Safeguarding Policy for Thomas Taylor Community Hub

1. Policy Statement

Thomas Taylor Community Hub is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all members of the community. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.

We believe that:

 

  • The welfare of the individual is paramount.
  • All people, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background, have the right to protection from harm, abuse, and neglect.
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

 

This policy outlines how we prevent, identify, and respond to safeguarding concerns.

 

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy aims to:

  • Protect children, young people, and adults at risk who use our services.
  • Provide staff and volunteers with guidance on their safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Ensure clear procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Promote safe recruitment and ongoing safeguarding culture within the organisation.

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees
  • Volunteers
  • Trustees
  • Contractors
  • Visitors and partner organisations operating within the premises or on behalf of the hub

It covers all activities and services provided by the community hub.

 

4. Definitions

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

Adult at Risk: Anyone aged 18+ who is unable to protect themselves from harm due to age, disability, mental health, illness, or social circumstances.

Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, discriminatory, organisational, or modern slavery.

 

5. Safeguarding Principles

Our safeguarding approach is based on:

  • Prevention: Safe recruitment, training, and clear expectations of conduct.
  • Protection: Clear procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Support: Providing guidance and assistance to those affected.
  • Partnership: Working with local safeguarding authorities and external agencies.

 

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Oversees safeguarding across the hub.
  • Manages safeguarding concerns and referrals.
  • Maintains secure records.
  • Provides support and advice to staff/volunteers.
  • Ensures induction and ongoing training.

 

DSL Name: Sarah Ross
Contact: sross@kingsoakprimary.co.uk

 

All Staff and Volunteers

  • Must read and understand this policy.
  • Must attend safeguarding training.
  • Must report concerns immediately—do not investigate.
  • Must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

 

Trustees / Management Committee

  • Ensure safeguarding policies are in place, up to date, and effective.
  • Support DSL and allocate resources for safeguarding.
  • Ensure compliance with legal requirements.

 

7. Safe Recruitment

We follow safe recruitment practices including:

  • Role descriptions and safeguarding responsibilities
  • Application forms and interviews
  • ID verification
  • References
  • DBS checks where required
  • Induction and probation period

No individual will work unsupervised until they have been appropriately vetted.

 

8. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Avoid one-to-one situations without transparency
  • Never engage in inappropriate physical contact
  • Never exchange personal contact details with service users without authorisation
  • Use hub technology and social media responsibly
  • Report breaches of conduct

 

9. Recognising Abuse

Staff should be vigilant for signs including:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Changes in behaviour or emotional state
  • Neglect or poor hygiene
  • Fear of certain individuals
  • Financial exploitation
  • Disclosure of abuse by the individual

Do not dismiss concerns—take them seriously.

 

10. Reporting a Concern

If you believe someone is at immediate risk, call 999.

 

Otherwise:

  1. Report concerns to the DSL immediately, or the Deputy DSL if unavailable.
  2. Record what you saw/heard using factual language only.
  3. Do not promise confidentiality—explain that safeguarding requires information to be shared.
  4. Do not question the individual in depth or contact the alleged perpetrator.
  5. DSL will decide next steps, including making referrals to:
    • Local Authority Children’s or Adult Safeguarding Team
    • Police
    • Other relevant agencies

 

If you cannot reach the DSL:

Contact the local safeguarding authority directly Bedford Borough Council IFD 01234 718700 and inform the DSL afterward.

 

11. Information Sharing & Confidentiality
  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
  • Records will be stored securely and electronically password-protected.
  • GDPR legislation will be followed, except where safeguarding overrides confidentiality concerns.

 

12. Safeguarding Training

All staff and volunteers must complete:

  • Initial safeguarding induction
  • Refresher training every 1–2 years
  • Additional training for those working directly with vulnerable groups

DSL will undertake enhanced safeguarding training.

 

13. Online and Digital Safety

The hub is committed to:

  • Safe use of social media and digital platforms
  • Monitoring of online sessions
  • No unsupervised one-to-one digital communication
  • Appropriate language and conduct online

 

14. Managing Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made:

  • Report immediately to the DSL (or Chair of Trustees if the allegation concerns the DSL).
  • DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 2hours for guidance.
  • The individual concerned may be suspended while the investigation proceeds.
  • The hub will cooperate fully with authorities.

 

15. Health & Safety and Prevent Duty

The hub will:

  • Ensure risk assessments are in place
  • Provide safe, accessible building conditions
  • Follow fire, first aid, and emergency procedures
  • Work to prevent radicalisation under the Prevent Duty, where applicable

 

16. Review of Policy

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes
  • There is a significant safeguarding incident
  • Practice or organisational changes occur