Safeguarding Policy

1. POLICY CONTROL

Version	Description	Date
2.2 2.3	Template Safeguarding Policy &Procedure  Safeguarding Policy & Procedure	15/01/2020 5/3/24
Date of first issue by The Trussell Trust
Board Approved
For Review:		5/3/26

 

1.1 Related policies  

Version	Description	Date of Update
	Privacy Policy kept in the office	31stMarch 2023
	Health and Safety Policy kept in the office	31stMarch 2023
	Whistle blowing policy kept in the office	31stMarch 2023

 

2. INTRODUCTION

Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It is about  people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of

abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s or child’s wellbeing is  promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs  in deciding on any action.

• POLICY EQUALITIES STATEMENT

Merthyr Cynon Foodbank is committed to practices that protect from harm regardless of a person’s  age, gender, disability, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or any other characteristic  as covered by the Equality Act 2010.

• AIMS OF THE POLICY

This policy, taken together with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Multi-Agency  Safeguarding Policies, represents commitment in working together to safeguard children and adults  from abuse, neglect and exploitation. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of employees,  trustees and volunteers in relation to developing their own awareness and skills as well as the  policies and procedures that must be followed.

The policy outlines:

• The practice and procedure for representatives within Merthyr Cynon Foodbank to  contribute to the prevention of the abuse and neglect, and
• A clear framework for action including information sharing when abuse is suspected.
• SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS OF THE POLICY

Whose business is safeguarding?  

Legislation establishes that safeguarding is everybody’s business. This organisation recognises that  we all play a key role in preventing, detecting, reporting and responding to abuse, neglect or  exploitation.

5.1 Scope  

The policy applies to activities delivered by Merthyr Cynon Foodbank. Where Merthyr Cynon  Foodbank delivers any activities in partnership with another body this policy applies – unless a  formal agreement exists that specifically details safeguarding arrangements and the roles and  responsibilities of the parties to the agreement. Where a formal partnership exists, the trustees will  review the partner’s safeguarding policy and procedures at least annually and will ensure  procedures meet the standards set out in this policy. The policy applies in respect of this  organisation’s responsibility towards the following groups of people:

• Children and young people – legally defined as any person under the age of 18. From this  point the terms child or children will be used to refer to this group.
• An ‘adult at risk of abuse or neglect with care and support needs’ however for the purpose  of this policy we will use the term vulnerable adult to refer to this group.
• Employees, trustees and volunteers who come into contact with children or vulnerable  adults during the course of their work or volunteering responsibilities.
• Contractors when carrying out work on behalf of the organisation.

5.2 Definitions 

Child Protection is defined as:

• Protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or likely to suffer, significant  harm as a result of abuse or neglect or other identified risk factors such as parental Domestic Violence,  substance misuse.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing impairment of children’s’ health or development
• Ensuring that children are growing up and living in circumstances consistent with the  provision of safe and effective care.
• Through the provision of safe and effective care, enable children to have optimum life  chances.

Adult Safeguarding is defined as:

• Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect aiming to ensure  that each adult is supported to maintain:
• Wellbeing
• Choice and control
• Safety
• Good health
• Dignity and respect
• LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Merthyr Cynon Foodbank will work within the framework of legislation and guidance in relation  to safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults. An index of key legislation is  contained in Appendix 3.

6.1 All staff and volunteers will consider the following when raising a concern:  

• Safeguarding is mainly aimed at individuals with care and support needs whose  circumstances may put them at risk of abuse or neglect by others – due consideration must also be given to people who need to use a food bank given the inherent vulnerability resulting from a person’s immediate circumstances.  
• Abuse is defined as a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights; it may consist of  a single act or repeated acts
• The nature and extent of the abuse including whether it is a criminal offence.  • The impact of the abuse on the person and the physical and /or psychological harm being  caused and whether the abuse is having an impact on other people.
• Deprivation of liberties where people living in care homes, hospitals or other institutions  are looked after in a way that does not inappropriately restrict their freedom.
• TYPES OF ABUSE

Eleven types of abuse are currently identified through legislation and UK guidance frameworks:

• Physical abuse – Involves any manner of causing physical harm to a child or vulnerable  adult or fabricating symptoms of, or inducing illness in, a child or vulnerable adult, including

assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical  sanctions, administering or allowing access to drugs or alcohol.

• Domestic abuse – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse, so  called ‘honour’ based violence.
• Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing any child or vulnerable adult of  whatever age to take part in any form of sexual activity, whether or not s/he is aware of what is  happening; or behaving, or inducing a child/ vulnerable adult to behave, in sexually inappropriate  ways – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking and touching,  sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual  acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or  was pressured into consenting. This includes inappropriate sexual relationships with people in  positions of power or influence. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual  activity appears consensual. Sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can  also occur through the use of technology.  
• Psychological abuse – the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child or vulnerable adult  such as to cause severe and enduring effects on a child’s emotional development including threats  of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation,  coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified  withdrawal of services or supportive networks. It is important to note that within faith  communities a further aspect of psychological abuse is Spiritual abuse. This is where the abuse  does damage to a vulnerable adult’s or child’s emerging faith and spirituality. The fact that the  damage includes damage to the spiritual self is what makes it spiritual abuse and usually occurs  within the context of wider abuse.
• Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation  to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property,  possessions or benefits.
• Modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour and domestic  servitude, where traffickers and slavers coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse,  servitudes and inhumane treatment.
• Discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs, exclusion, or similar  treatment. This includes discrimination on the grounds of a person’s protected characteristics  including; race, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, political views, faith or religion (including  where someone is discriminated against because they have no religion), as well as racist, sexist,  homophobic or ageist comments.
• Organisational abuse – Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or  special care setting such as a hospital or care home, or where care is provided within their own  home.
• Neglect and acts of omission Neglect involves the persistent failure to meet a child’s or  vulnerable adults basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious  impairment of the person’s health and development – these include ignoring medical, emotional  or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational  services, and the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and  heating, access to family and friends.
• Self–neglect – Self-neglect covers a wide range of behaviour, neglecting to care for one’s  personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.  • Hate crime – a hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice  based upon the victim’s disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or transgender  identity.

Further information on recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse can be found in Appendix 5.  Note – Abuse can be carried out by children and Merthyr Cynon Foodbank recognises that if a

child or children is or are causing harm to an adult with care and support needs, this should be  dealt with under the Local Authority adult safeguarding policy and procedures but will also need  to involve the Local Authority Children’s Services.

• INFORMATION SHARING AND CONSENT

Sharing the right information, at the right time, with the right people, is fundamental to good practice  in safeguarding.

Merthyr Cynon Foodbank will share safeguarding information with the right people at the right time  to:

• Prevent death or serious harm.
• Coordinate effective and efficient responses.
• Enable early interventions to prevent the escalation of risk.
• Maintain and improve good practice in safeguarding.
• Reveal patterns of abuse that were previously undetected and that could identify others at  risk of abuse.
• Identify low-level concerns that may reveal children or vulnerable adults at risk of abuse.  • Help families, children and vulnerable adults access the right kind of support to reduce risk  and promote wellbeing.
• Help identify people who may pose a risk to others and, where possible, work to reduce  offending behaviour.
• Reduce organisational risk and protect reputation.

All information and concerns should be raised with the Safeguarding Officer, their deputy, or if  they are not available the Project Manager who will then make the decision as to whether to  share information with another agency including thirtyone:eight, social care or the police.

In the case of severe concerns where delay in contacting the Safeguarding Officer could result in  further harm the worker/volunteer should contact the relevant statutory authorities immediately  and inform the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible afterwards.

Ideally information should only be shared with other agencies including the police and social care  if the consent of the person concerned (or their parents/carer where appropriate) has been  obtained. Obtaining informed consent to share information is best practice and is often key to  ensuring any further support or action is successfully maintained, based on trust and  transparency. There are however exceptions to this.

Exceptions to this include:

• Where gaining consent would put the child, vulnerable adult, or this organisation’s  volunteers/workers at further risk of significant harm.
• Where a vulnerable adult is assessed as not having the ‘mental capacity’ to make this decision,  in this case appropriate representatives/advocates should be consulted, however the final  decision will be made by the Merthyr Cynon Foodbank Safeguarding Officer.
• Where a crime has taken place and there is an overriding public duty for the

police to investigate.

• Where other adults at risk and/or children may be at risk of harm from the

person/group/agency suspected of causing abuse.

In making the decision whether to share information without consent consideration will  therefore be given to the seriousness and pervasiveness of the abuse: the ability of the  individual to make decisions; the effect of the abuse on the individual in question and on others;  whether a criminal offence has occurred; and whether there is a need for others to know (e.g.  to protect others who may not be involved in the immediate situation).

If the decision is made not to share information because consent has been withheld and the  exceptions given above do not apply then the person will be advised of any actions they can  take or other support they can access. They will also be made aware of the fact that they can  change their minds at any point.

Decisions about sharing information (or not) will be clearly recorded with reasons stated.

• CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORDING

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned both  when an allegation is made and whilst it is being investigated. Confidentiality can only be broken,  and a concern shared when it is in the best interest of the child, vulnerable adult or in the public  interest to do so – the circumstances for this are outlined in section 8 above.

All records will be written, stored, and destroyed with due regard for confidentiality and in line  with Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’s policy on record keeping and in adherence with the Data  Protection legislation. Staff and volunteers will be trained and supported to maintain and store  accurate records.

• PROCEDURE IF A MEMBER OF STAFF OR VOLUNTEER HAS A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN:

All Staff or volunteers must raise their concerns with the Safeguarding Officer, their deputy or if  they are not available the Project Manager. If the subject of concern is a member of staff or  volunteer see Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’s Whistle Blowing Policy (Appendix 4). The Whistle  Blowing Policy should be used when a member staff or volunteer has concerns about the  conduct of a colleague in a position of trust within the organisation, which could be detrimental  to the safety or wellbeing of adults and children.

Things to remember  

• All allegations/disclosures will be treated seriously – the safety of the vulnerable adult  or child is paramount.
• Staff and volunteers should stay calm, listen, and reassure the person they are  concerned about that they are being listened to.
• Staff and volunteers should always demonstrate a sensitive approach.  • Staff and volunteers should be aware of the possibility of a police force investigation,  and are not to investigate any allegation themselves.
• Staff and volunteers will explain that they are required to share information with those  people who need to know but not with other staff or volunteers. Absolute confidentiality  cannot be promised.
• If there is immediate danger, or someone requires urgent medical attention, then the  police or ambulance should be called immediately, and the Safeguarding Officer informed as  soon as possible.

10.1 Reporting Procedure 

• Any concerns should be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer, their deputy or in  their absence the Project Manager who will decide whether to contact the thirtyone:eight  helpline who can advise on appropriate next steps including whether to refer to statutory  services.
• A Safeguarding Concern Report Form (Appendix 2) will be completed by the  employee/volunteer or by the Safeguarding Officer using information relayed by the person  reporting the concern. Information recorded on the form must:
• Be accurate.
• Wherever possible include the actual words said by the child or vulnerable adult  rather than an interpretation of what was said.
• Specific facts relating to the named people dates, places etc. should be recorded  accurately along with any details of the injuries or consequences i.e. where they are and what  they looked like.
• Information may also need to report under the Health and Safety Policy and  Procedures.
• Where necessary the Safeguarding Officer will report the concern to Statutory  Children’s/Adults Social Care Services, providing a copy of the Safeguarding Concern Form,  and where appropriate a chronology of events.
• If a criminal offence has been committed the Project Manager or Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’s  Safeguarding Officer will call the police and any other linked agencies as necessary.  • Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Children’s or Adults Services and Rhondda Cynon Taf  County Borough Council Adult or Children’s Services may then take the lead on any  investigation and inform other agencies, where appropriate.
• The Safeguarding Officer will provide any further information to statutory Services as  required.
• Completed safeguarding concern forms will also be kept centrally by the Safeguarding Lead,  stored in a locked cabinet with restricted access, away from other personal files. Where  completed Safeguarding Concern forms are stored electronically, they will be kept in a locked  cabinet in the office with restricted access in line with this policy and the Data Protection  Policy.
• Where incidents that have resulted in (or risk) significant harm to beneficiaries, the SO will  notify the Board of Trustees who may be required to be report the incident to the charities  regulator as a Serious Incident Report (cf. Sec 11).
• MONITORING

Information about safeguarding cases and how they were dealt will be reviewed and reported on  regularly to the Board of Trustees. Areas to focus on include:

• How quickly the concern was reported to the Safeguarding Lead
• Whether a concern was reported to statutory agencies
• How quickly a concern was made to the police/Children’s/Adults Services (where relevant)  • Accuracy of information recorded.
• The quality of the input into the safeguarding process (feedback from police/Children’s/Adults  Services)
• Outcomes of safeguarding process
• Whether any incidents highlighted training issues or a need to amend in-house procedures  • Whether the incident should be notified to the charity regulator under Serious Incident  Reporting procedures

Reports to trustees should focus on the issues and the organisation’s response to an incident

not the specific details of an individual case. Reports made to the trustees should be captured in  a Safeguarding Incident Register. This is to enable the organisation to reflect on and improve its  practice in developing an effective safeguarding culture.

 

The policy and procedure will be reviewed and audited regularly or if legislation changes.  • GOOD PRACTICE

12.1 Recruitment of staff and volunteers  

• All staff and volunteers responsible for supervising vulnerable adults or children will undergo  an enhanced criminal records check if their role falls within the eligibility guidelines (cf.  Appendix 1 for links to guidance on eligibility).
• All references will be taken up before start of volunteering or employment, and should be  provided in writing or transcribed where received verbally. Merthyr Cynon Foodbank will  make all reasonable efforts to ensure that references are bona-fide and will seek alternatives  where in doubt.
• All staff and volunteers have a duty to disclose any unspent convictions. Failing to do so may  be regarded as gross misconduct or a breach of the volunteering agreement.  • Staff and volunteers without a criminal records check will not be permitted unsupervised  access to vulnerable adults or children.
• Criminal records check will be renewed every three years.

12.2 Training  

• All staff and volunteers will familiarise themselves with all Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’s policies  and procedures, including safeguarding, during induction.
• All staff and volunteers will complete basic Safeguarding training and other relevant training as  required.

All Trustees, volunteers and staff will be made aware of:

• The possibilities of abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults
• Local procedures and know the names and contact details of relevant local and national  professionals and organisations (see Appendix 1).

In addition, all staff and volunteers, including trustees will be required to undertake refresher  safeguarding training at least biennially (every two years).

• MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

Unless expressly delegated to Project Managers or the Safeguarding Officer, trustees are  responsible for clarifying with staff and volunteers their roles and responsibilities regarding the  safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Supervision of staff and volunteers will monitor  working practices and offer the opportunity to raise any concerns.

• ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NAME	ROLE/RESPONSIBILITIES	TELEPHONE
Alyson Davies	Safeguarding Officer	07825 818128
Michael Jones	Deputy Safeguarding Officer	07369 288469
Cleide Correia	Project Manager	07934 205458
Peter Godsall	Chair of Trustees	07810 576624

 

Appendix 1

KEY CONTACTS

If someone is injured or in imminent danger, call 999.  

• Safeguarding Officer – 07825 818128
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer – 07369 288469
• Project Manager – Cleide Correia – 07934 205458
• Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Adult Social Care – 01685 725000  • Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Children’s Social Care – 01685 725000  • Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Adult Social Care – 01443 425003  • Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Adult Social Care – 01443 425006  • Thirtyone:eight Advice line – 0303 003 11 11

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Safeguarding Board –

www.cwmtafmorgannwgsafeguardingboard.co.uk

Other National Advice Providers  

• The Action Elder Abuse Confidential Free phone help Line – 0808 808 8141 – 9am-5pm  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – 0808 800 5000
• ChildLine – 0800 1111
• NSPCC 24/7 Helpline – 0808 800 500 or [email protected]

If you think a crime has taken place  

• Local police Merthyr Tydfil – 01685 722541
• South Wales Police Constabulary Headquarters (Bridgend) – 01656 655555

Care Quality Commission  

Helpline Tel: 03000 616161

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority  

Helpline Tel: 028 9536 1990

Care Inspectorate Wales  

Helpline Tel: 0300 7900 126

England and Wales – Disclosure and Barring Service  

PO Box 181, Darlington, DL1 9FA

03000 200 190

[email protected]

https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check

Appendix 2

SAFEGUARDING CONCERN ALERT FORM

(Confidential when complete) 

For Office Use
Date and Time of Incident		DD/MM/YYYY 00:00
Name of Person Completing this form		Your name.
Passed to Safeguarding Officer (SO)		Name of SO
Method of communication		Choose an item.
Received by SO		DD/MM/YYYY 00:00
About the incident, safeguarding concern or identified Risks
Individual(s) identified at risk (select all that  apply): ☐ Person using the Food Bank ☐ Food bank Volunteer ☐ Staff/ employee ☐ Children/Young person	☐ Partner/spouse ☐ Cohabiting individual ☐ Friend/ neighbour ☐ Other If “other” please specify.
About the person(s) at risk Name: Forename &Surname Address: Click or tap here to enter text. Date of birth: Click or tap to enter a date. Gender: Click to enter text.
Is the alleged perpetrator known to the person at risk: ☐Yes ☐No
What is their relationship to the person at risk: ☐ Carer ☐ Professional ☐ Family member ☐ Friend ☐ Neighbour ☐ Self ☐ Another vulnerable person ☐ Other If “other” please specify.

 

Please provide a brief description of the allegation/concerns: Use this space to clarify basic information. Record factual details about what was said. Include:  • Date, time, location of incidents • People involved • What was observed • What was heard • What was disclosed/said to you –using their own words
Please provide a brief outline of actions taken/ support offered: Outline what action was taken at the time of the incident. If there is evidence what has been done  to preserve this etc.
Have you discussed your concerns with the person at risk (or legal guardian in the case of a child),  where doing so does not increase the risk of harm and informed them of any actions you proposed  to take: ☐Yes ☐No Has the person at risk given their consent to sharing the information with appropriate external  agencies and/or statutory services: ☐Yes ☐No
For the Safeguarding Officer to complete
Type of risk/ abuse identified or suspected (select all that apply):
☐ Self-neglect ☐ Exploitation (including financial) ☐ Domestic Violence ☐ Modern Slavery ☐ Sexual Abuse ☐Physical Abuse	☐ Emotional/ phycological Abuse ☐ Discrimination ☐ Neglect ☐ Coercive controlling behaviour ☐ Grooming
Additional actions/ measures: • List measures as bullets
Is a further Risk Assessment needed for the FB to managed identified risks/ concerns:  ☐ Yes ☐ No
Has the incident/ concern been reported to statutory social care services:

 

☐ Yes ☐ No

Concerns shared with external agencies N.B. If you have concerns for a person’s immediate safety then contact the emergency services.

Safeguarding Incident Register updated for the charity Trustees/ Management Group: ☐Yes ☐No

 

Appendix 3 (i) 

Key legislation in England 

6.1 Legal Framework Children and Young People:  

• Children Acts 1989 and 2004
• Children and Young Persons Act 2008
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Children and Families Act 2014
• Education Act 2002 and 2011
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
• Children and Adoption Act 2008
• Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009
• The Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Working together to safeguard children 2006, 2015 and 2018

6.2 Legal Framework Vulnerable Adults  

• Care Act 2O14
• Mental Capacity Act (including DoLS) 2005
• Human Rights Act of 1998
• Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2014 – identified the following 6 principles that underpin  all adult safeguarding work:  
• Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions with  informed consent.
• Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportion – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities  have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
• Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

Appendix 3 (ii) 

Key legislation in Wales 

6.1 Legal Framework Children and Young People:  

• Children Acts 1989 and 2004
• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
• Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010
• Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011
• Education (Wales) Act 2014
• Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016
• Working together to safeguard people (Vol 1-2,5)
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
• Adoption and Children Act 2002
• Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009

6.2 Legal Framework Vulnerable Adults  

• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act (including DoLS) 2005
• Human Rights Act of 1998
• The following six general principles underpin all adult safeguarding work:  • Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions with  informed consent.
• Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportion – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.  • Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities  have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.  • Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

Appendix 3 (iii) 

Key legislation in Scotland  

6.1 Legal Framework Children and Young People:  

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Protection of Children and Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005
• The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
• Education (Scotland) Act 2016
• Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.
• Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007
• Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009
• National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2010, 2014
• Protecting Scotland’s children and young people 2017

6.2 Legal Framework Vulnerable Adults  

• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
• Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
• Self-directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013
• Human Rights Act of 1998
• Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014
• Carers (Scotland) Act 2016:
• The following 6 general principles underpin all adult safeguarding work:  
• Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own  decisions with informed consent.
• Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportion – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.  • Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities.  Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting, and reporting neglect and abuse.  • Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

Appendix 3 (iv) 

Key legislation in Northern Ireland  

6.1 Legal Framework Children and Young People:  

• The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
• Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015
• Section 5 of the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967
• Co-operating to Safeguard Children and young people in Northern Ireland (Department of  Health, 2017)
• Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003
• Revised regional core child protection policies and procedures for Northern Ireland  (Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, 2018)
• Legal Framework Vulnerable Adults  
• Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (NI) Order  2003
• Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership 2015
• The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
• Carers and Direct Payments Act (NI) 2002
• Carers’ Strategy NI (2006)
• Human Rights Act of 1998
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• The following 6 general principles underpin all adult safeguarding work:  
• Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own  decisions with informed consent.
• Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportion – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.  • Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their  communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting  neglect and abuse.
• Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

Appendix 4 

WHISTLE BLOWING 

Safeguarding & whistle blowing 

This covers concerns that staff have about the conduct of individuals in a position of trust within the  organisation, which could be detrimental to the safety or wellbeing of adults and children and where  staff, for whatever reason, feel unable to raise them under the organisation’s standard complaints  procedures. This procedure is also available to the organisation’s volunteers (including food bank  volunteers) should they feel unable to raise a safeguarding concern using the channels outlined in  this policy. It relates to raising concerns about:

• Unprofessional behaviour
• Bullying by staff
• Any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or neglect)
• Name calling
• Personal contact with adults, children and young people which is contrary to the organisation’s  policies and codes of conduct
• Any form of racial abuse
• Inappropriate sexualised behaviour
• Knowledge about an individual’s personal circumstances which may indicate they could be a  risk to adults and/or children
• Persistent and enduring rumours including un-investigated historical rumours.

Where a person raising concerns is unable to raise the matter with either the Safeguarding Officer,  their deputy or the Project Manager, then they can contact the chair of trustees who is responsible  for the oversight of the Governance of the Charity. If the person raising the concern feels the Chair  of Trustees has not appropriate addressed the concerns raised, then they can seek further recourse

via the following means:

If it is felt there exists a significant risk of harm being caused to another person, then the person  can raise their concerns directly with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s or Rhondda Cynon  Taf County Borough Council’s Social Services department.

As a member of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network a person can also make a complaint about the  food bank’s handling of the concern via the Trussell Trust’s complaints procedure, details of which  can be accessed from the Trussell Trust website.

Appendix 5 

Signs and symptoms of abuse (Children) 

The following signs could be indicators that abuse has taken place but should be considered in  context of the child’s whole life.

Physical 

• Injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
• Injuries that occur in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games, etc • Injuries that have not received medical attention
• Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming
• Repeated urinary infections or unexplained tummy pains
• Bruises on babies, bites, burns, fractures etc which do not have an accidental explanation* • Cuts/scratches/substance abuse*

Sexual 

• Any allegations made concerning sexual abuse
• Excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual  behaviour
• Age-inappropriate sexual activity through words, play or drawing

Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults

• Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home
• Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with  overt or veiled sexual connotations
• Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia*

Emotional 

• Changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws or  becomes clinging.
• Depression, aggression, extreme anxiety.
• Nervousness, frozen watchfulness
• Obsessions or phobias
• Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration
• Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults
• Attention-seeking behaviour
• Persistent tiredness
• Running away/stealing/lying

Neglect 

• Under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food, Untreated  illnesses, inadequate care, etc.

*These indicate the possibility that a child or young person is self-harming. Approximately 20,000 are  treated in accident and emergency departments in the UK each year.

Signs and symptoms of abuse (Adults)  

The following signs could be indicators that abuse has taken place but should be considered in  context of the person’s whole life.

Physical abuse 

• History of unexplained falls, fractures, bruises, burns, minor injuries.
• Signs of under or overuse of medication and/or medical problems left unattended.  • Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them.
• Bruising and discolouration – particularly if there is a lot of bruising of different ages.  and in places not normally exposed to falls, rough games etc.
• Recurring injuries without plausible explanation
• Loss of hair, loss of weight and change of appetite.
• Person flinches at physical contact &/or keeps fully covered, even in hot weather.  • Person appears frightened or subdued in the presence of a particular person or  people

Domestic violence  

• Unexplained injuries or ‘excuses’ for marks or scars
• Coercive, controlling and/or threatening relationship including psychological, physical,  sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so-called ‘honour’ based violence and Female Genital Mutilation

Sexual abuse  

• Pregnancy in a woman who lacks mental capacity or is unable to consent to sexual  intercourse
• Unexplained change in behaviour or sexually explicit behaviour
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear and/or unusual difficulty in walking or sitting.  • Infections or sexually transmitted diseases
• Full or partial disclosures or hints of sexual abuse (that may be accompanied by some of the  following additional symptoms):

Self-harming

Emotional distress

Mood changes

Disturbed sleep patterns

Psychological abuse

Alteration in psychological state e.g. withdrawn, agitated, anxious, tearful

Intimidated or subdued in the presence of a particular person

Fearful, flinching or frightened of making choices or expressing wishes

Unexplained paranoia

Changes in mood, attitude and behaviour, excessive fear or anxiety

Changes in sleep pattern or persistent tiredness

Loss of appetite

Helplessness or passivity

Confusion or disorientation

Implausible stories and attention seeking behaviour

Low self-esteem

Financial or material abuse  

• Disparity between assets and living conditions.
• Unexplained withdrawals from accounts or disappearance of financial documents or  loss of money.
• Sudden inability to pay bills, getting into debt.
• Carers or professionals fail to account for expenses incurred on a person’s behalf.  • Recent changes of deeds or title to property
• Missing personal belongings
• Inappropriate granting and / or use of Power of Attorney

Modern slavery  

• Physical appearance; unkempt, inappropriate clothing, malnourished.  • Movement monitored, rarely alone, travel early or late at night to facilitate working.  hours.
• Few personal possessions or ID documents.
• Fear of seeking help or trusting people.

Discriminatory abuse  

• Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
• Poor quality or avoidance care
• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawn
• Anger
• Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender identity or sexuality.

Institutional Abuse  

• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawn
• Anger
• Person puts themselves down in terms of their gender identity or sexuality  • No confidence in complaints procedures for staff or service users.  • Neglectful or poor professional practice.

Neglect and Acts of Omission  

• Deteriorating despite apparent care
• Poor home conditions, clothing or care and support.
• Lack of medication or medical intervention

Self-neglect  

• Hoarding inside or outside a property
• Neglecting personal hygiene or medical needs
• Person looking unkempt or dirty and has poor personal hygiene  • Person is malnourished, has sudden or continuous weight loss and is dehydrated –  constant hunger, stealing or gorging on food
• Person is dressed inappropriately for the weather conditions
• Dirt, urine or faecal smells in a person’s environment
• Home environment does not meet basic needs (for example not heating or lighting)  • Depression