CAS – Community Action Southwark

A relationship between an adult and child, young person or vulnerable adult is not a relationship between equals. It is vital for all those in positions of trust to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they must exercise as a consequence of this relationship.

A relationship of trust applies to staff or volunteers who are, as a result of their knowledge, position and/or the authority invested in their role, in a position of power or influence over a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

The Voluntary and Community Sector is in just such a position and therefore must be equipped to deal with a situation in which this relationship of trust is abused. Safeguarding policies are in place to help.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is all about having the knowledge and awareness to understand various types of abuse and neglect, being able to identify the signs and what to look for; knowing what steps to take if you suspect abuse is happening and knowing what to do if a child or an adult discloses abuse. Understanding the Safeguarding agenda will also help ensure your organisation works responsibly and safely, without putting staff in vulnerable positions.

Safeguarding has been defined as:

• All agencies working with children, young people and their families taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised; and
• Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies

Who does Safeguarding protect?

Safeguarding protects vulnerable people falling under the following headings:

• Early Years
• Children
• Children with Disabilities
• Young People
• Vulnerable Adults

Who are Vulnerable Adults?

A vulnerable adult as described by the Care Standards Act 2000 is a person aged 18 or over who has a condition of the following type:

• A learning or physical disability
• A physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including addiction to alcohol or drugs; or
• A reduction in physical or mental capacity

What should your organisation be doing?

Your organisation should have policies and procedures regarding Safeguarding, particularly if you work closely with children or vulnerable adults.

Do you know what your organisations policies are? Have you seen an up-to-date version?

All individuals within your organisation should be able to recognise the different types of abuse, identify the signs and where to go for help. The most important aspect your organisation should be ensuring is that all staff members keep accurate records.

Does your organisation work alongside other agencies to ensure information and records are shared and information passed on?

A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

Support available to your organisation

Southwark Council, like all boroughs across the country, would like everyone to have knowledge of safeguarding policies and the latest produces. They have made available the following resources:

Safe Organisation Checklist that provides basic actions that all organisations should take concerning safeguarding.

Free safeguarding training can be booked by organisations using My Learning Source (MLS). If you haven’t already signed up to MLS, please contact Deborah@casouthwark.org.uk

For further information about SSCB courses taking place throughout 2012 please click here

Further information

If you would like further information about safeguarding, please contact the relevant board for your organisation’s work:

Safeguarding adults partnership board (SAPB)

Southwark Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB)