Public Safeguarding Policy

Accessibility

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Introduction

It is our duty above all else, to keep children and vulnerable adults safe. HBSUK has a statutory duty to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

This policy should be read and enacted alongside the ‘Vulnerable Adults and Safeguarding policy..

Who do I contact if I have a safeguarding concern or suspect abuse?

If there is no immediate danger you can tell someone you trust such as a family member, friend or a professional. If you don’t want to tell someone you know you can contact the HBSUK Safeguarding Team:

Phone: 0115 857 3842
Email: safeguarding@hbsuk.co.uk

If you think the abuse is a crime or someone is in immediate danger contact the police; call: 999 or if a non-emergency call: 101

Emergency duty teams (if outside office hours). These numbers will vary according to where you live. Your GP will have these contact details listed on their website.

If domestic abuse is suspected call the National Domestic Violence helpline: 0800 2000 247

Worried about a child, contact the NSPCC helpline where counsellors are available 24 hours a day: 0808 800 5000

Types of child abuse

Child abuse is any action by another adult, child or group of people that results in significant harm to a child. It can be physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect, for example not being shown love, kindness or care.

Types of adult abuse:

Physical abuse such as hitting, slapping or pushing
Neglect such as not being cared for properly, ignoring medical or physical needs, not having enough food, water or heating
Emotional or psychological abuse such as shouting or swearing, threats or intimidation, not being allowed to see friends and family or make your own choices
Sexual abuse such as unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse or sexual contact without consent or with pressured consent
Financial abuse such as theft, forcing someone to sign over money or property, making financial transactions without consent
Discriminatory abuse such as comments about someone’s disability, age, illness or sexual orientation
Domestic abuse such as controlling, forceful or threatening behaviour, honour based violence and female genital mutilation
Modern slavery such as human trafficking and forced labour

Adults at risk

An adult at risk is someone aged 18 years or over who might not be able to look after themselves, protect themselves from harm or stop themselves being exploited. They may:

Have a mental health problem or illness including dementia
Be involved with drug, alcohol abuse or other substance abuse
Have a physical or learning disability
Be older and frail
Not be able to speak up for themselves
Neglect themselves and/or their home
Live or receive respite care in an environment controlled by another entity or institution