Policy Statement

The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take

Our safeguarding policy aims

• to protect from harm all children, young people and adults at risk who use our services

• to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children, young people and their families and carers, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection

Our principles

• children and adults should never experience abuse of any kind

• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults, and keep them safe

• we must behave and deliver our services in a way that protects everyone

We recognise

• the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents and carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

• all children and adults at risk, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse

Our safeguarding practice

We keep children, young people and adults safe by:

• valuing, listening to and respecting everyone who uses our services

• building a strong safeguarding culture where we work

• nominating a safeguarding (child protection) lead worker and a lead trustee

• demonstrating child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct

• implementing an effective online safety policy and procedures

• managing our staff and volunteers effectively through regular supervision, support, training and quality assurance

• recruiting the right staff and volunteers, and checking they are safe to work with children and adults at risk

• recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, as required by current legislation

• sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with our service users and their families

• helping children and young people, and their families, if they have a concern

• sharing concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, as explained in our policies

• managing allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately

• making sure that bullying and harassment is prevented

• providing effective complaints and whistleblowing procedures

• maintaining a safe physical environment by complying with health and safety law and regulatory guidance

Our safeguarding policies apply to anyone working on behalf of YMCA Sutton Coldfield, including the board of trustees, senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, contractors and students

Our policy is based on the law, guidance and identified good practice that protects children and adults at risk in England

We are committed to reviewing our policy and practice annually