Swing North Safeguarding Policy
Swing North recognises that every person has a right to live in safety, and free from abuse.
In the safeguarding of its core team, volunteers, members and attendees, Swing North is guided by the principles set out in The Care Act 2014.
Recognising the signs of abuse
Volunteers may be particularly well-placed to spot abuse and neglect, the person may say or do things that hint that all is not well. It may come in the form of a complaint, or an expression of concern. Those within the organisation should understand what to do, and where to go locally to get help, support and advice. Volunteers should be vigilant on behalf of those unable to protect themselves, including:
- Knowing about different types of abuse and neglect, and their signs
- Supporting persons to keep safe
- Knowing who to tell about suspected abuse or neglect and
- Supporting persons to think and weigh up the risks and benefits of different options when exercising choice and control.
The Care Act 2014 defines the following areas of abuse and neglect; they are not exhaustive but are a guide to behaviour that may lead to a safeguarding enquiry. This includes:
Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Financial or material abuse, Psychological and/or Emotional abuse, Neglect and acts of omission, Self-neglect, Discriminatory Abuse, Institutional or Organisational Abuse, Domestic abuse, Modern slavery, Radicalisation to terrorism.
Reporting procedures
The following procedure refers to abuse or suspicion of abuse that volunteers become aware of during their work with Swing North.
Any volunteer who becomes aware that an person is or is at risk of, being abused or has safeguarding needs should raise the matter immediately with a member of the core team.
Early sharing of information is the key to providing an effective response where there are emerging concerns. To ensure effective safeguarding arrangements no person should assume that someone else will pass on information which they think may be critical to the safety and wellbeing of the person.
Swing North will…
- Inform the person of the action we propose to take.
- Seek their agreement for any referral.
- Ensure that they are kept informed about what will happen next, so they can be reassured about what to expect.
- Endeavour to ensure that they are safe and supported before proceeding with any other action.
- Inform the person if Swing North is planning to seek advice from or report concerns to an appropriate support network.
In most situations there will not be an immediate threat, and the decision about protecting the person with safeguarding needs will be taken in consultation with appropriate support networks.
- Reporting line: 0161 234 5001
Email: mcsreply@manchester.gov.uk
There are some cases that require an urgent response
- If you suspect a serious criminal act has taken place, telephone 999. Tell them if you suspect abuse.
- If the individual is injured, seek immediate medical treatment. Tell the ambulance personnel or A&E staff that this is a potential person abuse situation.
If at any time you become concerned that a Child might be at risk you should report this via the above route.
If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, the police should be called on 999.