Notes for Safeguarding presentation Slide 1 Safeguarding Acknowledge - - PDF document

SIGBI Safeguarding Presentation Notes – 19 October 2018 – Latest Version 1

Notes for Safeguarding presentation

Slide 1 Safeguarding  Acknowledge that this is a sensitive subject and for some people can be quite difficult.  This is going to be a presentation about the policy that has been written for SIGBI and how it will be implemented within the organisation.  Point out the presentation will be general in nature. However, if anyone is affected by this subject, they will be free to leave at any time.  Please respect everyone’s privacy. Slide 2 What is going to be covered  The Safeguarding Policy will be discussed as well as the structure for dealing with any concerns within SIGBI will be outlined.  There will some guidance about what to do if you have a Safeguarding concern.  Stress that details of particular types of abuse will not covered, but there is some separate documentation available, giving more details and links to resources. Slide 3 What is Safeguarding?  Safeguarding particularly applies to children, young people and vulnerable adults.  Safeguarding is about looking after ourselves.  Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Slide 4 Good Practice  We are a professional organisation and this just highlights how we should behave in all situations.  There is a separate Quick Reference Guide, with this and what to do if ….. Slide 5 Why discuss Safeguarding now?  Stress that, as SIGBI now has charitable status, The Charities Commission require us to have a Safeguarding Policy.  Oxfam – the procedures were not robust enough and this has had a significant effect

• n the reputation of the Charity.

 The policy cannot stop abuse but it can help SIGBI deal with any allegations in a professional manner. Slide 6 Purpose of the SIGBI Policy  This is to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we may be working.  To give a structure to members for dealing with any allegations of abuse.

SIGBI Safeguarding Presentation Notes – 19 October 2018 – Latest Version 2

Slide 7 What does the Policy cover?  The policy only covers the behaviour of members of SIGBI or volunteers working on

• ur behalf.

 Remember that we should treat all people with respect. Slide 8 Types of Abuse  This list is not exclusive and often there may be different types of abuse present within an abusive situation – e.g. physical and emotional abuse.  Do not go into details about the types of abuse - there is separate documentation that gives more details about the types of abuse.  Remember that there may be people present who have been subjected to abuse and this is not the forum to discuss them. Slide 9 What if the allegation/concern is about someone unrelated to SIGBI?  Other organisations such as schools and care homes will have their own Safeguarding Policy.  The appropriate response is to report and allegations/concerns to their Safeguarding Officer.  Members of the public can also report concerns to the NSPCC, Police or Social

• Services. This can be done anonymously if you wish to do so.

Slide 10 Who may be at risk?  Children and young people under the age of 18 are the most commonly recognised group who are at risk.  As far as the law is concerned, an adult is at is risk if

• aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support.
• experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
• unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of

abuse and neglect.  There are times in life when we may all be vulnerable e.g. illness, bereavement,

• divorce. However these may only be for a period of time.

 Survivors of abuse are another group of people who may be vulnerable. This is when it is important to respect other people’s privacy and space. Slide 11 SIGBI organisation  The Board recognises that it can be difficult to find officers. However, this is an essential role in our professional organisation.  It is suggested Regions and Clubs should find someone who has appropriate experience in Safeguarding to fill these roles.  It is not expected that this role will be particularly onerous but it is an important one.

SIGBI Safeguarding Presentation Notes – 19 October 2018 – Latest Version 3

Slide 12 Organisational structure  The diagram is intended to give an indication of the reporting structure within SIGBI.  The important point to make is that if any has a concern about Safeguarding, it is important to seek advice.  If the concern is about someone who has a Safeguarding role, advice should be sought from Region or DSO.  Remember, if you think that someone is in immediate danger, contact the relevant

• agency. If you are not sure who this is the Police or NSPCC could be where to report

your concerns. Slide 13 When dealing with abuse, remember the 4Rs  Recognise, Respond, Record, Refer  This might be a way to remember what to do if you have a concern. Slide 14 Recognise Abuse  Abuse is carried out by a person in position of power.  We come across abuse in some of our Programme Action work.  Remember that this Policy is specially related to the behaviour of our members and people who represent SIGBI.  If you suspect abuse is happening to someone and it unrelated to SIGBI, report to the relevant agencies. Slide 15 What do I do if someone discloses abuse?  It is important to listen to what the person is telling you.  Do not ask leading questions – we are NOT investigators and this may hinder any further action.  Do not make judgements. It is very easy to dismiss something that someone tells us:

• They couldn’t possibly do that
• They are such an upstanding member of the SIGBI, the local community.
• They are such a nice person and so on.

Slide 16 What do I do if I have concerns about possible abuse?  Talk to your Regional representative to decide what to do about it.  Do NOT talk about it within the club. Slide 17 Record  Write everything down  Keep your records very factual – what was said and observations but no opinions.  A pro-forma is available for any records.  Everything should be keep n a confidential place.  Avoid sending emails with confidential details as this may not be secure.

SIGBI Safeguarding Presentation Notes – 19 October 2018 – Latest Version 4

Slide 18 Referrals  Once a referral has been made to the relevant agencies, no further action will be taken.  It is important only to discuss any such issues on a “need to know” basis. Slide 19 Who should I refer an allegation to?  Summarise the referral process within SIGBI – Region and DSO Slide 20 What happens following an allegation of abuse?  There could be several different consequences of a referral.  This could include disciplinary action within SIGBI.  It is important not to discuss any referrals within SIGBI or with anyone outside the

• rganisation.

 If appropriate, SIGBI will handle any media interest. Slide 21 Summary  Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We may have members who take on a Safeguarding role but it up to each of us individually to behave respectfully and challenge inappropriate behaviour – in a sensitive manner.  SIGBI has developed a Policy so that there are procedures to follow if allegations or concerns are raised.  If you have any concerns about abuse, share them with your Regional Representative.  Do NOT discuss in your club - only tell others on a “need to know” basis.  It is not your responsibility to decide if any allegations are true. Remember that many people who report abuse feel that they are not believed so do not pass any judgement.  Ask for advice if you are unsure about what to do. Not everything will need to be escalated. Slide 22 Finally,  Emphasise the Code of Practice.  Use your common sense – even if this is not very common!  Look after yourself and do not put yourself at risk. Slide 23 Any Questions?  These should be kept to questions about the process, rather than details about specific incidents or types of abuse.  Respect the fact that there may be people in the audience who have suffered abuse themselves.  If there are any questions that you can’t answer, take a note of the question and the person asking the question and say that you will find out and reply to them.  Important to admit that you don’t know, rather than guess.