Our policy

We are committed to promoting a safe environment and culture within our community programmes, and adhere to safe working practices. We acknowledge and embrace the principle that safeguarding is everyone’s business and in everyone’s interest. Our aim is to treat everyone fairly and without prejudice or discrimination, while maintaining volunteer and member wellbeing.

Staff and representatives of the above organisation must ensure that their behaviour promotes and allows any vulnerable adults/adults at risk to live free from harm and abuse, neglect, discrimination, human trafficking and physical, sexual (including sexual harassment) and emotional (including the abuse of power/trust and any form of coercion) exploitation.

Our representatives are required to understand the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults/adults at risk by:

• upholding the dignity and respect vulnerable adults/adults at risk

• taking preventative steps to ensure a safe environment for vulnerable adults/adults at risk

• responding quickly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns that are raised.

A concern can arise when abusive behaviour is observed or suspected, when an allegation is made or disclosed, or where there are signs and symptoms of suspected abuse on the victim. Any allegation or concern regarding the abuse a vulnerable adult/adult at risk must be treated seriously and be reported to the Safeguarding Officer for Outreach Southwest CIC within 24 hours of having been made aware of the specific concern.

The Outreach Southwest CIC safeguarding officer is William Bradridge and concerns should be made in writing by email to wbradridge@gmail.com.

Updated April 2024