Safeguarding

What is going to be covered? What is Safeguarding? SIGBI Policy. Safeguarding structure within SIGBI. What to do if you have a safeguarding concern. Details about different types of abuse and the symptoms will not be discussed. There will be separate documentation giving some details and links to resources. Emphasise that details will not be discussed but that there will separate documentation for information. Stress that some people find this area very difficult. If anyone wants to leave for personal reasons, that is ok. Please respect other people’s privacy

What is Safeguarding? Safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, well-being and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Especially applies to children, young people and vulnerable adults.  Looking after ourselves. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. This fits very well with the Soroptimist Vision. This is not just about Child Protection, it could apply to any of us at some time.

Good Practice Treat everyone with respect, set a positive example. Respect people’s personal space. Try to ensure your action cannot be misinterpreted. Challenge unacceptable behaviour in a constructive way. Do not put yourself or others in vulnerable situations. Do not have inappropriate physical contact with others. Always share safeguarding concerns. We are a professional organisation and this just highlights how we should behave in all situations

Why discuss Safeguarding now? Charities Commission – there is a requirement to have a Safeguarding Policy. There have been some high profile cases concerning well- known charities where allegations have had a significant effect on their reputation. SIGBI needs to have procedures in place to ensure that members and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities when representing Soroptimist International. Oxfam – the procedures were not robust enough and this has had a significant effect on the reputation of the Charity. The policy cannot stop abuse but it can help SIGBI deal with any allegations in a professional manner

Purpose of the SIGBI Policy The purpose of the Safeguarding Policy is to: protect children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom members of SIGBI and anyone working on behalf of SIGBI may be involved. provide members of SIGBI and anyone working on behalf of SIGBI with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

What does the Policy cover? Policy concerns allegations and concerns about members of SIGBI volunteers working on behalf of SIGBI Remember, as an organisation, we believe that we should treat all people with respect and that any behaviour that does not meet this high standard should not be accepted.

Types of abuse Physical Abuse Emotional abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse Financial or Material Abuse (Adults) Discriminatory Abuse Institutionary Abuse Domestic Abuse Abuse using Social Media Child Sexual Exploitation Trafficking Modern Slavery Self-Neglect (adults)  Radicalisation

What if the allegation/concern is about someone unrelated to SIGBI? Clubs very often work with other organisations who will have their own Safeguarding Policy. Therefore: Pass on the information to the appropriate organisation e.g. school, college, nursing home. Concerns can also be reported to the Police, Social Services, NSPCC, particularly in an emergency. Advice can be sought from the SIGBI Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). Other organisations such as schools will have their own Safeguarding Policy. The appropriate response is to report and allegations/concerns to their Safeguarding Officer. Members of the public can also report concerns to the NSPCC, Police or Social Services, anonymously if you wish to do so.

Who may be at risk? Children and young people Any adult who is: Any child or young person under the age of 18. Any adult who is: aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support. experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse and neglect. Note: Adults may be vulnerable for a period of time due to circumstances. Survivors of abuse.

SIGBI organisation Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to be appointed by the Board. Region – a person with appropriate experience in Safeguarding It is important to have a recognised person at Board and Regional level so that advice can be given and good practice followed. The Board recognises that it can be difficult to find officers for clubs. However, this is an essential role in our professional organisation. It is not expected that this role will be particularly onerous but it is an important one.

Organisational structure Members Relevant agencies Advice/referral Referral Region Note: In an emergency, pass on your concerns to the relevant agencies Advice/referral DSO Board Reports to

When dealing with abuse, remember the 4Rs Recognise Respond Record Refer

Recognise Abuse Abuse is carried out by someone in a position of power. There are many types of abuse - some of which we come across in our Programme Action, for example: Trafficking Domestic Abuse Modern Slavery Symptoms – there are many, including physical, emotional and psychological.

What do I do if someone discloses abuse? NEVER promise to keep a secret. Keep calm, being aware of non-verbal messages. Allow the person to talk freely about what has happened. Do not ask leading questions. Tell the person that they have done the right thing to tell you. Avoid comments and judgements. Tell the person what will happen next. Record what you have been told in the person’s own words.

What do I do if I have concerns about possible abuse? Talk to your Regional representative. Decide together whether to ask for advice or make an immediate referral. Respond immediately in an emergency. Keep a record of what happened, why you are concerned and what you have done. Only tell people who need to know.

Record If someone discloses abuse to you: Keep a record of what you have been told, with dates and time. Record what you are told, with what you may have observed. A pro-forma is available to keep records. Keep any records in a confidential, safe place. Records should be passed on to any new Safeguarding officer.

Referrals A referral should be made where there have been allegations that a member or volunteer has: behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child, young person or a vulnerable adult. possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child, young person or a vulnerable adult. behaved towards children, young people or vulnerable adults in a way that indicates she/he is unsuitable to work with these groups of people. No further action will be taken following a referral to the relevant agencies.

Who should I refer an allegation to? Firstly, your Regional Then, the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If any of these people are implicated in the allegation, the referral should be made to the next level. Remember, if someone is in immediate risk, contact the authorities.

What happens following an allegation of abuse? One or all of the following may happen: a police investigation of a possible criminal offence. enquiries and assessment by relevant agencies to determine whether a child, young person or vulnerable adult is in need of protection or in need of services. report to the Charities Commission. consideration by SIGBI of the need for disciplinary action in respect of the individual. Media response from SIGBI. This may be necessary in the case of a breach of confidentiality.

Summary Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. SIGBI has developed a Policy so that there are procedures to follow if allegations or concerns are raised. If you have any concerns about abuse, share them. Only tell others on a “need to know” basis. It is not your responsibility to decide if any allegations are true. Ask for advice if you are unsure about what to do.

Finally, As Soroptimists, we aim to behave in a professional manner. We often come across vulnerable people. Therefore, Use your common sense. Treat everyone with respect. Do not accept behaviour just because that is what they always do. Do not put yourself at risk.

Any Questions? These should be kept to questions about the process, rather than details about specific incidents or types of abuse Respect the fact that there may be people in the audience who have suffered abuse themselves.