Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a relatively new term that is broader than ‘child protection’ as it also includes prevention. Safeguarding has been defined as:
1. Taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised; and
2. Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies.
Safeguarding children is vital for us as we recognise that we have a duty of care towards the children with whom we have contact. Having safeguards in place within our organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of children but also it enhances the confidence of trustees, staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public.
LCET fully endorses and seeks to follow the standards for good practice laid out by the Luton Safeguarding Children Board. We have also adopted the Luton 'Safeguarding Children' Pledge.
In practice this means:
Recruitment
Our selection and recruitment procedures for staff, volunteers and others involved in our work (for example, members of the Board of Trustees) meet the requirements of the Luton Safeguarding Children Board in helping detect, reject or identify people who pose a risk to children and young people, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. This includes an enhanced check with the Criminal Records Bureau.
Training
As part of their induction, all staff and volunteers receive training in relation to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In addition, staff and volunteers must receive regular ongoing training for the duration of their work with LCET.
Good practice
Clear written procedures are in place for how we work with children and young people, including, for example, staff supervision ratios, transporting young people and risk assessing. All staff and volunteers must have copies of these procedures and receive regular training about their implementation.
Referrals
There is a written procedure outlining what action staff and volunteers must take if they believe a child or young person may be at risk.
Complaints
There is a clear and accessible procedure in place for children and young people, or their parents or carers, to make a complaint if they have a concern about the action of an LCET staff member or volunteer.
