safeguarding children and vulnerable adults policy:
This policy was last updated on 25 March 2021.
It is acknowledged that significant numbers of children and vulnerable adults partaking in through the noise programmes / projects, e.g. mindmusic, may be at risk of abuse, and it is important that through the noise has a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy along with a set of procedures.
This page contains the policy for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults partaking in any through the noise initiative. It will set out the key principles of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with our services.
through the noise recognises that it has a responsibility to:
Safeguard and promote the interests and well-being of children and vulnerable adults with whom it is working
Take all reasonable practical steps to protect them from harm, discrimination, or degrading treatment
Respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
Child and vulnerable adults protection procedures can:
Offer safeguards to the individuals with whom we work, and to our members of staff, volunteers and those in affiliated organisations
Help to maintain the professionalism and the standards of practice that are associated with the staff of through the noise.
We recognise that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. We are committed to:
Proper recruitment policies
The provision of support and appropriate training
Clear processes for recognition and responding to concerns
Working together with parents / carers and other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of all remains paramount.
1. definitions + principles:
Safeguarding: “Adult safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.” Adult Safeguarding Network, NHS England 2017.
Vulnerable Adult: “A person aged 18 years or over who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or able to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.” No Secrets, Department of Health Guidance, 2000.
Child: “England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland each have their own guidance setting out the duties and responsibilities of organisations to keep children safe, but they agree that a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.” NSPCC Safeguarding Information Service, August 2008.
Key principles:
The child’s welfare is paramount, as is that of the vulnerable adult
All participant whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously; and responded to swiftly and appropriately
Working in partnership with children and their parents / carers is essential for the protection of the children.
2. implementation:
In order to implement the policy, through the noise will work:
to promote the freedom and dignity of the person who has or is experiencing abuse
to support the rights of all people to live free from abuse and coercion
to promote the safety and well being of people who do not have the capacity to decide how they want to respond to abuse that they are experiencing
to manage the business in a way which promotes safety and prevents abuse
to recruit people safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
to provide effective management for colleagues through supervision, support and training
To ensure the policy and procedure is adhered to, through the noise:
will ensure that all colleagues working for or on behalf of through the noise are familiar with this policy and safeguarding procedures
will ensure that all colleagues working for or on behalf of through the noise who come into contact with our customers are trained to an appropriate level for their role
will make a referral to appropriate people when required and will work with other agencies to support the safety and wellbeing of our customers and our people
will act in line with relevant information and clinical governance policies and standards and will, for example seek to gain permission from a customer before sharing information about them with another agency
will support our staff to raise concerns appropriately and within the agreed timescale where a person is in danger, a child is at risk or a crime has been committed when a decision may be taken to pass information to another agency without the customer’s consent
will endeavour to keep up to date with national developments relating to preventing abuse and the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
3. recognition of abuse:
Even for those experienced in working with abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. through the noise acknowledges that its staff, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, are not experts at such recognition.
It is therefore expected that all potential cases of any concern are reported immediately to the relevant services in the following order: member of staff / member of the public, to through the noise management, to referral management team (through the noise directors) - in collaboration with the police, social services, and/or NSPCC.
It is the responsibility of these people to ensure that appropriate advice is obtained from the local social services department or the NSPCC. If the person in charge is not available, or the concern is about the person in charge, the person in receipt of the information will contact the social services directly.
In order to recognise abuse, it is necessary to assess some indications that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused:
Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent
The child / vulnerable adult describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him / her
Someone else—a child or adult, expresses concern about the welfare of another child
Unexplained changes in behaviour—e.g. becoming very quiet, withdrawn, or displaying sudden outbursts of temper
Inappropriate sexual awareness
Engages in sexually explicit behaviour in games
Is distrustful of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship will normally be expected
Has difficulty in making friends
Is prevented from socialising with other children
Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite
Loses weight for no apparent reason
Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt.
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place. It is not necessarily the responsibility of those working for through the noise to decide that abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns.
4. forms of abuse:
“Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons” No Secrets: Department of Health, 2000. Abuse includes:
physical abuse: including - but not limited to - hitting, slapping, punching, burning, misuse of medication, inappropriate restraint, weight loss or gain
sexual abuse: including rape, indecent assault, inappropriate touching, exposure to pornographic material
as well as the above forms of sexual abuse, there is a need to be aware of child sexual exploitation (CSE), when a child may be given gifts or affection in return for sexual activities. There is also a need to be aware of female genital mutilation (FGM), where a young girl has partial or total removal of genitalia for non-medical reasons. Signs of FGM may include a long holiday abroad, a special ceremony, difficulty in walking, sitting or standing as well as other signs of abuse
psychological or emotional abuse: including belittling, name calling, threats of harm, intimidation, isolation. Emotional abuse also occurs when there is constant overprotection, which prevents children / vulnerable adults from socialising
financial or material abuse: including stealing, selling assets, fraud, misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits
neglect and acts of omission: including withholding the necessities of life such as medication, food or warmth, ignoring medical or physical care needs
discriminatory abuse: including racist, homophobic, sexist, abuse based on a person’s disability and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment
institutional or organisational: including regimented routines and cultures, unsafe practices, lack of person-centred care or treatment. This also includes observed lack of dignity and respect in the care setting, rigid routine, processes / tasks organised to meet staff needs, disrespectful language and attitudes
modern slavery is the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation.
abuse may be carried out deliberately or unknowingly and may be a single act or repeated acts.
domestic violence: including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence. Domestic violence and self-harm need to be considered as possible indicators of abuse and /or contributory factors.
self-neglect: covers a wide range of behaviour including neglecting to care for an individuals personal hygiene, health or surroundings.
bullying and cyber-bullying: although not a specific form of abuse, this can take the form of any of the acknowledged abuse forms. Bullying can occur face-to-face or in a more subtle manner such as through electronic methods like text messaging and social media. Bullying can not only be physical, sexual or neglectful in nature but also emotionally damaging.
5. effects of abuse:
Abuse in all its forms can affect a child or vulnerable adult at any age. The effects can be so damaging, that if not treated, they may follow an individual into adulthood and beyond. For example, an adult who has been abused as a child may find it difficult, or impossible, to maintain a stable, trusting relationship; may become involved with drugs or prostitution; may attempt suicide, or may abuse a child in the future and find successful parenting difficult.
There have been a number of studies which suggest children with disabilities are at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation, and a powerlessness to protect themselves, or to adequately communicate that abuse has occurred. Children from ethnic minorities, who may also be experiencing racial discrimination, may be doubly powerless.
If a child / vulnerable adult says or indicates that he or she is being abused, or information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, the person receiving this information should:
React calmly so as not to frighten the child / vulnerable adult
Tell the child / vulnerable adult they are not to blame and that it was right to tell someone
Take what the child / vulnerable adult says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who is very young, has a speech disability and/or differences in language
Keep questions to the absolute minimum necessary to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said
Reassure the child / vulnerable adult, but do not make promises of confidentiality which might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments
Make a full record of what had been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.
6. responding to abuse:
It is not the responsibility of a member of through the noise to take responsibility or to decide whether or not abuse is taking place. There is, however, a responsibility to report concerns so that appropriate agencies can then make inquiries and take any necessary action to protect the child.
Whilst through the noise acknowledges the importance of the role of statutory agencies involved in children and vulnerable adults’ welfare (social services, police, NSPCC), it appreciates that there may be some reluctance to report direct to these agencies, especially if the person reporting is unclear as to whether abuse has occurred. As a result of this, through the noise management and referral management team (the directors) should be notified at the earliest possible time after the event or allegation. The directors can then liaise directly with statutory agencies and assist the organisation / member(s) that made the report.
The social services department has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 to ensure the welfare of a child. When a child protection referral is made its staff have a legal responsibility to investigate. This may involve talking to the child and family and gathering information from other people who know the child. Inquiries may be carried out jointly with the police.
through the noise considers it important to act on reports, or suspicions of abuse or neglect. It also acknowledges that taking action in cases of abuse is never easy which is why all colleagues will have access to a senior clinician for support and guidance.
How to respond if you suspect abuse:
Listen to what the person is saying
Reassure the person concerned
Remain calm and do not show shock or disbelief
Tell them that the information will be treated seriously
Don’t ask detailed or probing questions
Don’t promise to keep it a secret
Record and escalate what you have been told / witnessed as soon as possible
If you witness abuse or abuse has just taken place the priorities will be:
to ensure the safety of the individual
to call an ambulance if required
to call the police if a crime has been committed
to keep yourself, your colleagues and customers safe
to inform the referral management team (the directors).
All situations of abuse or suspected abuse will be discussed with the referral management team (the directors) who will then discuss with the relevant services and organisations. The person identifying the concern should also notify their line manager and keep them updated.
If it is appropriate and there is consent from the individual, or there is a good reason to make a referral without consent, such as risk to others, a referral will be made to the appropriate parties by the referral management team.
If the individual experiencing abuse does not have capacity to consent, a referral can be made without that person’s consent, if it is in their best interests. Any considerations for referral without consent must be fully discussed with the referral management team who will escalate and discuss further with appropriate colleagues, for example, the Data Protection Officer or relevant government agencies.
7. recording abuse:
Information passed to the social services department or the police must be as helpful as possible, hence the necessity for making a detailed record. The information should contain the following:
The nature of the allegation
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries
The child / vulnerable adults’ account, if he or she can give them, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred
Any times, dates, or other relevant information
A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion, or hearsay
Reporting the matter to the police or social services department should not however be delayed by attempts to obtain more information. Once an allegation or concern has been raised with the police, social services or the NSPCC then the concern must be passed on to the through the noise directors.
Wherever possible, referrals telephoned to the social services department should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours. A record should also be made of the name and designation of the social services member of staff or police officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow-up is needed.
through the noise is committed to maintaining confidentiality wherever possible and information around safeguarding children and vulnerable adults should be shared only with those who need to know. The information that is recorded will comply with data protection requirements, for example it will be kept secure and access to this information will be restricted to the referral management team.
through the noise will ensure that any allegations made against members or member of staff will be dealt with swiftly. Where a member of staff is thought to have committed a criminal offence the police will be informed. If a crime has been witnessed the police should be contacted immediately. The safety of the individual(s) concerned is paramount.
A risk assessment must be undertaken immediately to assess the level of risk to all customers and staff posed by the alleged perpetrator. This will include whether it is safe for them to continue in their role with through the noise whilst the investigation is undertaken.
The referral management team will liaise with internal and external stakeholders to discuss the best course of action and to ensure that the through the noise disciplinary procedures are coordinated with any other enquiries taking place as part of the ongoing management of the allegation.
8. preventing abuse:
All people have a right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect. Basic guidelines will help safeguard both children, staff, volunteers and the organisation concerned and reduce the risk of allegations being made. These are listed below.
Recruitment, and selecting staff and volunteers
Anyone may have the potential to abuse children and/or vulnerable adults in some way and it is important that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with children. It is essential the same procedure is used consistently whether staff be paid or unpaid in part-time or full-time occupation.
When undertaking pre-selection checks the following should be included:
All volunteers and staff working for through the noise should complete an application form
Application forms should be designed to elicit information about an applicant’s past career (including any gaps), and to establish any criminal record
Consent should be obtained from applicants for police and social services checks
At least two references should be taken up, including at least one regarding previous work with children, and one from a professional that is unrelated to the applicant
All volunteers and employees should sign a child protection protocol
All volunteers and employees (in England and Wales) should be a checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service who maintain information about individuals who are deemed unsuitable to work with children.
Training and seminars
It should be recognised that checks are only part of the process to protect children from possible abuse by members of staff. through the noise staff are recommended to have completed safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults training. They should receive appropriate ongoing training and attend suitable seminars undertaken by experienced deliverers so that they are aware and sensitive to potentially abusive situations.
through the noise will endeavour to update safeguarding training and policies every 3 years, in line with other providers.
Supervision
Managers should be sensitive to any concerns about abuse or not adhering to good practice as set out below, and act on them at an early stage. They should also offer appropriate support to those who report concerns.
Good practice in the care of children
You can reduce situations for the abuse of children and help to protect staff and volunteers by promoting good practice. The following are more specific examples of care which should be taken when working within a swimming context.
Always be publicly open when working with children. Avoid situations where a staff member and individual children / vulnerable adult are completely unobserved.
Where any form of manual support is required, this should be provided openly and with the assent of the child and consent of the parent. The staff member should also be extremely careful as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. The views of parents / guardians should always be carefully considered.
Do not take children alone in a car on journeys, however short.
Where cases arise where it is unavoidable that these things do happen, they should only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge in the organisation, or the child’s parents.
And you should never:
Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
Share a room with a child
Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form
Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child even in fun
Let allegations a child makes go unrecorded, or not acted upon
Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves
Have children stay at your home with you unsupervised
Spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others
Take children to your home where they will be alone with you
Take still or movie photographs of children without obtaining the guardians consent in writing.
It may be sometimes necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or are children with disabilities. These tasks should only be carried out with a full understanding and written consent of parents and of the children involved.
There is a need to be responsive to a child’s reactions and if a child is fully dependent upon you, talk with them about what you are doing and give them choices where possible. This is particularly so if you are involved in any dressing, or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact of lifting or assisting a child to carry out particular activities.
If during your care of a child you accidentally hurt them, the child seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions, or misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such incident as soon as possible to another colleague and make a brief written note of it. Parents or carers should be informed of the incident.
