This Safeguarding Policy sets out the commitment of the charity to protect the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals who encounter our activities. This includes children, older people, adults who may be vulnerable, volunteers, and members of the wider community.

The charity recognizes that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where people are treated with dignity and feel able to raise concerns without fear.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm of any kind.

This policy applies to:

· Trustees and committee members

· Volunteers (including cooks, servers, drivers, and helpers)

· Anyone acting on behalf of the charity

The policy covers all charity activities, including:

· Providing free meals for children during school holidays

· Cooking and delivering meals to older residents

· Operating a community larder

· Fundraising and community events

· Community Cafe

Safeguarding means:

· Protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation

· Preventing harm where possible

· Responding appropriately when concerns arise

· Promoting wellbeing, dignity, and respect

· Safeguarding is not about suspicion; it is about being prepared, proportionate, and responsible.

· Children

· Anyone under the age of 18 who attends or benefits from our activities, including holiday meal provision.

· Adults at Risk

· Adults who may be vulnerable due to age, illness, disability, isolation, or personal circumstances, including older residents receiving meal deliveries.

· Volunteers and Staff

· Ensuring volunteers are supported, protected from harm, and treated fairly.

The charity is guided by the following principles:

· Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

· The welfare of the individual comes first

· All concerns are taken seriously

· People are treated with respect and dignity

· Action taken will be proportionate and appropriate

· Confidentiality will be respected, but never promised

Trustees

· The trustees have overall responsibility for safeguarding and must ensure that:

· Appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are in place

· Safeguarding is embedded in how the charity operates

· The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is supported and empowered

· Safeguarding concerns are not ignored or minimized

· Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

· Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns

· Ensuring concerns are recorded and handled appropriately

· Providing advice and reassurance to volunteers and trustees

· Liaising with external agencies where required

· Reviewing and updating safeguarding arrangements

· The DSL does not investigate concerns but ensures they are managed correctly.

Volunteers

· Volunteers are expected to:

· Act in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner

· Maintain appropriate boundaries

· Report any safeguarding concerns promptly

· Follow the charity’s safeguarding procedures

A safeguarding concern may arise if someone:

· Appears distressed, fearful, withdrawn, or neglected

· Discloses abuse or harm

· Is treated in a way that causes concern

· Raises a worry about someone else

Concerns may relate to physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inappropriate behaviour.

If a safeguarding concern arises:

· Listen carefully and take the concern seriously

· Do not promise confidentiality

· Do not investigate or challenge the person involved

· Record what has been said or observed

· Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible

· If the concern involves the DSL, it should be reported to the Chair of Trustees.

In an emergency, or where someone is at immediate risk, emergency services should be contacted.

Safeguarding information will be:

· Shared only with those who need to know

· Stored securely

· Handled in line with data protection requirements

Confidentiality will be respected but will not prevent information being shared where there is a risk of harm.

The charity is committed to safer working practices, including:

· Clear expectations of volunteer behaviour

· Avoiding unnecessary one to one situation where possible

· Respecting personal boundaries

· Treating all individuals fairly and without judgement

· Volunteers must follow the charity’s Volunteer Code of Conduct.

The charity aims to create a culture where:

· People feel safe and respected

· Concerns can be raised openly

· Safeguarding is discussed proportionately and calmly

· Learning and improvement are encouraged

This policy will be:

· Approved by the trustees

· Reviewed annually, or sooner if activities or legislation change