Safeguarding

[TO BE CONFIRMED – organisation legal name.] MindRights is committed to protecting children, young people and adults at risk, and to ensuring that our work is carried out safely and with respect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Our commitment

We will not tolerate abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination or any behaviour that causes harm. We will act promptly and fairly whenever a concern is raised, and we will listen to and support the person who raises it.

Who this policy covers

This policy applies to our trustees, staff, volunteers, trainees, contractors, partner organisations and anyone working on our behalf, in any setting where they represent MindRights.

Safeguarding lead

[TO BE CONFIRMED – name and role of the designated safeguarding lead, and the name and role of the deputy. In small organisations these roles may be held by the same trustee board; confirm the arrangement before publication.]

Our safeguards

• We recruit trustees, staff and volunteers through fair, transparent and documented selection processes.
• We obtain [TO BE CONFIRMED – required checks, e.g. criminal record checks where the role and law require] for roles that involve contact with children or adults at risk.
• We provide induction and role-specific training in safeguarding, and [TO BE CONFIRMED – refresher training interval].
• We require everyone working with us to sign and follow a code of conduct and to report concerns promptly.
• We design activities and events with proportionate supervision, safe recruitment and clear reporting routes.
• We have a documented procedure for responding to concerns, referrals and allegations.
• We review this policy [TO BE CONFIRMED – review frequency] and after any safeguarding incident.

How to raise a concern

If you are worried about a child, young person or adult at risk, or about the conduct of someone working with or for MindRights, please report it. You do not need to be certain that something has happened, and you do not need to investigate it yourself.

• Email our safeguarding lead: [TO BE CONFIRMED – safeguarding contact email address]
• Telephone: [TO BE CONFIRMED – telephone number]
• Post: [TO BE CONFIRMED – postal address, marked for the attention of the Safeguarding Lead]

We aim to acknowledge reports within [TO BE CONFIRMED – target response time].

If someone is in immediate danger

If a person is in immediate danger or requires emergency assistance, contact the appropriate emergency services in your country first, then let us know if you are able to. [TO BE CONFIRMED – national emergency number and local safeguarding authority contact details.]

What happens next

When a concern is reported we will:

1. Record the concern and acknowledge the report.
2. Assess it promptly, and involve the designated safeguarding lead.
3. Decide whether external referral to the relevant safeguarding authority or police is required, and make that referral where necessary.
4. Support the person who raised the concern, and support those involved in a way that is fair and proportionate.
5. Keep records accurate and confidential, and share information only with those who need it.

We will tell a person who has raised a concern that their concern was received. In some circumstances we may not be able to give details of the outcome, for example where doing so would breach confidentiality or prejudice an investigation.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is important, but the safety of children and adults at risk comes first. We will not promise absolute secrecy. Information will be shared where necessary to protect a person from harm or where the law requires it.

Abuse and harassment concerns

Concerns about bullying, harassment or the conduct of a trustee, staff member or volunteer are handled under this policy so that they are assessed consistently and fairly.