Buddies for All acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and local authority requirements.

 

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of young people and vulnerable adults are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children, young people and vulnerable adults:

​

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of befriending at (organisation) in a safe environment

• are protected from abuse whilst participating in the befriending relationship or outside of the activity.

 

Buddies for All acknowledges that some young people and vulnerable adults, including people with disabilities, young people and adults or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

 

As part of our safeguarding policy Buddies for All will:

 

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing people with disabilities, young people and vulnerable adults.

• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to people with disabilities, young people and vulnerable adults

• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals

• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

​

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Buddies for All. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

 

Monitoring

​

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

 

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance

• as required by the Local Safeguarding Board

• as a result of any other significant change or event.