NURTUREFY CIC

Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Nurturefy CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We believe that everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, has the right to protection from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. We will create a culture of vigilance, prevention, and empowerment where safeguarding is embedded in all areas of our work.

2. Scope and Legal Framework

This policy applies to all staff, directors, sessional workers, and volunteers involved in our work. It also applies to contractors, consultants, and partner organisations. This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and statutory guidance:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
- Care Act 2014
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
- Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
- Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

3. Definitions

Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

A child is anyone under the age of 18 (See separate Child Protection Policy)
An adult at risk is anyone aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves.

Types of abuse include physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial/material, psychological, domestic abuse, organisational, discriminatory abuse, and modern slavery/exploitation.

3A. Signs of Abuse

Staff, volunteers, and partners must remain vigilant for indicators that a child, young person, or adult at risk may be experiencing abuse or neglect. Signs can present physically, emotionally, or through changes in behaviour. The presence of one sign does not automatically indicate abuse, but any concern must be reported immediately.

Possible Indicators of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, bite marks
Injuries in various stages of healing
Frequent “accidents” or explanations that seem inconsistent

Emotional / Psychological Abuse

Excessive fearfulness, anxiety, withdrawal, or aggression
Low self-esteem, sudden behavioural changes
Developmental delays without medical explanation

Sexual Abuse

Sexualised behaviour or language inappropriate for age
Difficulty sitting or walking
Genital injuries, discharge, or sexually transmitted infections
Sudden avoidance of certain people or places

Neglect

Poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, persistent hunger
Failure to attend school or appointments
Unmet medical needs
Living conditions posing health or safety risks

Financial or Material Abuse (adults at risk)

Sudden loss of possessions or money
Unexplained bank withdrawals
Pressure to sign documents

Domestic Abuse

Signs of fear around certain people
Physical injuries accompanied by controlling or coercive behaviour
Isolation from friends/family

Discriminatory Abuse

Harassment, derogatory language, exclusion due to race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, etc.

Organisational Abuse

Unsafe or poor-quality care practices
Lack of respect for dignity or personal choice

Modern Slavery / Exploitation

Signs of coercion, fearfulness, restricted freedom
Working long hours for little/no pay
Not in possession of own passport or documents

4. Responsibilities and Governance

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for safeguarding.
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for coordinating safeguarding concerns and referrals.
- A Deputy DSL will act when the DSL is unavailable.
- All staff, workers, and volunteers must:
• Follow this policy and procedures
• Remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect
• Report any concerns immediately to the DSL
• Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role

5. Prevention and Safe Practice

We will promote safeguarding through:
- Safer recruitment: all relevant staff/volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check and provide references
- Training: induction safeguarding training for all, refreshed every 2 years
- Code of conduct: clear guidance on safe working practices, professional boundaries, use of social media, and respectful behaviour

6. Procedures for Responding to Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
- In an emergency where someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
- Concerns should be reported to the DSL without delay.
- DSL will decide next steps, including referral to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
- Allegations against staff/volunteers will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- A written record of concerns, decisions, and actions must be made and stored securely.

7. Whistleblowing

Staff and volunteers must raise concerns if they believe colleagues may be failing to safeguard properly. We follow the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Concerns may be raised with:
- The DSL or Board of Directors
- Ofsted, CQC, or the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline
No individual will suffer detriment for raising safeguarding concerns in good faith.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis. All records will be securely stored and comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Service users will be informed where information needs to be shared without consent, for example where there is risk of harm.

9. Partnership Working

Nurturefy CIC will work in partnership with statutory agencies, local safeguarding boards, voluntary and community partners to promote safeguarding. This includes making referrals to health, police, social care, and voluntary sector partners where appropriate.

10. Monitoring and Review

The DSL will report annually to the Board on safeguarding activity and any lessons learned. This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or incidents. Staff and volunteers will be consulted in the review process.

Appendix A: Key Contacts

• DSL: Jennifer Murray 07505127049 nurturefy@outlook.com
• Deputy DSL: Susan Webb

• Blackpool Children’s Services: 01253 477173 (Out of hours: 01253 477600)
• Blackpool Adult Social Care: 01253 477592 (Out of hours: 01253 477600)
• Police: 999 (emergency) / 101 (non-emergency)
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• CQC: 03000 616161

Appendix B: Flowchart of Safeguarding Procedures

Safeguarding Procedure Flowchart

Step 1: You have a concern

• You see or hear something worrying
• A child, young person, or adult at risk tells you something
• You notice signs of neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions

👉 Stay calm, listen, reassure. Do NOT promise to keep secrets.

Step 2: Record what you know

• Write down exactly what was said/seen (use person’s words)
• Note date, time, place, who was present
• Sign and date your notes

Step 3: Report immediately to the DSL

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Insert Name & Contact Number]
• If DSL unavailable, contact Deputy DSL or a Director

Step 4: DSL decides action

• Contact Local Authority Safeguarding Team:
- Children’s Services (Blackpool): 01253 477173 (Out of hours: 01253 477600)
- Adult Social Care (Blackpool): 01253 477592 (Out of hours: 01253 477600)
• If immediate danger: Call 999
• DSL records all actions taken

Step 5: Follow-up & Support

• DSL ensures safeguarding concern is logged securely
• DSL updates staff/volunteer if appropriate
• Offer ongoing support to the individual if safe and appropriate

🚨 Key Principles

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

• Act immediately – don’t wait for proof

• Keep records factual and confidential

• Always prioritise safety

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if legislation, guidance, or organisational needs change.

Date of Last Review: 01.12.2025
Next Review Due: 01.12.2026