Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose of this Policy
This policy explains how Hetton New Dawn keeps children, young people, and adults at risk safe. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All members, volunteers, and leaders must follow this policy.
2. Who This Policy Applies To
- All volunteers
- All staff
- Trustees/committee members
- Anyone representing the group
- All participants in our activities
3. Our Commitment
We will:
- Create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone
- Act promptly on any safeguarding concerns
- Work in partnership with families, carers, and statutory agencies
- Ensure volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities
- Never tolerate abuse, neglect, discrimination, or exploitation
4. Definitions
Children
Anyone under 18.
Adults at Risk
An adult who:
- needs care or support
- is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
- cannot protect themselves because of their care or support needs
(As defined in the Care Act 2014.)
Abuse Can Include:
- Physical
- Emotional/psychological
- Sexual
- Neglect
- Financial
- Discriminatory
- Domestic abuse
- Online abuse
- Organisational abuse
- Self‑neglect (adults)
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Committee/Trustees
- Ensure safeguarding arrangements are in place
- Review this policy annually
- Support the Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Lead
- First point of contact for concerns
- Keeps records securely
- Reports concerns to statutory agencies
- Ensures volunteers receive basic safeguarding guidance
Safeguarding Lead: Charlotte Davis – Project Manager CDW-NewDawn@outlook.com
Telephone: 07766597948
All Volunteers
- Follow this policy
- Report concerns immediately
- Never promise confidentiality
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
6. Safe Working Practices
- Always work in an open, visible environment
- Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk where possible
- Use clear, respectful language
- Do not share personal contact details
- Do not give lifts unless authorised and risk‑assessed
- No alcohol or substance use during activities
- Use social media responsibly and professionally
7. Recruitment and Training
Hetton New Dawn will:
- Ask volunteers to complete a simple registration form
- Request references where appropriate
- Use DBS checks for roles involving regulated activity
- Provide basic safeguarding guidance during induction
8. Recognising a Concern
A concern may be:
- Something you see
- Something you are told
- A change in behaviour
- A gut feeling that something isn't right
You do not need proof. You only need to report.
9. Responding to a Concern
If someone discloses abuse:
- Stay calm
- Listen carefully
- Do not ask leading questions
- Do not promise confidentiality
- Reassure them they've done the right thing
- Explain what will happen next
Then immediately:
- Record what was said (word‑for‑word if possible)
- Report to the Safeguarding Lead
- The Safeguarding Lead will contact:
Children's Safeguarding: 0191 520 5560 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) or Out of Hours team on 0191 520 5552 (available 24 hours Saturday and Sunday). Or safeguarding.children@togetherforchildren.org.uk (secure email only).
Adults Safeguarding - 0191 5618934 or 0191 5618936 (8.30am to 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, 8.30am to 4.45pm Friday).
Police (999 if immediate danger)
10. Recording Concerns
Records must include:
- Date, time, and location
- Name of the person involved
- What was said or observed
- Your actions
- Who you reported it to
Records must be:
- Factual
- Signed and dated
- Stored securely
11. Confidentiality
Information is shared only with people who need to know to keep someone safe. Safeguarding overrides data protection when someone is at risk.
12. Code of Conduct for Volunteers
Volunteers must:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Avoid favouritism
- Never use physical punishment
- Never engage in sexualised behaviour or communication
- Never ridicule, shout at, or humiliate anyone
13. Managing Allegations Against Volunteers
If a concern involves a volunteer:
- They will be suspended from duties while enquiries take place
- The Safeguarding Lead will contact statutory agencies
- The committee will follow a fair, transparent process
- The safety of children and adults is the priority
14. Online Safety
We will:
- Use official group accounts for communication
- Obtain parental consent for photos of children
- Never post identifying information
- Remove inappropriate content immediately
15. Whistleblowing
Volunteers can report concerns about unsafe practice directly to:
Together For Children Sunderland – www.togetherforchildren.org.uk Children's Safeguarding: 0191 520 5560 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) or contact Out of Hours team on 0191 520 5552 (available 24 hours Saturday and Sunday). Alternatively, email at safeguarding.children@togetherforchildren.org.uk (secure email only).
Police: Emergency Services: In an emergency, always call 999
Adult Social Care Safeguarding Team - Adults Safeguarding - 0191 5618934 or 0191 5618936 (8.30am to 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, 8.30am to 4.45pm Friday).
No volunteer will be penalised for raising a genuine concern.
16. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
- Legislation changes
- There is a safeguarding incident
- The group expands its activities
17. Key Contacts - Sunderland
Children's Safeguarding - Designated Officer – Together For Children - Children's Safeguarding: 0191 520 5560 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) Out of Hours team on 0191 520 5552 (available 24 hours Saturday and Sunday). Email safeguarding.children@togetherforchildren.org.uk (secure email only).
Adults Safeguarding - 0191 5618934 or 0191 5618936 (8.30am to 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, 8.30am to 4.45pm Friday).
Date adopted: 20/07.2026
Signed:
Charlotte Davis – Project Manager
and
Margaret Scanlin – Chair
Next review date: 20/07/27