Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

This policy provides details of our safeguarding commitment and principles for the protection of all who come into contact with the activities of the United Kingdom Lowland Search Institute (here after UKLSI).

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Scope

This policy reflects the requirements and framework set out in the Children Act, 1989 and 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005, The Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguarding Children, 2018 and Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland, August 2017.

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The term child or young person is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change their status or entitlements to services or protection.

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A vulnerable adult is someone who has needs for care and support, and/or is experiencing or is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves.

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We may refer to the term vulnerable people throughout the document to incorporate both young people and vulnerable adults.

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This policy applies to all representatives, permanent and temporary who are in any way affiliated to UKLSI. This is inclusive of but not exclusively applicable to trustees, members and probationary members of UKLSI representatives.

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The above will be referred to as UKLSI representatives throughout this document.

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Principles

All UKLSI representatives working with vulnerable people must promote their welfare, health, wellbeing and development and take every reasonable precaution to protect them.

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UKLSI seeks to provide an environment where all, and specifically those who are vulnerable, are kept safe from harm, abuse and neglect while they are involved with the organisation in any way. We take every reasonable precaution to minimise such risks.

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UKLSI representatives have a personal responsibility for safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of all young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from harm, abuse and neglect and will report this and support them appropriately wherever this happens.

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Our Commitment

UKLSI will:

• Ensure the welfare of the young person and vulnerable adult is paramount

• Stop harm, abuse or neglect wherever possible

• Prevent and reduce the risk of harm, abuse or neglect wherever possible

• Protect, maintain and uphold the human rights of young people and vulnerable adults

• Ensure all young people and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious or other belief and sexual orientation or identity have the right to protection from all types of harm, abuse and neglect

• Work in partnership with the vulnerable person, their parents, carers and agencies to promote their welfare

• Provide support and training for everyone who may be in contact with young people and vulnerable adults during their duties

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In order to meet our commitments, UKLSI will ensure that:

• UKLSI Representatives are familiar with and have access to the Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding tips leaflet

• Measures are taken to continue to review and improve our safeguarding policy and practices

• Effective procedures are in place for responding to safeguarding incidents, concerns and allegations of abuse

• Everyone knows how to report and respond to a safeguarding incident or concern

• There are appropriate risk assessments for its activities

• Appropriate level of recruitment and screening checks are followed for every representative. UKLSI recruitment and selection procedures will minimise the risk of appointing anyone who may be unsuitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults. These procedures are consistent with current legislation and safeguarding best practice

• All suspicions and allegations of harm, abuse and neglect will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• Training and support are in place for everyone who may come into contact with young people and vulnerable adults during their UKLSI duties. Training will be determined by the type of role the individual has and which safeguarding level has been assigned to the role profile

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Responsibility

Trustees are ultimately responsible for ensuring that this policy and procedure is applied.

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All persons referred to within this policy and/or procedures are required to be familiar with their role.

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Any queries on the application or interpretation of policy and/or procedure must be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Chairperson prior to any action being taken.

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The Designated Safeguarding Lead or chairperson has the responsibility for ensuring the maintenance, regular review and updating of this policy.

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The policy and procedure do not form part of a representative’s contract and may be subject to change. Revisions, amendments or alterations to the policy and/or procedure can only be implemented following approval by the Designated Safeguarding lead or chairperson.