The Willow Tree Foundation CIC

Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

The Willow Tree Foundation CIC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and caring environment where everyone involved in our work – including children, young people, adults at risk, staff, volunteers, participants and visitors – is protected from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from abuse, harm, neglect and discrimination.

This policy applies to all directors, staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone acting on behalf of the organisation.

2. Our Commitment

We believe that every person has the right to feel safe and protected from harm.

We are committed to:
– Preventing harm and abuse wherever possible.
– Promoting a culture where concerns can be raised safely.
– Responding promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns.
– Working in partnership with statutory agencies when required.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:
– Children Act 1989 and 2004
– Working Together to Safeguard Children
– Care Act 2014
– Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

4. Definitions

Child/Young Person: Any individual under the age of 18.

Adult at Risk: An adult aged 18 or over who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health, or other circumstances.

Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory, organisational abuse or neglect.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Directors:
– Ensure safeguarding policy is implemented and reviewed annually.
– Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Bethan Miles

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
– Acts as first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
– Maintains confidential records.
– Makes referrals to appropriate agencies where necessary.

All staff and volunteers:
– Follow this policy.
– Attend safeguarding training.
– Report concerns immediately.

6. Safer Recruitment

We will:
– Carry out appropriate DBS checks where required.
– Obtain references for relevant roles.
– Provide safeguarding training and induction.
– Ensure clear professional boundaries are maintained.

7. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

All concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.

Accurate written records must be kept including dates, times, observations and actions taken.

The DSL will decide whether to refer concerns to local safeguarding authorities or police.

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection legislation.

Consent will be sought unless doing so increases risk.

All safeguarding records will be stored securely.

9. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation against a director, staff member or volunteer must be reported immediately to the DSL or, if the DSL is implicated, to the Chair of Directors.

Appropriate statutory procedures will be followed and support provided to all parties.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident.

Regular training updates will be provided to ensure best practice.