Safeguarding

This is a DRAFT Safeguarding Statement. To contribute to the development of this statement, please sign up to the IN-CJ Discussion Forum.

The purpose of this statement is to demonstrate the commitment of IN-CJ to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in IN-CJ is aware of:

  • The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
  • Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
  • What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult within the organisation.

A copy of our full safeguarding statement can be downloaded here: IN-CJ Safeguarding

Scope

This safeguarding adult policy and associated procedures apply to all individuals involved in IN-CJ, including associated advisors, members of staff, producers, volunteers and community members, and to all concerns about the safety of adults whilst taking part in our organisation, its activities and in the wider community. We expect our partner organisations, including for example, affiliated community groups, suppliers and sponsors, to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles and practice as set out in this Safeguarding Adults Policy and associated procedures.

This policy should be viewed and considered along with De Montfort University’s safeguarding policies and procedure: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-staff/people-and-organisational-development/safeguarding/safeguarding.aspx

Commitments

In order to implement this policy, IN-CJ will ensure that:

  • Everyone involved with IN-CJ is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and whom to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult.
  • Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and
    followed up in line with IN-CJ Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.
  • The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first, and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve.
  • Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to (see the Safeguarding Adults Procedures).
  • Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
  • Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures.
  • IN-CJ acts in accordance with best practice advice, for example, from Ofcom, De Montfort University, NVCO, NSPCC and Ann Craft Trust (from whom this policy is adapted).
  • IN-CJ will cooperate with the Police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard any adult to the extent which that cooperation does not compromise IN-CJ editorial independence and research ethics practices, as defined in the IN-CJ Editorial and Research Ethics policy.
  • All coordinators, members of staff, contributors and volunteers are expected to demonstrate that they understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults, and must complete, and are up-to-date with, safeguarding adult training and learning opportunities appropriate for their role.
  • IN-CJ uses safe recruitment practices and continually assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals in this organisation and within the criminal justice community.
  • IN-CJ will share information in accordance with our legal requirements about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies, for example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.
  • When planning activities and events IN-CJ will include an assessment of, and risk to, the safety of all adults from abuse and neglect and designates a person who will be in attendance as a safeguarding lead for that event.
  • Actions taken under this policy are reviewed by the project coordinators and senior management team on an annual basis.
  • This policy, related policies (see below) and the Safeguarding Adults Procedures are reviewed no less than on a two-yearly basis and whenever there are changes in relevant legislation and/or government guidance as required by the Local Safeguarding Board, Ofcom, De Montfort University and other national bodies such as NCVSO, or as a result of any other significant change or event.

Implementation

IN-CJ is committed to developing and maintaining its capability to implement this policy and procedures. To do so, the following will be in place:

  • A clear line of accountability within the organisation for the safety and welfare of all adults.
  • Access to relevant legal and professional advice.
  • Regular management reports to the project managers detailing how risks to adult safeguarding are being addressed and how any reports have been addressed.
  • Safeguarding adult procedures that deal effectively with any concerns of abuse or neglect, including those caused through poor practice.
  • A Safeguarding Lead/ Welfare Officer (see Appendix 1).
  • A delegated Safeguarding Lead/Welfare Officer for events/trips/excursions and outside workshops.
  • A standing Case Management group, with an appointed Chair and clear Terms of Reference.
  • A process for forming a Case Management Group on a case-by-case basis, within clear terms of reference.
  • Arrangements to work effectively with other relevant organisations to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, including arrangements for sharing information.
  • Codes of conduct for project managers, staff, producers, volunteers and members, and other relevant individuals that specify zero tolerance of abuse in any form.
  • Risk assessments that specifically include safeguarding of adults.
  • Policies and procedures that address the following areas and which are consistent with this safeguarding adults policy.
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Social Media
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Safe activities risk assessments
  • Code of Conducts and a process for breach of these – Staff, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers, Participants/Members, Carers/Personal Assistants, Fans
  • Discipline and grievance
  • Concerns, Complaints and Compliments
  • Whistleblowing
  • Safe recruitment and selection (staff and volunteers)
  • Contract compliance
  • Information policy, data protection and information sharing

Key Points

  • There is a legal duty on Local Authorities to provide support to ‘adults at risk’.
    Adults at risk are defined in legislation, and the criteria applied differs between each home nation. (see definitions for each home nation on page 12).
  • The safeguarding legislation applies to all forms of abuse that harm a person’s well-being.
  • The law provides a framework for good practice in safeguarding that makes the overall well-being of the adult at risk a priority of any intervention.
  • The law in all four home nations emphasises the importance of person-centred safeguarding, (referred to as ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’ in England).
  • The law provides a framework for making decisions on behalf of adults who can’t make decisions for themselves (Mental Capacity).
  • The law provides a framework for criminal justice organisations to share concerns they have about adults at risk with the local authority.
  • The law provides a framework for all organisations to share information and cooperate to protect adults at risk.