Procedure for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Good practice means

• Everyone is treated with respect, setting a positive example for others
• Respect people's personal space and privacy
• Try to ensure that any action cannot be misinterpreted by someone else
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour
• Try not to put anyone, including yourselves, in a vulnerable or compromising situation
• Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others

If a child, young person or adult wishes to disclose that they have been abused, then

• Listen, keep listening, do not question or investigate
• Do not promise confidentiality, tell them what you are going to do and they will be told what happens
• Assure them they are not to blame

In an emergency, respond immediately

• Consult the person to whom you are responsible
• Decide together whether to seek advice or to make an immediate referral
• Keep a handwritten record what happened, your concerns and actions, record also time and date
• Tell the safeguarding representative
• Only tell to others who need to know
• Do not alert the possible perpetrator

For further details refer to the Centre's safeguarding policy and the local safeguarding board.

Important contact numbers

• Issues with children: Helen Whittaker, Tel 01539 728289
• Issues with adults: Cobi Harteveld, Tel. 01539 728889
• Local children's service. 01228 226877
• Local adult service. Tel. 01228 526690