Safeguarding Policy
KEW COMMUNITY TRUST SAFEGUARDING POLICY
- Safeguarding Policy
Kew Community Trust (“KCT”) is committed to protecting persons who need care and support, and its trustees, staff and volunteers, from abuse. KCT’s Safeguarding Policy explains the responsibilities of KCT trustees, staff and volunteers in relation to the protection of persons who need care and support from abuse. KCT trustees approve this Safeguarding Policy.
Kew Community Trust is registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (1736623) and a registered charity (289707). The registered office address is Kew Community Trust, St Luke’s in The Avenue, Kew, Richmond, TW9 2AJ. If you have any questions about this Safeguarding Policy, please contact our Safeguarding Officer (see Appendix 2 for post holder) using our registered office address or by calling 020 8948 8806.
- KCT’s approach to the protection of persons who need care and support
The prevention of abuse is a collective responsibility. KCT has put in place measures to prevent abuse including robust recruitment practices and providing appropriate safeguarding training to trustees, staff and volunteers. All employees will undergo training and have a duty to familiarise themselves with KCT’s Safeguarding Policy from time-to-time. KCT will respond to concerns regarding abuse and involve other relevant organisations, statutory and regulatory bodies where appropriate.
- Safeguarding Officer
KCT will appoint a Safeguarding Officer with responsibility for ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place, ensuring that relevant training is provided, reviewing KCT’s Safeguarding Policy at least once a year and being KCT’s designated person to respond to concerns regarding abuse.
- What is meant by abuse
Abuse is a breach of an individual’s human rights. Abuse may be a single act or a series of acts over a period. Types of abuse include but are not limited to (see Appendix 1 for detailed information):
- Physical abuse
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial or material abuse
- Modern slavery
- Discriminatory abuse
- Organisational abuse
- Neglect and acts of omission
- Self-neglect
- Action to be taken by KCT where abuse is suspected
All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately. Any concerns that any person who needs care and support is experiencing or is at risk of abuse, whether by a trustee, employee, volunteer or anyone else, should be reported as soon as possible to the Safeguarding Officer. Where abuse is suspected KCT will urge the abused person to refer the matter to a relevant authority such as the police or social services.
If, after a discussion with the person experiencing or at risk of abuse, who has mental capacity, they refuse to report, or refuse permission for KCT to report, the matter to a relevant authority, their wishes will be respected unless failing to act will put other persons at risk, or if there is an overriding duty of care to intervene, such as where a crime has been or may be committed. If it is decided the person lacks mental capacity and abuse is suspected, KCT will alert the relevant Social Services in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames or the police, even if consent has not been given.
- Confidentiality
KCT’s Privacy Policy from time-to-time applies to this Safeguarding Policy and can be found at https://www.kewcommunitytrust.org.uk/privacy-policy
- Updates to this Safeguarding Policy
This Safeguarding Policy was last updated in April 2022. The Trustee with responsibility for Safeguarding, and the Safeguarding Officer will review and, if necessary, update this Safeguarding Policy at least once a year and publish the latest version on our website.
Next review: March 2023
Appendix 1 – What is meant by abuse
Abuse is a breach of an individual’s human rights. Abuse may be a single act or a series of acts over a period of time. Types of abuse include but are not limited to:
Physical abuse including:
- assault
- hitting
- slapping
- pushing
- misuse of medication
- restraint
- inappropriate physical sanctions
Domestic violence including:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional abuse
- so called ‘honour’ based violence
Sexual abuse including:
- rape
- indecent exposure
- sexual harassment
- inappropriate looking or touching
- sexual teasing or innuendo
- sexual photography
- subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts
- indecent exposure
- sexual assault
- sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting
Psychological abuse including:
- emotional abuse
- threats of harm or abandonment
- deprivation of contact
- humiliation
- blaming
- controlling
- intimidation
- coercion
- harassment
- verbal abuse
- cyber bullying
- isolation
- unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks
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, inheritance or financial transactions
- the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits
Modern slavery encompasses:
- slavery
- human trafficking
- forced labour and domestic servitude.
- traffickers and slave masters using whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment
Discriminatory abuse including forms of:
- harassment
- slurs or similar treatment:
- because of race
- gender and gender identity
- age
- disability
- sexual orientation
- religion
Organisational abuse:
Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
Neglect and acts of omission including:
- ignoring medical
- emotional or physical care needs
- failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services
- the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating
Self-neglect:
This covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. It should be noted that self-neglect may not prompt a section 42 enquiry. An assessment should be made on a case by case basis. A decision on whether a response is required under safeguarding will depend on the adult’s ability to protect themselves by controlling their own behaviour. There may come a point when they are no longer able to do this, without external support.
© The Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2018
Appendix 2: – Post Holders as at 17 March 2022:
Safeguarding Officer – Siobhan Cockerill
avenueclub@kewcommunitytrust.org.uk, telephone 020 8948 8807
Trustee with responsibility for Safeguarding – Louise Fluker
c/o info@kewcommunitytrust.org.uk, telephone 020 8948 8806
What to do if you are concerned about an adult:
*** If an adult is in danger first ensure they are safe. If emergency help is needed dial 999. ***
If it is not an emergency contact the Richmond Council Adult Access Team. You can complete a form online or phone 020 8891 7971. Emergency out of hours number 020 8744 2442
What to do if you are concerned about a child:
*** If a child is in immediate danger you should always phone 999 ***
If you have concerns about a child that is not an emergency, contact the specialist team at Achieving for Children’s Single Point of Access (SPA) on 020 8547 5008 (Monday to Friday 8-6pm)
or out of hours 020 8770 5000.
The NSPCC 24-hour helpline (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
0800 800 5000