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Safeguarding children & young people policy

1. Introduction:

West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who access our services. We recognise our duty to protect children from abuse, harm, exploitation, and neglect, and to act promptly and appropriately where concerns arise.

Safeguarding is embedded within WMRSASC’s governance framework and organisational culture. The Trustee Board holds ultimate accountability for safeguarding, supported by clear leadership, robust policies, and effective oversight. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at Trustee meetings and is monitored through reporting, assurance, and continuous learning.

Our safeguarding approach is grounded in trauma‑informed practice, principles of children’s rights, and a commitment to multi‑agency safeguarding as set out in national and local guidance.

This policy is supported by detailed internal safeguarding procedures, which provide operational guidance for staff and volunteers. These procedures are maintained separately and are accessible internally to ensure safeguarding responses remain effective, current, and aligned with local safeguarding arrangements.

This policy aligns with:

  • Children Act 1989
  • Children Act 2004
  • Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018/25)
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Local safeguarding procedures published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnerships

It includes other relevant regulations and best‑practice guidance that support the creation of a safe, secure, and protective environment for children and young people.

 

2. Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Set out WMRSASC’s safeguarding commitments to safeguarding children and young people
  • Ensure children and young people who engage with our services are safe, supported, and listened to.
  • Provide clarity on roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
  • Demonstrate alignment with national legislation, local safeguarding arrangements, and recognised best practice
  • Provide assurance to funders, commissioners, parents, carers, partner agencies and the wider community.

 

3. Scope:

This policy applies to

  • All WMRSASC staff
  • Volunteers
  • Trustees
  • Contractors and sessional workers
  • Students on placement
  • Anyone acting on behalf of WMRSASC

 

4. Roles and Responsibilities:

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. WMRSASC ensures clear lines of accountability in accordance with statutory guidance and local safeguarding arrangements.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): The Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO holds strategic responsibility for safeguarding, including:

  • Ensuring compliance with national and local safeguarding requirements.
  • Overseeing implementation of safeguarding policy and practice.
  • Providing advice and oversight on complex or high‑risk cases.
  • Reporting serious incidents to the Chair of Trustees immediately.
  • Ensuring WMRSASC participates appropriately in multi‑agency safeguarding processes.
  • Ensuring learning from safeguarding cases is embedded across the organisation.

Trustee Board:

Trustees hold ultimate accountability for safeguarding and must:

  • Ensure effective safeguarding governance is in place.
  • Receive safeguarding reports and updates at every board meeting.
  • Provide scrutiny, challenge, and oversight.
  • Ensure adequate resources for training, systems, and safe practice.
  • Undertake Level 3 safeguarding training.
  • Ensure serious incidents are reported to statutory bodies or regulatory agencies as required.

Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Service Managers Team (SMT):

Are responsible for:

  • Embedding safeguarding within their operational areas.
  • Ensuring staff receive safeguarding supervision and support.
  • Monitoring compliance with training, procedures, and practice standards.
  • Ensuring safeguarding themes and risks are escalated when necessary.
  • Deputise for Designated Safeguarding Officer

Line Managers and Single Point of Contact (SPOCs): First point of contact for staff with concerns, responsible for assessing information, and advising on necessary actions.

Managers/SPOCs are responsible for:

  • Providing immediate safeguarding guidance to staff.
  • Supporting decision‑making and liaise with Children’s Social Care.
  • Ensuring timely referrals to appropriate agencies.
  • Reviewing and quality‑assuring safeguarding records.
  • Monitoring progress of cases and ensuring actions are completed.
  • Attending multi‑agency meetings where required.
  • Ensuring all decisions and actions are recorded accurately.

All Staff and Volunteers:

All individuals working with WMRSASC must:

  • Recognise and report safeguarding concerns immediately.
  • Follow internal standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
  • Clearly explain the limits of confidentiality.
  • Record safeguarding concerns accurately and promptly.
  • Complete mandatory safeguarding training and refreshers.
  • Work in partnership with safeguarding agencies.
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, trauma‑informed environment.

 

5. Definitions:

Child

A child is defined as any person under the age of 18 whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently.”, in accordance with the Children Act 1989 / Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

Significant Harm

The Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 define Significant Harm as the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of a child.

Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 places a duty on Local Authorities to make enquiries, or cause enquiries to be made, where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

The Adoption and Children Act 2002 (Section 120) clarified that significant harm includes impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill‑treatment of another, such as exposure to domestic abuse. Concerns about significant harm may result in a Section 47 child protection enquiry and associated assessments.

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. As set out in the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023/5), abuse may involve inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm. It may occur within a family, institution, or community setting.

The four main categories of abuse are:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Neglect

Defining Abuse (including signs and indicators)

Indicators of abuse are signs or patterns that may suggest a child, young person, or adult at risk is experiencing harm or is at risk of harm. A safeguarding concern may arise from a single indicator, a pattern of indicators, or a disclosure.

Staff and volunteers should be alert to changes in behaviour, appearance, or circumstances and should always consider the possibility of abuse or neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical signs are visible injuries or physical conditions that cannot be easily explained.

Examples include Bruising, burns, cuts, fractures, or marks.  Injuries at different stages of healing Injuries inconsistent with the explanation given Frequent unexplained injuries or hospital visits

Emotional Abuse

Emotional signs relate to a person’s emotional wellbeing and behaviour.  Examples include Low self‑esteem or negative self‑talk, Excessive anxiety, fearfulness, or distress, Withdrawal, sadness, or depression, Aggression, anger, or extreme mood changes and Fear of certain people or situations

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse may present through behavioural, emotional, sexualised, or physical signs. These may include sudden changes in behaviour or mood, withdrawal, anxiety, regression, avoidance of certain people or places, increased secrecy, self-harm, or distress.

Indicators may also include sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate for age or development, low self-esteem, shame, fear of physical contact, or emotional distress. Physical signs are less common but can include unexplained pain, discomfort, injury, or changes in personal hygiene.

Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside clothing. It may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet).

Criminal Exploitation

It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into criminal activity:

  • in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or
  • for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator, and/or
  • through violence or the threat of violence.

The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual.

Criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact and can occur through the use of technology.

Neglect

Neglect signs relate to a person’s basic needs not being met.  Examples include;

  • Poor hygiene or persistent unclean clothing, hunger, dehydration, or constant tiredness
  • Inappropriate clothing for the weather, Untreated medical or dental conditions, Lack of supervision or support.
  • Neglect often shows through patterns over time, rather than a single incident.

Behavioural indicators of abuse and neglect

Behavioural signs are actions or changes in how a person behaves.  Examples include sudden changes in behaviour or routines, regression (e.g. bed‑wetting, clinginess in children), avoidance of certain people or places, risk‑taking behaviour, self‑harm or talk of hopelessness, decline in engagement with activities or services.

All staff and volunteers are expected to remain vigilant to signs and indicators of abuse or neglect and to report concerns in line with WMRSASC safeguarding procedures.

Confidentiality and information Sharing

Confidentiality refers to the principle of respecting and protecting personal and sensitive information. Information is not shared without consent unless there is a legal duty to do so, or where sharing information is necessary to safeguard a child or prevent harm.

Safeguarding decisions must take account of a child or young person’s ability to give informed consent, while also complying with relevant legal frameworks, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and wider child protection legislation.

Collaboration

As highlighted in Children’s Act 2004/Children and Social Work Act 2017 and Working together Guidance 2023/5; we work in collaboration with children, families, agencies and organisations recognising our shared responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  This includes working in line with Local Authority Safeguarding Boards and making necessary referrals to statutory bodies.

Prevention and Safer Working Practices 

Our safeguarding policy is aligned with Working Together to Safeguard Children and is underpinned by a preventative, child‑centred approach. We focus on the early identification of signs and indicators of abuse and neglect, recognising that safeguarding is most effective when concerns are identified and responded to at the earliest opportunity. This is done through clear safer working practices, shared responsibility, effective information sharing, and ongoing training.  We promote a culture of safe practice, vigilance, and partnership working, ensuring children and young people are safeguarded from harm and their welfare is always promoted.  This includes an expectation for all staff and volunteers to be vigilant and curious to identify signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.

Trauma‑Informed Approach

A trauma‑informed approach recognises that exposure to trauma can significantly impact a child’s emotional, psychological, physical, and social development. It emphasises safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, and seeks to avoid re‑traumatisation while supporting recovery and resilience.

Contextual Safeguarding

Contextual safeguarding is an approach to safeguarding that recognises that children and young people may experience harm in a range of settings beyond the family, including peer groups, schools, communities, and online environments. It emphasises understanding and responding to the wider contexts in which harm occurs, alongside individual and family‑based safeguarding responses.

 

6. Safeguarding Principles:

Best Interest of the Child

The welfare of the child is paramount in all actions and decisions.

Child-Centred Approach

Children and young people are listened to, believed, and involved in decisions that affect them, taking account of their views, wishes, and feelings.

Trauma-Informed Practice

We recognise the impact of trauma on children’s emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing and work in ways that promote safety, trust, choice, and empowerment.

Equity, Inclusion and Protection from Harm

WMRSASC is committed to ensuring that all children and young people, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, immigration status, or any other protected characteristic, have the right to be protected from abuse, harm and exploitation.

We recognise that some children may experience additional barriers to safety, disclosure, or access to support, and we are committed to responding in ways that are inclusive, accessible, culturally sensitive, and anti‑discriminatory.

Contextual Safeguarding

We recognise that children may be harmed in a range of settings beyond the family, including peer groups, schools, communities, and online environments.

Partnership Working

We work collaboratively with children, families (where appropriate), statutory agencies, and safeguarding partners in line with local multi‑agency arrangements.

Collaboration and Appropriate Statutory Referral

We work in collaboration with children, families, agencies and organisations recognising our shared responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  This includes making necessary referrals to statutory organisations in line with our policies and procedures.

Children Social Care

The Children’s Social Care Front Door / Initial Contact and Referral Team are the central point for receiving referrals where there are safeguarding or child protection concerns for children and young people aged 0–18 years.  We will make any necessary referrals to local authority children’s social care services for the area in which the child or family lives.

Out of hours

If a safeguarding concern arises outside of normal office hours and safeguarding referral are required, we will report to the local authority’s Emergency Duty Team (EDT).

Emergency Services

(Police, Ambulance or Fire Services)

If a child or family is believed to be in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm, emergency services we would contact without delay by calling 999.

Early Identification and Response

We identify concerns early and respond promptly to reduce risk and prevent escalation.  We focus on the early identification of signs and indicators of abuse and neglect, recognising that safeguarding is most effective when concerns are identified and responded to at the earliest opportunity.

Prevent Duty

We recognise our responsibility under the Government’s Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (the PREVENT duty). As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we are committed to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. Staff and volunteers are trained to recognise potential indicators of radicalisation and understand how to respond appropriately. Any concerns will be reported in line with our safeguarding procedures and, where necessary, shared with relevant agencies, including local safeguarding partners or the Channel programme.

 

7. Access to Services – Consent and Competency:

WMRSASC recognise that children and young people have the right to access our services in a way that supports their autonomy while ensuring that parents and guardians are involved when necessary.

  • Children aged 13 and under: Parental or guardian consent is required for any child under the age of 13 to access our services.
  • Children aged 14 and above: While parental consent is still preferred for young people aged 14 and over, if they are deemed Gillick competent, we may work directly with them following the completion of our Fraser Guidelines/Gillick Competency assessment. This means that if a young person has the maturity to understand the nature and consequences of the service or advice they are seeking, we can work with them independently, in line with legal frameworks.

Consent forms are sent to parent/carers (child and young people) this includes details regarding confidentiality, information sharing and safeguarding.

In addition, safeguarding policies and processes are accessible through our website (wmrsasc.org.uk/policies)

 

8. Confidentiality:

WMRSASC respects confidentiality and privacy. Information is shared only when necessary to protect a child, where there is a legal duty to share, or for safeguarding purposes. Confidentiality limits are explained at the earliest opportunity.

At the start of any intervention or support, service users are made aware of specific arrangements in respect of confidentiality, information sharing and safeguarding.

 

9. Safer Recruitment:

WMRSASC is committed to safer recruitment practices to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children and young people. This includes:

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all staff, volunteers and trustees.
  • Verification of identity, qualifications, and employment history.
  • Appropriate references obtained prior to appointment.
  • Safer recruitment training for those involved in recruitment.
  • Clear role descriptions and safeguarding expectations.

 

10. Safeguarding Training and Development:

WMRSASC ensures that all staff, volunteers and trustees have the knowledge and skills required to safeguard children and young people effectively. This includes:

  • Mandatory safeguarding training as part of induction
  • Annual safeguarding refresher training, that includes national, local and organisational updates this includes amendments to policies, procedures and practice.
  • Training aligned with current legislation, local safeguarding arrangements, and best practice
  • Additional safeguarding training where required by role or service area
  • Access to safeguarding advice, supervision and ongoing support.

 

11. Continuous Improvement:

WMRSASC is committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practice. We recognise the importance of learning from experience, feedback, and changes in legislation or guidance to ensure children and young people are protected effectively.

Continuous improvement is supported through:

  • Regular review of safeguarding practice, themes, and learning
  • Reflective supervision and management oversight
  • Learning from safeguarding incidents, concerns, and near‑misses
  • Feedback from children and young people, staff, and partner agencies
  • Engagement with local safeguarding partnerships and multi‑agency learning
  • Ongoing review of policies, training, and practice in line with emerging best practice which is shared with staff, volunteers and updated on our website.

This approach supports a strong safeguarding culture and ensures WMRSASC continues to meet statutory requirements and sector standards.

 

12. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers:

WMRSASC follows local safeguarding partnership procedures for managing allegations against staff or volunteers, including consultation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The safety and welfare of children is the priority at all times.

Allegations are managed in line with WMRSASC’s Disciplinary Policy, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly, fairly, and consistently. Where concerns relate to serious wrongdoing, unsafe practice, or where it is not appropriate to raise concerns through line management, individuals are encouraged to use WMRSASC’s Whistleblowing Policy, which enables concerns to be raised confidentially and without fear of detriment.

 

13. Record Keeping and Data Protection:

Safeguarding records are accurate, factual, securely stored, and retained in line with WMRSASC’s Data Retention Policy and UK GDPR.

 

14. Complaints/Appeals:

If you believe this policy has not been applied correctly or wish to raise a complaint or appeal a decision, please contact WMRSASC directly.   If your concern involves serious wrongdoing, unethical practices, or legal violations, please consult the Whistleblowing Policy for information on how to raise such issues confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

 

15. Data Protection:

Information related to this policy is stored securely and handled in accordance with WMRSASC’s Data Protection Policy to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of all parties.