Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC
Company No. 15274001

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, supportive environment for everyone who takes part in our activities. This includes participants in:

• Peer support groups (16+)
• Project Absolute
• Not A Design Agency
• Workshops, events and community outreach

We work with people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, social isolation, trauma or other challenges. Safeguarding is therefore a core part of what we do.

1. Our Commitment

We will:

• Promote the welfare, safety and dignity of children and adults at risk.
• Prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation wherever possible.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.
• Work in partnership with local safeguarding agencies and services.
• Ensure staff and volunteers understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.

2. Legal Framework

Our safeguarding approach is informed by UK law and national guidance, including:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
• Modern Slavery Act 2015
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

We follow local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements for Sunderland and the surrounding area.

3. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• All service users (16+)
• Staff, volunteers, sessional workers and contractors
• Students, placement holders and facilitators
• Anyone acting on behalf of Not A Statistic Northeast CIC

4. Key Definitions

Children
A child is anyone under the age of 18.

Adults at Risk
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who:

• Has care and/or support needs, and
• Is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of those needs.

Safeguarding Concern
A safeguarding concern is any situation where there is a worry that a person may be:

• Experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, or
• At risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, or
• Feeling unsafe because of their own or someone else’s actions.

5. Recognising Abuse and Harm

Abuse can take many forms. Types of abuse that may affect children and adults include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Neglect and self-neglect
• Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation
• Financial or material abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational or institutional abuse
• Modern slavery and trafficking
• “Cuckooing” and exploitation in the home
• Online abuse and harassment
• Radicalisation and extremism

In our work, we also pay particular attention to:

• Mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts
• Substance use and addiction
• Homelessness or unsafe accommodation
• Isolation, loneliness and withdrawal from support
• Peer-to-peer risks within group settings

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:

• Shane Knox, Managing Director
• Email: Info@not-a-statistic-ne.org
• Phone: 07308117083

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns.
• Deciding when to contact the local authority, police or other agencies.
• Keeping safeguarding records and a safeguarding register.
• Supporting staff and volunteers with safeguarding decisions.
• Overseeing safeguarding training and policy implementation.

Deputy DSL(s)

We may appoint Deputy DSLs to act when the DSL is not available. Their contact details will be made available to staff and volunteers.

All Staff and Volunteers

Everyone working with us must:

• Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• Be alert to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly using the procedure below.
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow our Code of Conduct.
• Respect confidentiality while understanding when information must be shared.

7. Immediate Danger – Act Now

If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm:

• Call 999 (Police or Ambulance) straight away.
• Ensure your own safety and the safety of others.
• Inform the DSL as soon as it is safe to do so.

8. How to Report a Safeguarding Concern

Safeguarding concerns should be reported on the same day they arise.

1. Notice a concern
   This may be something you see, something you are told, or something that doesn’t feel right.
2. Ensure immediate safety
   If urgent, call 999. Otherwise, move to a safe and private space.
3. Be honest about limits of confidentiality
   Explain that if you are worried about safety, you may need to share information with the safeguarding lead or other professionals.
4. Contact the DSL
   Share what you know with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL if applicable).
5. Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form
   Record what was said or observed, using the person’s own words where possible, and submit it to the DSL.
6. DSL decides next steps
   The DSL may:

• Contact local authority children’s or adult safeguarding services.
• Contact the police, crisis team or other emergency services.
• Seek advice from safeguarding partners.
• Record the concern with no further action, if appropriate, with a clear rationale.

      7. Recording and follow-up
          All concerns are logged on our safeguarding register. The DSL will provide                     appropriate feedback to the person who raised the concern.

9. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

We respect people’s privacy and handle personal information in line with UK GDPR and our Privacy & GDPR Policy. However, safeguarding concerns may need to be shared without consent if:

• There is a risk of serious harm to the person or someone else.
• A child or adult at risk is in danger.
• A crime has been or may be committed.
• When sharing information we will:
• Share only what is necessary for safeguarding purposes.
• Share with the right people, at the right time.
• Record what has been shared and why.

10. Safer Recruitment and Training

Safer Recruitment

We aim to deter and detect unsuitable individuals by:

• Using safer recruitment processes.
• Obtaining references where appropriate.
• Carrying out DBS checks for roles involving regulated activity or where otherwise required.
• Providing clear role descriptions and expectations.

Training

All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role, including refreshers. Additional training may be provided on topics such as suicide prevention, domestic abuse, neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice.

11. Allegations About Staff or Volunteers

If a safeguarding concern or allegation involves a member of staff, volunteer or contractor, we will:

• Treat the allegation seriously.
• Notify the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required for concerns about those working with children.
• Consider suspension or temporary adjustment of duties while enquiries take place (without prejudice).
• Carry out a fair and confidential investigation, following employment law and our internal procedures.

12. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records will be:

• Accurate, factual and clearly written.
• Stored securely with restricted access.
• Retained in line with our data retention schedule.

13. Monitoring and Review

Our safeguarding register is reviewed regularly by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Board of Directors. We use learning from safeguarding cases, feedback and new guidance to strengthen our practice.

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation or our services.

Contact Details

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC
The Old Rectory, The Broadway
Houghton-Le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 4BB

Email: Info@not-a-statistic-ne.org
Phone: 07308117083