Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy 

01/01/2026

Aim of the Policy

The aim of this policy is to:

• Ensure all reasonable steps are taken to make sure children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and those working with Natural Networks are and feel safe.
• Ensure that Natural Networks, children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and others have up-to-date knowledge of potential sources of harm and how to take steps to keep themselves and others safe.
• Enable Natural Networks, children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and others to recognise the signs of abuse.
• Ensure Natural Networks and partners delivering activities know how to respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures with confidence.
• Ensure Natural Networks, children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and others know how to report concerns and find help.
• Meet our legal and statutory obligations.
• Support Bristol City Council’s safeguarding strategy.

Legal Framework

The Children’s Act 1989 states that a child’s welfare is the paramount consideration in their upbringing. It outlines the responsibilities of local authorities and courts to protect children’s welfare, including investigating their physical, emotional, and educational needs, and any harm they have suffered or are at risk of suffering.

The Care Act 2014 marked a significant turning point in safeguarding adults, replacing the Department of Health’s ‘No Secrets’ Guidance. It provides a clear legal framework for protecting adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.

For Natural Networks, safeguarding means:

• Protecting participants from abuse and maltreatment.
• Preventing harm to participants’ health or development.
• Ensuring children grow up with safe and effective care.
• Taking action to enable all participants to achieve the best outcomes.

Child protection is a key part of safeguarding, focusing on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Types of Abuse

The Care Act 2014 lists 10 types of abuse, but local authorities should not limit their view to these. The types include:

1. Physical abuse
2. Domestic abuse
3. Sexual abuse
4. Psychological/emotional abuse
5. Financial or material abuse
6. Modern slavery
7. Discriminatory abuse
8. Organisational or institutional abuse
9. Neglect and acts of omission
10. Self-neglect

Who Might Abuse?

Anyone can abuse. Abusers are frequently known to the child or vulnerable adult and can include:

• Family members
• Neighbours or friends
• Paid staff or professionals
• Volunteers
• Strangers or those who exploit vulnerable individuals

Why Abuse May Occur

Abuse can occur for many reasons, with risks increasing when:

• The person is socially isolated.
• A pattern of family violence exists.
• Drugs or alcohol are misused.
• Relationships are under stress.
• The abuser or victim is dependent on the other (financially, emotionally, or for accommodation).

Safeguarding Enquiries

Local authorities have a duty to make enquiries (or cause others to do so) if they reasonably suspect a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

• Section 42 Enquiries: Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities must investigate suspected abuse or neglect.
• Non-statutory Enquiries: These may be carried out for individuals without care and support needs but who are still at risk.

Record Keeping

Accurate record-keeping is vital for safeguarding. Records must:

• Be clear and accurate.
• Show what action has been taken and why.
• Be kept in line with the Data Protection Policy.

Guidelines for recording information:

• What information is necessary to provide a high-quality response?
• What information is needed to keep individuals safe?
• What information is unnecessary?
• What is the basis for sharing (or not sharing) information with third parties?

Risk Assessment and Management

Risk assessment is integral to safeguarding. It involves:

• Balancing an individual’s right to control their care with the need to protect their wellbeing.
• Identifying potential benefits and harms of risk-taking.
• Encouraging positive risk-taking to achieve personal growth.

Risk assessments are dynamic and should be reviewed regularly to adjust to changes in risk levels.

Safer Recruitment

Natural Networks ensures safer recruitment practices by:

• Conducting DBS checks for those leading and undertaking regular activities.
• Risk-assessing freelance workers and volunteers awaiting DBS clearance (they cannot undertake unsupervised work with vulnerable adults or children).
• Interviewing all volunteers before they start.
• Taking up references for all staff and volunteers.
• Providing guidance, supervision, and training to staff and volunteers.

Concerns or Allegations About Staff or Volunteers

Allegations or concerns about a staff member or volunteer must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or safeguarding working group immediately.

Steps include:

• Assessing the situation to determine if a referral is needed.
• Removing the individual from activities involving direct contact with vulnerable adults or children if necessary.

Emergencies

If a vulnerable adult or child is in immediate danger, contact:

• Police: 999
• Bristol Safeguarding Board
• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
• Community Mental Health Team
• Learning Disability Team
• Bristol Domestic Violence Project Management Board

Responding to Disclosures

If a vulnerable adult or child discloses abuse:

• Listen without asking leading questions or giving opinions.
• Do not promise confidentiality but reassure them they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• Inform them you will need to share the information with someone who can help.
• Remain calm and supportive.
• Reassure them they are not at fault.
• Record the disclosure accurately and promptly after the conversation.

Natural Networks Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jabez Croney

Contact Details of DSL

Tel: 07552766433

Email: info@natural-networks.co.uk

Work Office Address: 62a Halston Dr, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 9JN

Bristol City Council First Response Team for children (0117 903 6444) or Care Direct for adults (0117 922 2700).

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/council/policies-plans-and-strategies/social-care-and-health/keeping-children-safe

Review Date

This policy will be reviewed on 01/01/2027.