples of GamLEARN activities in which staff may encounter vulnerable adults include:
GamLEARN courses and delivery programmes, group member meetings, national or regional participation events. (This list is an example only)
Whilst the Charity is not routinely engaged in face-to-face activities at this time as many meetings are held remotely with its beneficiaries and through third parties (those whose services are bought in to deliver welfare on our behalf), the Charity nevertheless must ensure that appropriate due diligence is carried out on these third parties, ensuring they have the appropriate systems of control in place, including adherence to adequate safeguarding policies and training and procedures.
The welfare and safety of the person at risk is paramount. All vulnerable people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Some of our beneficiaries and supporters are additionally at risk because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
The Charity takes all reasonable care to protect beneficiaries and supporters.
Legal Obligation
Safeguarding is a complicated affair and exists within a framework of both criminal and civil law. Legislation is supported by a body of statutory guidance. The Charity, as a voluntary organisation, must comply with Section 11 of the Children’s Act 2004, specifically the legal framework in statutory guidance “Working Together To Safeguard Children 2015”, and the Care Act 2014. It is also under a duty to ensure that anyone that provides a service on the Charity’s behalf also complies with Section 11.
We will seek to fulfil our legal obligations (Legal Framework details in Annexe A) and commitment to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of anyone within GamLEARN.
The production of a policy and procedures with a clear line of accountability, to which all will comply.
At Trustee Board level – the designated manager – to take leadership responsibility for the Charity’s safeguarding arrangements; to act as the organisational interface with the
Local Authority whenever a situation arises.
A culture of listening to vulnerable adults and taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of any support services.
Clear whistleblowing procedures which are suitably referenced in staff training and codes of conduct.
Arrangements which set out clearly the process for sharing information with other professionals and with the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LASB).
The safer recruitment for individuals whom the Charity will permit to work regularly with vulnerable adults, carrying out the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, depending on their access to vulnerable adults.
Appropriate supervision and support for staff, including undertaking safeguarding training.
Ensuring the staff are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding.
Clear policies in line with those from the LSAB for dealing with allegations; responding without delay to concerns and complaints regarding actual or potential abuse, harm, or maltreatment.
This policy applies to all employees, Trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of GamLEARN.
Responsibility and Accountability
Trustees are overall responsible for safeguarding, even if certain aspects of the work are delegated to the Founder and employees on contract to the Charity. They should proactively safeguard and promote the wellbeing and welfare of the Charity’s beneficiaries, staff and volunteers and others who come into contact with the Charity. This is a key governance priority.
The issue of safeguarding is subject to regular reviews at Trustee Board level and is reported on by exception at Board of Trustee’s meetings. In addition, ‘Safeguarding’ will be reported upon in the Annual Report and Accounts. There will be a lead Safeguarding Trustee appointed.
The Charity’s lead for safeguarding policy and management is Tracy ‘O’Shaughnessy, supported by Fay Kepidou (Trustee Safeguarding oversight). The Safeguarding Lead will report to Trustees.
Risk Assessments
Our Trustees have a duty to manage and to protect the reputation and assets of the Charity. It is therefore vital that Trustees assess the risks that arise from the Charity’s activities and operations involving vulnerable adults and develop and put in place appropriate safeguarding
policies and procedures to protect them. They must also undertake on-going monitoring to ensure that these safeguards are being effectively implemented and practiced. This is critically important because charities may be targeted by people who abuse their position and privileges to gain access to vulnerable people, or their records, for inappropriate or illegal purposes.
Key Safeguarding risks for the Charity are:
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during Charity activities, through failure to safeguard them.
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during third-party organised activities, supported, or funded by GamLEARN.
• Ensuring that those who run activities that may include vulnerable beneficiaries have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to do so properly.
• Failure to deal with any incident responsibly, appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Failure to ensure Trustees are clear about their responsibilities for safeguarding.
• Failure to ensure that staff, Trustees, and volunteers coming into contact frequently with vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted.
• The reputational risk of damaging public trust and confidence in the charity through the occurrence of any alleged or actual incident.
The Charity seeks to manage effectively the risks associated with activities, events through teams:
• Completing a risk assessment process which involves identifying risks and means of reducing or eliminating them, for any new activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults, and if changes are being made to activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults.
• Implementing the required actions identified by the risk assessment process and reviewing the effectiveness of these on a regular basis.
• Ensuring that the appropriate DBS or basic disclosure checks are conducted, depending on eligibility, for any individuals working with vulnerable adults.
• Requiring new employees and individuals working with vulnerable adults familiarise themselves with the content of this policy and the Code of Safer Working Practice.
Code for Safer Working Practice
The Code (at Annexe A) is provided for all those across the Charity to follow, in working and volunteering with vulnerable adults. The Code represents the behaviours which constitute safe working practice. As such it will assist those working with vulnerable adults to do so safely and responsibly, enabling each to monitor their own standards of integrity and good practice. The Code sets clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice which serve to reduce the possibilities of positions of trust being abused or misused, or false accusations being made.
Partnering Organisations
We must exercise due diligence with our partnering organisations that deliver welfare services on our behalf and conduct face-to-face, in person visits to any of our beneficiaries.
With regards to engaging with other charities or organisations under contract to deliver service/provision/welfare support. It is the Charity’s responsibility to ensure that each of these organisations provides assurances to the Charity that it has adequate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Also, that they are reviewed regularly, under which the quality of delivery would be subject to routine scrutiny, and that details of any safeguarding incident which might have impact on the Charity or its reputation are advised to us in a timely manner. Without such policies and procedures, the Charity will not engage or contract any organisation to deliver welfare services on our behalf.
Incident Reporting
Staff and volunteers and Trustees need to be aware of their responsibilities for reporting concerns in relation to safeguarding matters and the circumstances in which they should make a referral to the Local Authority or Police in necessary.
Safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adults and others who come into contact with the Charity will be diligently and promptly responded to, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved. Where there is a concern, this should be reported to the appropriate person (Tracy O’ Shaughnessy) immediately where possible, but at least within 24 hours, to determine what action, if any, must be taken. This will enable each situation to be investigated thoroughly, whilst treating the parties involved fairly and with sensitivity. It will also ensure that suitable steps are taken because of investigations, which may include contacting the police and or fulfilling legal duty to refer information to the DBS and or the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as required. Not all concerns justify a notification to the LA but MUST still be recorded.
The Trustees acknowledge their duties to make a Serious Incident report to the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies if:
• There has been an incident where someone has been abused or mistreated (alleged or actual) and this relates to the activities of the Charity.
• Beneficiaries of the Charity have been, or are alleged to have been, abused or mistreated while under the care of the Charity, or by someone connected with the Charity, for example a Trustee, staff member or volunteer: or
• There has been a breach of both procedures or policies at the Charity which has put beneficiaries at risk, including failure to carry out checks which would have identified that person is disqualified under safeguarding legislation, from working with adults.
Safer Recruitment
Although most of the Charity’s activities do not involve contact with children or working in ‘regulated activity’ with adults at risk, the Charity has a responsibility to ensure the suitability of those Trustees, employees (self – employed) and volunteers who may work with, or encounter adults at risk.
The Charity’s recruitment process as well as the quality of our employment contract are critical to our approach to safeguarding; they must be sufficiently robust, rigorous and appropriately reviewed. Although, as previously stated, the Charity does not generally engage in ‘regulated’ activity with children or vulnerable adults, the Charity Commission recommends that Trustees always obtain a DBS check when they can, as it is an important tool in ensuring that the person is suitable to act. Any requirement for a DBS check is out in the job advert (if applicable). Given the usual nature of activity by the Charity, there is no current requirement for Enhanced Disclosure.
The Charity’s priority staff posts requiring DBS checks are:
• Trustees and those in a Safeguarding role or Financial role
• Lead Safeguarding Officer
Facilitators of programmes
The Charity utilises the Disclosure Service to provide DBS checks of the appropriate level on staff, volunteers, and Trustees. Due to the Data Protection Act the Charity will rely on the Human Resources agency to ask to see any applicants/staff members DBS certificate and or number.
As part of recruitment good practice, the Charity will also make other checks, as undertaking DBS checks is not enough on its own; for example, taking up two written references for successful candidates, which will be checked, challenging employment gaps, declaring unspent relevant convictions, as part of the recruitment process.
Training
Training will be provided for conducting risk assessment in relation working with vulnerable adults. This will be identified as appropriate in advance by the Trustees and supplied to all staff, volunteers and others where required.
All members of GamLEARN must be made aware of this policy and given the opportunity to read it during their induction period, together with sight of the Government leaflet “What to do if you’re worried that a child or vulnerable person is being abused” – Guide for Practitioners 2015.
Critical to training outcomes is that staff should always know to whom they report concerns.
Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Charity policies and procedures:
• Data Protection Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Serious Incident Reporting Policy
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the Designated lead annually and the refreshed version presented to the board of Trustees for review.
Purpose
This policy outlines GamLEARN’s (the Charity) commitment to Safeguarding, its responsibilities, an assessment of potential risks, steps taken to reduce those risks and the steps that should be taken in the event of the Charity becoming aware of a safeguarding issue.
Policy Statement
GamLEARN is committed to pro-actively safeguarding vulnerable adults with whom the staff or anyone acting on our behalf, come into contact with during any activity related to the charity. Examples of GamLEARN activities in which staff may encounter vulnerable adults include:
GamLEARN courses and delivery programmes, group member meetings, national or regional participation events. (This list is an example only)
Whilst the Charity is not routinely engaged in face-to-face activities at this time as many meetings are held remotely with its beneficiaries and through third parties (those whose services are bought in to deliver welfare on our behalf), the Charity nevertheless must ensure that appropriate due diligence is carried out on these third parties, ensuring they have the appropriate systems of control in place, including adherence to adequate safeguarding policies and training and procedures.
The welfare and safety of the person at risk is paramount. All vulnerable people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Some of our beneficiaries and supporters are additionally at risk because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
The Charity takes all reasonable care to protect beneficiaries and supporters.
Legal Obligation
Safeguarding is a complicated affair and exists within a framework of both criminal and civil law. Legislation is supported by a body of statutory guidance. The Charity, as a voluntary organisation, must comply with Section 11 of the Children’s Act 2004, specifically the legal framework in statutory guidance “Working Together To Safeguard Children 2015”, and the Care Act 2014. It is also under a duty to ensure that anyone that provides a service on the Charity’s behalf also complies with Section 11.
We will seek to fulfil our legal obligations (Legal Framework details in Annexe A) and commitment to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of anyone within GamLEARN.
The production of a policy and procedures with a clear line of accountability, to which all will comply.
At Trustee Board level – the designated manager – to take leadership responsibility for the Charity’s safeguarding arrangements; to act as the organisational interface with the
Local Authority whenever a situation arises.
A culture of listening to vulnerable adults and taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of any support services.
Clear whistleblowing procedures which are suitably referenced in staff training and codes of conduct.
Arrangements which set out clearly the process for sharing information with other professionals and with the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LASB).
The safer recruitment for individuals whom the Charity will permit to work regularly with vulnerable adults, carrying out the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, depending on their access to vulnerable adults.
Appropriate supervision and support for staff, including undertaking safeguarding training.
Ensuring the staff are competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding.
Clear policies in line with those from the LSAB for dealing with allegations; responding without delay to concerns and complaints regarding actual or potential abuse, harm, or maltreatment.
This policy applies to all employees, Trustees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of GamLEARN.
Responsibility and Accountability
Trustees are overall responsible for safeguarding, even if certain aspects of the work are delegated to the Founder and employees on contract to the Charity. They should proactively safeguard and promote the wellbeing and welfare of the Charity’s beneficiaries, staff and volunteers and others who come into contact with the Charity. This is a key governance priority.
The issue of safeguarding is subject to regular reviews at Trustee Board level and is reported on by exception at Board of Trustee’s meetings. In addition, ‘Safeguarding’ will be reported upon in the Annual Report and Accounts. There will be a lead Safeguarding Trustee appointed.
The Charity’s lead for safeguarding policy and management is Tracy ‘O’Shaughnessy, supported by Fay Kepidou (Trustee Safeguarding oversight). The Safeguarding Lead will report to Trustees.
Risk Assessments
Our Trustees have a duty to manage and to protect the reputation and assets of the Charity. It is therefore vital that Trustees assess the risks that arise from the Charity’s activities and operations involving vulnerable adults and develop and put in place appropriate safeguarding
policies and procedures to protect them. They must also undertake on-going monitoring to ensure that these safeguards are being effectively implemented and practiced. This is critically important because charities may be targeted by people who abuse their position and privileges to gain access to vulnerable people, or their records, for inappropriate or illegal purposes.
Key Safeguarding risks for the Charity are:
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during Charity activities, through failure to safeguard them.
• Potential abuse of vulnerable adults occurring during third-party organised activities, supported, or funded by GamLEARN.
• Ensuring that those who run activities that may include vulnerable beneficiaries have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to do so properly.
• Failure to deal with any incident responsibly, appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Failure to ensure Trustees are clear about their responsibilities for safeguarding.
• Failure to ensure that staff, Trustees, and volunteers coming into contact frequently with vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted.
• The reputational risk of damaging public trust and confidence in the charity through the occurrence of any alleged or actual incident.
The Charity seeks to manage effectively the risks associated with activities, events through teams:
• Completing a risk assessment process which involves identifying risks and means of reducing or eliminating them, for any new activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults, and if changes are being made to activities or events involving or potentially involving vulnerable adults.
• Implementing the required actions identified by the risk assessment process and reviewing the effectiveness of these on a regular basis.
• Ensuring that the appropriate DBS or basic disclosure checks are conducted, depending on eligibility, for any individuals working with vulnerable adults.
• Requiring new employees and individuals working with vulnerable adults familiarise themselves with the content of this policy and the Code of Safer Working Practice.
Code for Safer Working Practice
The Code (at Annexe A) is provided for all those across the Charity to follow, in working and volunteering with vulnerable adults. The Code represents the behaviours which constitute safe working practice. As such it will assist those working with vulnerable adults to do so safely and responsibly, enabling each to monitor their own standards of integrity and good practice. The Code sets clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice which serve to reduce the possibilities of positions of trust being abused or misused, or false accusations being made.
Partnering Organisations
We must exercise due diligence with our partnering organisations that deliver welfare services on our behalf and conduct face-to-face, in person visits to any of our beneficiaries.
With regards to engaging with other charities or organisations under contract to deliver service/provision/welfare support. It is the Charity’s responsibility to ensure that each of these organisations provides assurances to the Charity that it has adequate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Also, that they are reviewed regularly, under which the quality of delivery would be subject to routine scrutiny, and that details of any safeguarding incident which might have impact on the Charity or its reputation are advised to us in a timely manner. Without such policies and procedures, the Charity will not engage or contract any organisation to deliver welfare services on our behalf.
Incident Reporting
Staff and volunteers and Trustees need to be aware of their responsibilities for reporting concerns in relation to safeguarding matters and the circumstances in which they should make a referral to the Local Authority or Police in necessary.
Safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adults and others who come into contact with the Charity will be diligently and promptly responded to, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved. Where there is a concern, this should be reported to the appropriate person (Tracy O’ Shaughnessy) immediately where possible, but at least within 24 hours, to determine what action, if any, must be taken. This will enable each situation to be investigated thoroughly, whilst treating the parties involved fairly and with sensitivity. It will also ensure that suitable steps are taken because of investigations, which may include contacting the police and or fulfilling legal duty to refer information to the DBS and or the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as required. Not all concerns justify a notification to the LA but MUST still be recorded.
The Trustees acknowledge their duties to make a Serious Incident report to the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies if:
• There has been an incident where someone has been abused or mistreated (alleged or actual) and this relates to the activities of the Charity.
• Beneficiaries of the Charity have been, or are alleged to have been, abused or mistreated while under the care of the Charity, or by someone connected with the Charity, for example a Trustee, staff member or volunteer: or
• There has been a breach of both procedures or policies at the Charity which has put beneficiaries at risk, including failure to carry out checks which would have identified that person is disqualified under safeguarding legislation, from working with adults.
Safer Recruitment
Although most of the Charity’s activities do not involve contact with children or working in ‘regulated activity’ with adults at risk, the Charity has a responsibility to ensure the suitability of those Trustees, employees (self – employed) and volunteers who may work with, or encounter adults at risk.
The Charity’s recruitment process as well as the quality of our employment contract are critical to our approach to safeguarding; they must be sufficiently robust, rigorous and appropriately reviewed. Although, as previously stated, the Charity does not generally engage in ‘regulated’ activity with children or vulnerable adults, the Charity Commission recommends that Trustees always obtain a DBS check when they can, as it is an important tool in ensuring that the person is suitable to act. Any requirement for a DBS check is out in the job advert (if applicable). Given the usual nature of activity by the Charity, there is no current requirement for Enhanced Disclosure.
The Charity’s priority staff posts requiring DBS checks are:
• Trustees and those in a Safeguarding role or Financial role
• Lead Safeguarding Officer
Facilitators of programmes
The Charity utilises the Disclosure Service to provide DBS checks of the appropriate level on staff, volunteers, and Trustees. Due to the Data Protection Act the Charity will rely on the Human Resources agency to ask to see any applicants/staff members DBS certificate and or number.
As part of recruitment good practice, the Charity will also make other checks, as undertaking DBS checks is not enough on its own; for example, taking up two written references for successful candidates, which will be checked, challenging employment gaps, declaring unspent relevant convictions, as part of the recruitment process.
Training
Training will be provided for conducting risk assessment in relation working with vulnerable adults. This will be identified as appropriate in advance by the Trustees and supplied to all staff, volunteers and others where required.
All members of GamLEARN must be made aware of this policy and given the opportunity to read it during their induction period, together with sight of the Government leaflet “What to do if you’re worried that a child or vulnerable person is being abused” – Guide for Practitioners 2015.
Critical to training outcomes is that staff should always know to whom they report concerns.
Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Charity policies and procedures:
• Data Protection Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Serious Incident Reporting Policy
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the Designated lead annually and the refreshed version presented to the board of Trustees for review.
