Safeguarding Statement
The Benjamin Foundation believes that a child, young person or adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults that come into contact with our services, and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, including the Board of Trustees, senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff, students, or anyone working on behalf of, or representing The Benjamin Foundation.
The purpose of our safeguarding policy is:
- To protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who receive The Benjamin Foundation’s services
- To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles which guide our approach to safeguarding.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance including (but not exclusively):
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Sexual Offences Acts 2003
- Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act 2007
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
We recognise that:
- The welfare of the child/young person is paramount as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
- All children, young people and adults regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, or sexual orientation/identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
- Some children, young people and vulnerable adults are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency or their communication needs
- Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare
We will seek to keep children, young people and vulnerable adults safe by:
- Valuing, listening and respecting them
- Adopting robust safeguarding practices through procedures for staff and volunteers
- Developing and implementing effective e-safety and related procedures
- Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through reviews, personal reviews, support and training
- Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, and ensuring all necessary checks are made
- Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, staff and volunteers
- Sharing information with agencies who need to know, and involving adults and children appropriately
To read our Safeguarding Policy and Handbook in full please click on the links below:
