Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 5/11/2025

Purpose

SEND Friends CIC is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and adults. Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • the Director
  • volunteers
  • anyone involved in supporting or attending SEND Friends activities

Our approach

We provide non-clinical, neuroaffirming peer support.

We recognise that many families we support may already feel unsafe or misunderstood within systems.

Safeguarding must be curious, respectful and trauma-informed — not punitive.

Key principles

  • empowerment: people are supported to make their own choices
  • prevention: offering support early
  • proportionality: least intrusive response appropriate to the risk
  • partnership: working with individuals and agencies when required
  • protection: support for those in greatest need
  • accountability: clarity in roles and responsibilities

Recognising abuse / neglect

We are alert to signs of:

  • physical, emotional, sexual abuse
  • neglect
  • coercion or exploitation
  • self-neglect or harm
  • domestic abuse
  • risk to others

This applies to children, young people and adults.

How we respond

If a concern arises:

  • listen, don't promise confidentiality ("if someone is unsafe, I may need to act")
  • record brief factual notes (what was said / seen)
  • assess immediate risk
  • discuss with the Director (unless the Director is the one who heard it)
  • act according to level of risk

If someone is in immediate danger - phone 999.

If someone may be at risk but not immediate danger

With consent where appropriate — we may contact:

  • North East Lincolnshire Children's Services
  • North East Lincolnshire Adult Safeguarding Team
  • relevant school / named professional
  • GP or health team (only if necessary)

We always aim to discuss with the individual BEFORE contacting agencies unless doing so increases risk.

Information sharing in safeguarding

We will share information only when:

  • someone is at risk of significant harm
  • a child or vulnerable adult is unsafe
  • required by law

Otherwise consent is required.

Recording

Safeguarding notes are brief, factual and objective.

Records are stored securely and kept for 3 years, unless required longer due to ongoing safeguarding involvement.

Volunteers

Volunteers must:

  • read and follow this policy
  • never work unsupervised in a 1:1 capacity
  • immediately report concerns to the Director

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead is: Leanne Thompson (Director)

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually.