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Safeguarding Policy

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Last updated: 1st April 2025

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Introduction

ParentFuel ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, who come into contact with our services. This Safeguarding Policy sets out our commitment to ensuring that everyone within our organisation understands the importance of safeguarding and how to act to protect individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect.

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1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure that the welfare and safety of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, is a priority.

  • Establish clear guidelines for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns about safeguarding and abuse.

  • Ensure all staff, volunteers, and anyone working with or on behalf of the organisation understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
     

2. Scope of the Policy

This Safeguarding Policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and third-party providers associated with ParentFuel. It covers all activities and interactions in which we provide services or engage with children and vulnerable adults.

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3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: The proactive steps we take to prevent harm, abuse, or neglect and to ensure that individuals feel safe, respected, and protected.

  • Child Protection: The measures taken to protect children from abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.

  • Vulnerable Adults: Individuals over the age of 18 who are at risk of harm, including due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances.
     

4. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to:

  • Promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, ensuring that they are safe from harm.

  • Providing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can freely access services and express concerns without fear.

  • Promoting the empowerment and rights of individuals to make decisions for themselves, in line with their capacity and best interests.

  • Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are recruited and trained to the highest standards to prevent harm.
     

5. Code of Conduct

All employees, volunteers, and others working with the organisation must adhere to the following principles:

  • Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and care.

  • Avoid situations where there could be a risk of harm, abuse, or exploitation.

  • Ensure that interactions are transparent and professional, particularly when working with children and vulnerable adults.

  • Report any concerns or suspicions of harm or abuse, whether they relate to a colleague, service user, or anyone else associated with the organisation.
     

6. Safeguarding Procedures

a. Identifying Safeguarding Concerns

Staff and volunteers should be vigilant and able to recognize signs of abuse or neglect. These can include:

  • Unexplained injuries, bruising, or marks

  • Changes in behavior, mood, or performance

  • Withdrawal or reluctance to engage in activities

  • Disclosure of abuse or distressing events
     

b. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If there is concern about a child or vulnerable adult’s safety, it must be reported immediately to Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Dawn Kay or the appropriate safeguarding officer within the organisation.

Reports should be made in writing, clearly documenting any concerns, including dates, times, and any other relevant information.

c. Response to Allegations of Abuse

In the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect, ParentFuel will:

  • Take all allegations seriously and ensure that the safety and well-being of the individual are prioritised.

  • Follow legal requirements and cooperate fully with authorities, including law enforcement or child protection services.

  • Ensure that support is provided to the individual involved, including access to medical care, counseling, or advocacy services as necessary.
     

7. Recruitment and Training

To ensure that safeguarding standards are met:

  • We will ensure that all staff and volunteers undergo thorough background checks, including criminal record checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK) prior to starting their role.

  • All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training, which includes recognising signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures, and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

  • Refresher training will be provided regularly to ensure that everyone is up to date with safeguarding protocols.
     

8. Confidentiality

We will maintain confidentiality when dealing with safeguarding issues, but we may need to share information with external agencies such as child protection services, law enforcement, or other relevant bodies. Consent will be sought where possible, but the safety of the individual will always be the priority.

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9. Safe Environment

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for children, vulnerable adults, staff, and volunteers, and we will:

  • Regularly review and improve the physical environment to ensure safety.

  • Encourage a culture of openness, where individuals feel comfortable raising concerns.

  • Provide a mechanism for complaints or feedback related to safeguarding matters.
     

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders. We are committed to continuously improving our safeguarding practices and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved with our organisation.

 

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Dawn Kay

hello@parentfuel.co.uk

07887760332

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