Driver61 Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
At Driver61, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who interacts with our organisation, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring a safe environment for all.
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that everyone involved with Driver61, including employees, volunteers, contractors, and participants, understands their responsibilities in safeguarding. This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and anyone involved in the delivery of our services or activities.
Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, well-being, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It applies to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Policy Statement
Driver61 is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals. We operate with zero tolerance for any form of abuse or neglect. All employees, volunteers, and contractors are responsible for upholding this policy and creating a safe, protective environment for all participants in our activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Safeguarding Officer: Melissa Brookes is designated as the safeguarding officer and is responsible for implementing and overseeing safeguarding practices.
Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are required to understand and comply with this safeguarding policy. They must act upon any safeguarding concerns they identify, report concerns immediately, and attend mandatory safeguarding training.
Management: Managers are responsible for ensuring this policy is adhered to in all activities and for supporting the safeguarding officer in their role.
Prevention Measures
Code of Conduct: All employees and volunteers must adhere to our code of conduct. This includes treating everyone with respect, avoiding inappropriate behaviour, and maintaining professional boundaries.
Reporting Concerns
It is essential that anyone who has concerns about the welfare or safety of an individual reports them immediately.
Internal Reporting: All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the safeguarding officer, Melissa Brookes, via melissa.brookes@driver61.com.
External Reporting: If the safeguarding officer is unavailable, or if the concern involves the safeguarding officer, staff can report directly to the local safeguarding authority or the police.
All concerns, no matter how small, will be taken seriously and handled with sensitivity. Reports will remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law.
Responding to Allegations or Concerns
When an allegation or concern is reported, Driver61 will:
- Take immediate action to ensure the safety of the individual(s) involved.
- Investigate the matter in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.
- Notify relevant authorities if necessary (e.g., police, social services).
- Support the individual who raised the concern, ensuring they face no retaliation for their report.
- Take appropriate disciplinary action if a staff member or volunteer is found to have breached this policy.
We are committed to ensuring a fair, unbiased investigation process, and maintaining confidentiality throughout.
Monitoring and Reviewing the Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually by the safeguarding officer and senior management to ensure it remains current with legal requirements and best practices. Any updates will be communicated to staff, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders.
Useful Contact
– Safeguarding Officer: Melissa Brookes, melissa.brookes@driver61.com
– Local Safeguarding Authority: Warwickshire County Council’s Safeguarding Service, 01926 414144
– Police (Non-emergency number): 101
– Emergency Number: 999