Our Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction 

Resolute Women’s Support Services is committed to the safety, protection, and well-being of all women who access our services. Our safeguarding policy ensures that all staff, volunteers, and board members are aware of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting the women we serve from harm, abuse, or exploitation. 

2. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• Define safeguarding and abuse in the context of our services. 

• Outline the safeguarding responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, and board members. 

• Establish clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and addressing safeguarding concerns. 

• Promote a safe environment where women feel secure, respected, and empowered. 

3. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All staff, volunteers, and board members of Resolute Women’s Support Services. 

• All individuals who access our services, including service users, family members, and other stakeholders. 

4. Definition of Safeguarding 

Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, particularly those at risk of harm. In the context of Resolute Women’s Support Services, safeguarding includes ensuring that women are protected from: 

• Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, slapping, or restraining). 

• Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., manipulation, threats, or humiliation). 

• Sexual abuse (e.g., unwanted sexual advances, exploitation). 

• Financial abuse (e.g., fraud, withholding money or resources). 

• Neglect (e.g., failure to provide for basic needs, healthcare, or safety). 

• Coercion or exploitation (e.g., using a position of trust to control or manipulate someone). 

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities 

All staff, volunteers, and board members are responsible for safeguarding the women who use our services. Responsibilities include: 

• Recognising signs of abuse or neglect and acting appropriately. 

• Reporting concerns promptly and accurately. 

• Ensuring a safe environment for all service users. 

• Maintaining confidentiality while safeguarding individuals (information should only be shared with appropriate authorities when required). 

• Engaging in regular safeguarding training to maintain awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues. 

6. Safeguarding Procedures 

6.1 Identifying Abuse or Harm 

It is important to recognise the signs of abuse or harm, which may include: 

• Unexplained injuries or a history of frequent hospital visits. 

• Withdrawal, anxiety, or fearfulness in certain situations. 

• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or routine. 

• Disclosures of harm, either directly or indirectly (e.g., a service user may hint at their situation). 

• Lack of access to money, resources, or basic needs. 

If you suspect abuse or harm, do not investigate the situation. It is important to follow the procedure for reporting concerns. 

6.2 Reporting Concerns 

If a staff member, volunteer, or board member has a safeguarding concern, they should: 

1. Report the concern immediately to Deborah Jones, the designated Safeguarding Lead, within Resolute Women’s Support Services. 

• The Safeguarding Lead will be responsible for following up on the concern and ensuring that appropriate action is taken. 

2. Record the concern: Document the details of the concern as accurately as possible, including the nature of the allegation, the individual involved, and any actions taken. Ensure that these records are kept confidential and stored securely. 

3. Safeguarding Lead’s action: The Safeguarding Lead will assess the situation, consult with relevant professionals, and determine whether external reporting is required (e.g., to the police, social services). 

• In cases of immediate danger, the Safeguarding Lead will contact the relevant authorities (e.g., local police, social services). 

6.3 Responding to a Disclosure of Abuse 

If a service user discloses abuse or harm, it is essential to: 

1. Listen carefully: Allow the individual to speak at their own pace. Do not interrupt or pressure them for details. 

2. Reassure them: Let them know that they are believed and that you will take steps to protect them. 

3. Ensure their safety: If there is immediate risk to their safety, take steps to remove them from the situation and offer them a safe space. 

4. Do not make promises you cannot keep: Be clear that you will need to pass the information to the appropriate authorities if there is a risk of harm. 

5. Record the disclosure: Note the details of what was shared, including the date, time, and nature of the disclosure, and ensure this information is stored securely. 

6.4 External Reporting 

If the safeguarding concern involves a serious or immediate risk of harm, the Safeguarding Lead will follow these steps: 

• Contact the appropriate authorities (e.g., police, social services, or domestic violence helplines) for further investigation and intervention. 

• In cases of severe abuse or criminal activity, the matter will be reported to the police immediately. 

• If there are concerns about staff misconduct or criminal activity, this may also be reported to relevant professional regulatory bodies. 

6.5 Whistleblowing 

Staff and volunteers have a right to raise concerns if they believe that safeguarding procedures are not being followed or if there is a risk to the safety of service users. Whistleblowing should be done in line with our Whistleblowing Policy. 

7. Safer Recruitment 

To ensure that individuals who work with vulnerable women are appropriately vetted: 

• All staff, volunteers, and board members will undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting their roles. 

• Where applicable, references will be requested from previous employers to assess suitability. 

• All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and regularly thereafter. 

8. Training and Awareness 

• All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training at the start of their employment and regularly thereafter (at least annually). 

• Training will include: 

• Recognising signs of abuse and neglect. 

• Reporting procedures. 

• How to provide a safe environment for service users. 

• Understanding and applying this policy effectively. 

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing 

Confidentiality is paramount in safeguarding. However, there are times when information must be shared to protect individuals: 

• Information will be shared only with relevant professionals (e.g., social services, the police) where there is a legal obligation or where it is necessary to protect someone from harm. 

• All safeguarding concerns, including reports of abuse, should be documented in a secure and confidential manner. 

10. Review and Monitoring 

This policy will be reviewed annually by the board of trustees to ensure it remains effective and up to date with changes in legislation or best practice. Staff, volunteers, and service users will be involved in the review process to ensure that safeguarding practices are continually improving. 

11. Contact Information 

For any safeguarding concerns, please contact: 

• Safeguarding Lead: Deborah Jones, CEO and Founder of Resolute Women’s Support Services, teamresolute@resolutesupport.uk 

• Emergency Contact Numbers: 

• Police: 999  

Local Safeguarding Information: 

Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group Designated Nurse Safeguarding Adults and Patient Experience Team NHS Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group, Putting Barnsley People First  Email : qualityteam.safehaven@nhs.net  

Barnsley Hospital Lee Oughton  Named GP Safeguarding Vulnerable Clients (one day per week) Call: 01226 433772 Email: lee.oughton@nhs.net  Address: Hillder House, 49–51 Gawber Road, Barnsley S75 2PY  

Barnsley Hospital Deborah Longmore Safeguarding Adults Named Nurse Call :01226 431249 (1249) Email: deborah.longmore@nhs.net  

Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board Manager Cath Erine Safeguarding Adults Manager Call:   01226 775812 (5812) Email: CathErine@barnsley.gov.uk   

Conclusion 

Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility at Resolute Women’s Support Services, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all women accessing our services. We take all safeguarding concerns seriously and will act promptly and effectively to protect those who are at risk.