What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is a key part to any organisation and is everyone’s responsibility to ensure there is a safe, trusted and welcoming environment for all to be respected and valued. The core principles are to help you operate in a way that actively prevents harm (such as harassment, abuse, neglect or bullying) and makes safeguarding a part of your day to day operations. Your organisation should be set up in a way that can respond safely should any issues occur and raise any concerns trough the correct channels.
Safeguarding is split into two main categories:
- Safeguarding Children (anyone UNDER the age of 18)
- Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Harm (anyone 18 and OVER)
The categories are set out like this as there are a number of legislative and process principles which separate the way each category is managed. Safeguarding Adults need to consider the rights of the adult including their right to make choices for themselves whereas safety is the primary focus for child safeguarding. The way concerns and abuse is reported is also different so need separate policies and processes.
Safeguarding Children:
Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility and it is important that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount. It is important to take all allegations and suspicions seriously (and must not be ignored) and responded to quickly and appropriately. The processes for this should be set out in your safeguarding children and young people policy and all staff should be aware of these processes.
All organisations working with children/young people and their families must take all reasonable measures to ensure that risks of harm to children and young people are minimised. Any concerns that a child or young person is at risk or suffering significant harm should notify Children’s Social Care or the police.
Key contacts
- To refer a concern about abuse or neglect for a child who lives in Kensington and Chelsea: call 0207 361 3013 or email [email protected]
- Refer to Early Help Service: If you would like to talk to somebody from Early Help please contact them on 020 7598 4608 or email [email protected]
- To refer or consult with the LADO about allegations against staff/volunteers please contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Call 0207 361 3013 and ask to speak to the Duty Child Protection Adviser. Email [email protected]
Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Harm:
The core principle for safeguarding adults is to protect an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Organisations need to ensure they have an approach that focusses on improving life for the adults concerned and safeguard adults in a way that supports them to make choices as well as empowers them to control how they want to live. Organisations have a responsibility to prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs and where possible stop abuse or neglect.
If possible organisations can 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. Any concerns that a adult is at risk or suffering significant harm should notify Adult Social Care or the police.
Key contacts:
- Social Services Line - 020 7361 3013
- Emergency Duty Team - 020 7373 2227
- Fax (office hours only) - 020 7368 0228
- Secure email - [email protected]
- Email - [email protected]