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SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Beat4Autism Safeguarding Policy for Employees and Volunteers

(Updated: August 2025)

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1. Introduction

Beat4Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff and volunteers must be alert to the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and act promptly on any concerns.

This policy applies to all employees, trustees, volunteers, and contractors working on behalf of Beat4Autism.

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2. Key Definitions

  • Child / Young Person: Anyone under 18.

  • Adult at Risk: Anyone aged 18+ who:

    • has needs for care and support,

    • is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

    • is unable to protect themselves because of those needs.

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3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Name: [Insert Name – e.g., Lizeta Fellows]

  • Contact: [Insert phone/email]

  • Deputy DSL: [Insert Name & Contact]

The DSL is responsible for ensuring concerns are recorded, managed, and referred appropriately.

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4. Types of Abuse

For Children (as per Working Together):

  • Physical Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse (including online abuse & exploitation)

  • Neglect

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For Adults at Risk (as per Care Act 2014):

  • Physical abuse

  • Domestic abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect/acts of omission

  • Self-neglect

  • Psychological/emotional abuse

  • Financial/material abuse

  • Modern slavery

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Organisational abuse

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Prevent Duty

We also recognise radicalisation and extremism as safeguarding issues. Staff and volunteers must report concerns where individuals may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

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5. Recognising Concerns

Possible indicators include: unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, withdrawal, changes in behaviour, fear of certain people, financial exploitation, or online exploitation.

Remember: “It could happen here.”

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6. Reporting Concerns

  • Immediate risk of harm: Dial 999.

  • Concerns about a child: Contact Cornwall Children’s Social Care Team – 0300 123 1116.

  • Concerns about an adult: Contact Cornwall Adult Social Care Team – 0300 1234 131.

  • Allegations against staff/volunteers: Report immediately to the DSL. If the concern is about the DSL, report directly to the Cornwall Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – 01872 326536 / lado@cornwall.gov.uk.

Volunteers and staff must record concerns in writing and pass them to the DSL within 24 hours.

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7. Whistleblowing

If you feel unable to raise a concern internally, you can contact:

  • Cornwall Council Whistleblowing Service

  • NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285

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8. Safer Recruitment & DBS Checks

  • All staff and volunteers who work directly with children or adults at risk must undergo enhanced DBS checksbefore starting.

  • Recruitment processes will follow safer recruitment principles.

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9. Information Sharing

  • Safeguarding concerns must be shared with statutory services, even if this means sharing personal data without consent.

  • Decisions will follow the principles of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018: information will be shared only with those who need to know, kept secure, and recorded appropriately.

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10. Training

  • All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding induction training before working with Beat4Autism.

  • Refresher training will be provided at least every two years, or sooner if legislation changes.

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11. Responsibilities

  • Volunteers/Staff: Must remain alert to signs of abuse, record and report concerns, and complete safeguarding training. They must not investigate concerns themselves.

  • DSL/Deputy DSL: Responsible for referrals, record-keeping, and supporting staff/volunteers.

  • Trustees: Hold overall accountability for safeguarding compliance.

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12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to legislation or statutory guidance.

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