Policy Statement
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of HOPE’S (HOPE Yorkshire) work and this commitment is reflected in the Standards and the values of our organisation, which inform and support all our safeguarding activity:
We are respectful
We treat others as they would want to be treated
We are inclusive
We work together, we involve and we consult
We are solutions-focused
We ensure that what we do makes a real difference
We strive to be the best at what we do
We are empowering
We support others to achieve their goals
Guiding Principles
Everyone’s responsibility – Everyone at HOPE Yorkshire has a responsibility to keep the girls and women who come to us, who need care and support, safe from abuse and neglect.
Prevention – We will put sensible measures in place to prevent abuse, including the use of safe recruitment practices, promoting the safe working practice and raising awareness of safeguarding.
Protection – We will provide policy, procedures, information and training to enable all Hope staff & volunteers to identify and respond appropriately to concerns about abuse.
Partnership – HOPE Yorkshire will work in partnership with statutory, regulatory and other relevant organisations to ensure that safeguarding concerns are responded to appropriately.
Empowerment – We will be person-centred and uphold rights in our safeguarding work.
Accountability – We aim to be clear and transparent in our approaches and recognise the need for continuous learning and improvement.
Staff and volunteers
Every individual working for and with HOPE Yorkshire, irrespective of their role has a part to play in safeguarding children and adults who need care and support. All staff will undertake training and must familiarise themselves with our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Trustees
HOPE Yorkshire trustees approve the Safeguarding Policy and have a duty of care to the charity, which includes taking the necessary steps to safeguard those at risk from any kind of abuse, managing risk and protecting the reputation of the charity.
Trustees have a responsibility to ensure that safeguarding is included, where appropriate, in the strategic plans, risk assessments, communications and quality assurance processes.
Trustees will also be responsible for ensuring that they, any other staff or volunteers are aware of HOPE Yorkshire safeguarding policy and procedures and complete the relevant training. They should promote the discussion of safeguarding at team meetings and as part of supervision or one-to-one meetings where applicable
In some cases, Trustees will be required to make decisions in relation to complex or serious safeguarding concerns, in consultation with other safeguarding professionals.
Other Organisations & Partners
Any and all other Organisations/Partners working with us will make their own arrangements for safeguarding, in partnership (where required) with Safeguarding Boards and in accordance with HOPE Yorkshire Quality Standards for safeguarding.
Breaches of Policy
Failure to comply with HOPE Yorkshire safeguarding policy may be managed in a number of ways, depending on the nature and consequences of any incident. In some cases, a combination of responses may be required.
Local authority co-ordinated safeguarding investigation
Police investigation
Referral to the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
People & Performance disciplinary process
Serious incident reporting to The Charity Commission
Equality Statement
HOPE Yorkshire is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity.
Everyone who accesses our services or works for us in a paid or voluntary capacity should be safe, empowered to play a part in promoting their own welfare and that of others and able to live a life free from abuse.
This applies to all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief.