Safeguarding Policy, for Adults and Children

Introduction

The key role of Tove Leeds is to secure standards for those qualifications we certificate i.e. accredited or non-accredited. As part of our commitment to quality assuring standards we aim to provide guidance and support to help leaners achieve learning and development goals. We also ensure that any regulatory requirements are met, and in turn we support leaners to meet those requirements.

We review all our policies annually or in response to regulatory changes to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.

Scope of Policy

This policy relates to all situations in both UK and international, including online, in which Tove Leeds staff, Assessment Associates, contractors and suppliers instructed by and acting on Tove Leeds behalf, encounter children and/or vulnerable adults.

Policy Statement

Tove Leeds recognise that in some of our activity we may come into contact with individuals who are vulnerable due to mental ability, age or ill health. Tove Leeds recognise that we are responsible for the safety and welfare of such individuals whilst in contact or engaged with Tove Leeds activity.

Tove Leeds have a legal duty to act prudently and take all reasonable steps to ensure the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

Definitions

Tove Leeds adopt the following definitions with reference to this policy:

Vulnerable Adult

“A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of himself or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation;”

(No Secrets (DH 2000))

Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding legislation and government guidance states that safeguarding means:

• protecting children from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
• ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes; and

“the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm – is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play.”

(Working together to safeguard children (HM Government 2013)

Abuse

Abuse is about the misuse of the power and control that one person has over another. In determining whether or not abuse has taken place, it is important to remember that intent is not the issue.

‘Protecting adults at risk: London multi-agency policy and procedures to safeguard adults from abuse’, Adults’ Services Report 39 (Social Care Institute for Excellence (2011)

The Safeguarding Officer for Tove Leeds Qualifications is the Managing Director.

Implementation

Tove Leeds will ensure that where Tove Leeds staff, Assessment Associates, contractors and suppliers instructed by and acting on Tove Leeds behalf, come into contact with children and vulnerable adults, that they are accompanied at all times by a responsible adult representing the Centre. Where no responsible adult is present, the Tove Leeds representative must not continue with the activity.

Tove Leeds will ensure that safeguards against poor practice, harm and abuse will be made and all Tove Leeds representatives will be provided with clear information about how to report issues such as bullying and abuse and will be supported in doing so.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Any concerns should be raised with the Tove Leeds Safeguarding Officer and if a referral is required this will be undertaken within 24 hours to the relevant authorities.

A confidential report should be written which provides:

• Name of person reporting the incident
• Position of person reporting the incident
• Place of work of person reporting the incident
• Contact phone number of persons reporting the incident
• Name of child or vulnerable adult
• Address / phone number of child or vulnerable adult
• Date of birth of child or vulnerable adult
• Other relevant details
• Parent / Guardian / Carer details
• Date and time of incident
• Details of the incident/ allegations/ suspicions
• Details of any action(s) taken to date

Useful contacts

Regulatory references

This policy addresses the following legislation and guidance:

• The Children Act 1989 (as amended).
• The Children and Social Work Act
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• The Data Protection Act
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Information Sharing: Advice for Practitioners
• Children, Schools and Families Act
• National guidance for child protection in Scotland
• The Care Act
• Mental Capacity Act
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
• Deprivation of Liberty
• Disclosure & Barring Service
• Making Safeguarding Personal Guide

Policy Review Date

January 2025

Useful Contacts

For more information our qualifications and services visit: www.toveleeds.co.uk  alternatively, call at: +44(0) 744 058 7612 or email at: info@toveleeds.co.uk