Keeping people safe

CAVS believes that every child, young person and adult has the right to be safe, and that it is always unacceptable for a child, young person or adult to experience abuse of any kind. CAVS recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people and adults, by a commitment to practise in a way that protects them.

This statement sets out our commitment to safeguarding; our full policy can be accessed by contacting the Designated Safeguarding Leads via safeguarding@cavsorg.uk.

We recognise that

• The welfare of the child, young person and adult is paramount
• All children, young people and adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting people's welfare
• Working positively with adults who may be at risk is essential to promote their wellbeing and safety

How we safeguard children, young people and their families

We will seek to safeguard children, young people and their families by:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting them
• Adopting child-protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
• Sharing learning and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
• Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately
• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training

How we safeguard adults at risk

We will seek to safeguard adults at risk by:

• Adopting the six principles of safeguarding adults at risk and person-centred practices in line with Making Safeguarding Personal
• Involving the adult at risk in decision-making and following the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and its Code of Practice
• Adopting appropriate procedures for responding to concerns and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely
• Sharing learning and good practice
• Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know
• Providing effective management through supervision, support and training

What to do if you have a safeguarding concern

If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999.

CAVS Safeguarding Team

• Trustee Lead for Safeguarding - Wayne Johnson
• Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Harris
• Designated Safeguarding Lead - Kellie Wright
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officers - Rebecca Gibson and Leanne Farrer

The White House, Kiln Road, Benfleet, SS7 1TF
Telephone: 01268 214000
Email: safeguarding@cavsorg.uk

External reporting

For children: 0345 603 7627 (ask for the 'e line'; for extremely serious concerns ask for the priority line and complete the online portal). Emergency Duty Service (out of hours): 0345 606 1212 (Monday-Thursday 5.00pm-8.45am; Friday 4.30pm - Monday 8.45am, including bank holidays). Essex: www.essex.gov.uk/report-a-concern-about-a-child - Essex Social Care Request for Support form. Essex Safeguarding Children Board: www.escb.co.uk.

For adults: Essex Safeguarding Adults Board: www.esab.org.uk. Reporting concerns - Essex: 0345 603 7630 (online: safeguarding portal); Southend: 01702 215008 / socialcaredirect@essex.gov.uk. www.essex.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/report-concern-about-adult.

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): the LADO should be alerted to all cases where it is alleged that a person has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child, and provides advice and guidance: 01245 436744.