Safeguarding Policy for Invis-ability: A Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Environment
Invis-ability, a community interest company dedicated to empowering individuals with invisible disabilities, has a formal safeguarding policy to ensure the well-being of all its participants, staff, and volunteers. This policy outlines the organization’s commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
Core Principles: Invis-ability’s approach to safeguarding is built on the fundamental principles of empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, and accountability. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in its activities feels safe, valued, and able to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
Scope and Application: This policy applies to all individuals associated with Invis-ability, including staff, volunteers, trustees, and anyone participating in their online and face-to-face sessions, workshops, and community events. The organization recognizes its responsibility to safeguard both children and vulnerable adults.
Key Policy Commitments:
- Policy Statement:Invis-ability firmly believes that no one should ever experience abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation. The organization is dedicated to promoting the welfare of all beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers, and to operating in a manner that protects them.
- Prevention of Harm:Proactive measures are in place to minimize risks. This includes:
- Safe Recruitment: All staff and volunteers undergo a thorough recruitment process, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.[1]
- Code of Conduct: Clear expectations for behavior are set for all participants, staff, and volunteers in both online and face-to-face sessions. This includes promoting respectful communication and prohibiting inappropriate behavior.[1]
- Online Safety: For online classes, measures are in place to manage risks, such as using high privacy settings, password protection for meetings, and advising against the sharing of personal details.[1][2]
- Supervision: In face-to-face sessions, at least two members of staff or volunteers are present. For online sessions with under 18s, if two staff members are not available, a parent is asked to be present and visible.[1]
- Recognizing and Responding to Abuse:Invis-ability is committed to ensuring all staff and volunteers are able to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and know how to respond appropriately. The policy provides definitions and indicators of different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
- Reporting Concerns:A clear and accessible procedure for reporting safeguarding concerns is in place.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns is one of the company directors. Concerns should be reported as soon as possible via email to info@invis-ability.org.uk with the reference “safeguarding”.[1][3]
- Internal Reporting: Staff and volunteers are required to report any concerns to the DSL.
- External Reporting: In situations where a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, the police will be contacted. The DSL will also report concerns to the relevant statutory authorities, such as local authority children’s or adult social care services, when necessary.
- Confidentiality:All safeguarding information will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, shared only with those who need to know to ensure the safety of the individual.[4] Information will be stored securely in line with data protection legislation.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Trustees/Directors: Hold the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the organization, ensuring the policy is implemented and regularly reviewed.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for leading on safeguarding matters, providing advice and support, and liaising with external agencies.
- Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers have a duty to be aware of the safeguarding policy and procedures, to report any concerns, and to contribute to a safe and positive environment.[5]
- Policy Review:This safeguarding policy and its procedures will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required, to ensure it remains up-to-date with legislation, best practices, and the needs of the organization.[3]
Invis-ability’s full and detailed safeguarding policy is available upon request by contacting info@invis-ability.org.uk.[1] The organization is committed to being a safe space for all and a J9 trained organization, further demonstrating its dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals.
