Safeguarding
Policy

Safeguarding
Policy

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Policy Statement

Our Special Angels SEND CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who engage with our services, activities and community projects.

We believe that everyone has the right to be safe, respected, listened to and protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, harm and radicalisation.

This policy applies to all trustees, directors, staff, volunteers, sessional workers and anyone acting on behalf of Our Special Angels SEND CIC.

The CIC is committed to creating a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and where concerns are identified, reported and acted upon promptly and appropriately.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in CIC activities.

  • Provide clear guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

  • Promote a culture of safety, dignity and respect.

  • Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are understood by all staff, volunteers and trustees.

  • Support compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

The CIC has appointed safeguarding leads responsible for overseeing safeguarding arrangements and responding to concerns.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Mariyam Akhter

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Kelly McNicholas
Savera Caan

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Coordinating safeguarding arrangements.

  • Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns.

  • Maintaining safeguarding records.

  • Liaising with external agencies where appropriate.

  • Supporting staff and volunteers.

  • Ensuring safeguarding training is completed and maintained.

Scope

This policy applies to all activities delivered by Our Special Angels SEND CIC including:

  • Community projects

  • Parent support groups

  • Coffee mornings

  • Family events

  • Workshops and training sessions

  • Volunteer programmes

  • Funded projects

  • Community outreach activities

  • Online activities and communications




Types of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may relate to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Domestic abuse

  • Financial abuse

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Modern slavery

  • Exploitation

  • Radicalisation and extremism

  • Online abuse

All concerns will be taken seriously regardless of the age, disability, communication needs or circumstances of the individual involved.

Responding to a Disclosure

If a child, young person or vulnerable adult discloses abuse, staff and volunteers must:

  • Remain calm.

  • Listen carefully.

  • Take the disclosure seriously.

  • Reassure the person they have done the right thing by speaking up.

  • Avoid asking leading questions.

  • Explain that the information cannot be kept secret if someone is at risk.

  • Record the information as soon as possible using the individual's own words where possible.

  • Report the concern immediately to the DSL.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.

Where there is immediate danger or risk of significant harm:

  • Emergency services will be contacted immediately.

  • Appropriate safeguarding authorities will be informed without delay.

All safeguarding concerns will be recorded and stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection and GDPR Policy.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

All staff, volunteers, trustees and directors must:

  • Read and follow this policy.

  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

  • Attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

  • Promote a safe and inclusive environment.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Volunteers

All volunteers have a duty to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Volunteers will:

  • Receive safeguarding information during induction.

  • Know how to report concerns.

  • Follow the Volunteer Policy and Code of Conduct.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Complete DBS checks where required.

Volunteers must never ignore safeguarding concerns or assume someone else will report them.

Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers, Trustees or Directors

Any allegation made against a staff member, volunteer, trustee or director will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

The CIC will seek advice from relevant agencies including:

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

  • Adult Safeguarding Teams

  • Police

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Appropriate action may include suspension from duties while investigations take place.

Prevent Duty and Radicalisation

Our Special Angels SEND CIC recognises its responsibility to protect individuals from radicalisation and extremist influences.

Concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism must be reported immediately to the DSL and referred through appropriate safeguarding channels where necessary.

Training

Safeguarding training will be provided to staff and volunteers appropriate to their role.

Training records will be maintained and reviewed regularly.

The DSL and Deputy DSLs will undertake additional safeguarding training relevant to their responsibilities.


Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

  • Health and Safety Policy

  • Data Protection and GDPR Policy

  • Complaints Policy

  • Volunteer Policy

  • Whistleblowing Policy

  • Risk Assessment Policy

  • Conflict of Interest Policy

  • Trustee Code of Conduct

  • Social Media Policy


Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or organisational needs change.

Approved By: Board of Directors

Date: 29/05/2026