Safeguarding Policy
Improving Futures Ltd

Improving Futures Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We recognise our responsibility to protect individuals from abuse, neglect and harm and to act promptly where concerns arise.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
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Legal Framework
This policy is informed by and operates in line with:#

•    Children Act 1989 & 2004
•    Care Act 2014
•    Working Together to Safeguard Children
•    UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
•    Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships and Adult Safeguarding Boards
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Scope
This policy applies to:
•    all staff
•    volunteers
•    contractors
•    anyone acting on behalf of Improving Futures Ltd
It covers safeguarding concerns relating to:
•    children and young people
•    vulnerable adults
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Definitions
A child is anyone under the age of 18.
A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 or over who may need care or support and may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
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Types of Abuse
Safeguarding concerns may include (but are not limited to):
•    physical abuse
•    emotional or psychological abuse
•    sexual abuse
•    neglect or acts of omission
•    financial or material abuse
•    discriminatory abuse
•    domestic abuse
•    organisational abuse
•    online or digital abuse
•    self-neglect
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Recognising Abuse
All staff and volunteers must remain alert to possible indicators of abuse, including:
•    changes in behaviour or mood
•    unexplained injuries
•    withdrawal or fearfulness
•    signs of neglect or poor care
•    disclosure of harm
•    financial concerns or exploitation
Concerns may arise through observation, conversation, or third-party information.
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Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Improving Futures Ltd has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns and actions.
The DSL is responsible for:
•    receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns
•    ensuring concerns are recorded appropriately
•    making referrals to safeguarding authorities where required
•    seeking advice when unsure
•    ensuring safeguarding policies are followed
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Reporting Procedure
If you have a safeguarding concern:
1.    Recognise and record
o    Write down what you have seen, heard, or been told
o    Use the individual’s own words where possible
o    Record dates, times and factual information
2.    Report immediately
o    Share the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible
3.    Immediate risk
o    If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
4.    Referral
o    The DSL will decide whether a referral is required to:
    Children’s Services
    Adult Social Care
    the local safeguarding hub
    police or other agencies
Concerns should never be delayed due to uncertainty.
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Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only.
Confidentiality must not prevent the sharing of information where:
•    a child or adult is at risk of harm
•    safeguarding duties apply
Information sharing will follow safeguarding and data protection guidance.
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Whistleblowing
Improving Futures Ltd supports a culture of openness and transparency.
Staff, volunteers and contractors are encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns without fear of reprisal. Concerns may be raised internally or with external safeguarding bodies where appropriate.
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Safer Working and Professional Boundaries
All staff and volunteers are expected to:
•    maintain professional boundaries
•    avoid situations that could place themselves or others at risk
•    work in a respectful, non-judgemental manner
•    follow lone-working and safeguarding guidance
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Training
Safeguarding training is:
•    required for all relevant roles
•    refreshed regularly
•    appropriate to the level of contact and responsibility
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Review
This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:
•    legislation changes
•    safeguarding guidance updates
•    a safeguarding incident occurs
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Safeguarding Contacts
•    Emergency: 999
•    Local Authority Safeguarding Hub: via local council
•    NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000