Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment

• The welfare of children and adults at risk comes before all other considerations.
• Every concern is taken seriously and acted upon without delay.
• Volunteers are supported to recognise and report concerns.
• Nobody is discouraged from raising a concern in good faith.

Safer recruitment

Some roles involving children or vulnerable adults will require safeguarding checks and appropriate approval. Volunteers in those roles complete an application, an informal interview, a DBS check at the appropriate level and an induction covering this policy.

Recognising a concern

• Physical, emotional, sexual or financial harm.
• Neglect, isolation or withheld care.
• Bullying, harassment or discriminatory abuse.
• Coercion, exploitation or controlling behaviour.

Reporting a concern

If a person is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, report the concern to a member of the BVUK Blackburn team the same day, or email sabir@bvuk.org marked 'Safeguarding'. Serious concerns are referred to Blackburn with Darwen Children's or Adult Social Care and, where appropriate, to the police.

Record what you saw or were told using the person's own words. Do not investigate the concern yourself and do not promise to keep it secret.

Conduct at our activities

• Volunteers should avoid being alone and unobserved with a child or adult at risk.
• Photographs at events are taken only with permission.
• Personal contact details are not exchanged privately with young people.
• Any allegation against a volunteer is reported and the volunteer stood down while it is reviewed.

Confidentiality and its limits

Personal information should only be collected where needed.

Private information should not be shared without permission.

Confidentiality does not apply where there is a safeguarding concern, serious risk of harm or legal duty to disclose information.