Safeguarding Policy

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Policy Statement
‘Band of Brothers CIC’ is committed to ensuring that all individuals, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk are protected from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. We believe everyone has the right to live free from abuse and to be treated with dignity and respect. We recognise our duty of care and the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all those who engage with our organisation’s activities, services, and events.

Purpose of This Policy
This policy aims to:
• Protect children, young people and adults at risk who engage with ‘Band of Brothers CIC‘;
• Provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on how to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns;
• Outline our commitment to safe recruitment, training and reporting practices;
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance.

Legal Framework
This policy is based on legislation and guidance that seeks to protect children and adults, including:
• Children Act 1989 and 2004;
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018);
• Care Act 2014;
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;
• Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR;
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021;
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), where relevant.

Definitions
Safeguarding: Protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: Anyone aged 18 or over who, because of their care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.
Abuse can include physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory, organisational,
or neglect.

Responsibilities

Organisation Responsibilities:
• Promote a culture of zero tolerance towards abuse and harm;
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities;
• Provide ongoing safeguarding training and supervision;
• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to oversee safeguarding concerns.

Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities:
• Report any safeguarding concern or disclosure immediately to the DSL;
• Never promise confidentiality where abuse is disclosed;
• Record and share information appropriately and securely;
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Matthew Sunter 

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Benjamin Singer

The DSL is responsible for:
• Receiving and acting upon safeguarding concerns;
• Liaising with local safeguarding partners (e.g. Local Authority Designated Officer – LADO);
• Maintaining records of all safeguarding issues;
• Ensuring all safeguarding policies and procedures are reviewed annually.

Recognising and Responding to Abuse
All staff and volunteers should be alert to signs of abuse, which may include:
• Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour;
• Withdrawal, anxiety, or fearfulness;
• Poor personal hygiene or neglect;
• Financial irregularities (for adults);
• Inappropriate relationships or sexualised behaviour (for children).

If someone discloses abuse:
• Listen carefully and stay calm;
• Do not promise confidentiality - explain you may need to share information to keep them safe;
• Record what was said using their exact words;
• Report immediately to the DSL or deputy DSL;
• Do not investigate the concern yourself.

Reporting and Recording Procedures
Concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible (and within 24 hours).

The DSL will decide on next steps, which may include referral to:
• Children’s Social Care;
• Adult Social Services;
• Police (in cases of immediate danger).

All safeguarding records will be kept confidential and stored securely in compliance with data protection laws.

Safer Recruitment
‘Band of Brothers CIC’ is committed to safe recruitment practices by:
• Requiring DBS checks for all staff and volunteers working with vulnerable groups;
• Obtaining two references before employment or volunteering begins;
• Conducting interviews and assessing applicants’ suitability for working with
vulnerable individuals;
• Providing safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

Training
All staff, trustees, and volunteers must:
• Complete safeguarding training at induction;
• Attend refresher training every [e.g. 2 years];
• Understand how to recognise, respond, and record safeguarding concerns.

Code of Conduct
All staff and volunteers must:
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect;
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
• Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted;
• Never engage in sexual, abusive or exploitative behaviour.

Whistleblowing
Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report concerns about colleagues or organisational practices that may put others at risk.

Reports can be made to the DSL, the Chair of Trustees, or directly to the Local Authority
Designated Officer (LADO).

Whistleblowers will be protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner, if:
• There are changes to legislation;
• There is a safeguarding incident;
• There are organisational changes impacting safeguarding responsibilities.

Date Approved: November 2025
Next Review Due: November 2026
Approved By: Jim Cirkel (Executive Director)