Positive Steps: Leading the Way in Safeguarding

We believe that the welfare of the child and/or adult at risk is paramount and have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

We believe that all children, young people and adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, and sexual identity, have a right to equal protection.

Children, young people and adults, wherever possible, should be involved in decisions that are made about them.

All staff and volunteers must be clear on appropriate behaviour and responses and follow the agreed Code of Conduct for the organisation.

All staff and volunteers are required to report any suspected abuse and be aware of the appropriate reporting and support procedure for safeguarding, including the reporting of people at risk of radicalisation and extremism. There are no excuses for not taking all reasonable action to protect adults at risk and children from abuse, exploitation, and radicalisation.

All staff and volunteers will be alert to possible signs of abuse and consider whether there may be safeguarding concerns.

We will create an environment where staff and volunteers feel able to raise safeguarding concerns and feel supported with their safeguarding responsibilities.

All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern will be taken seriously, and Positive Steps is committed to providing support as necessary.

Positive Steps is committed to responding swiftly and effectively when concerns are raised and is committed to working with appropriate agencies, including our Local Authority Safeguarding and Social Care teams and the Police, to ensure the reporting of abuse is appropriate and in line with local and national requirements and Information Sharing guidance.

We will provide effective safeguarding management through quality assurance, supervision support and training.

We will monitor our safeguarding effectiveness through the Safeguarding Assurance Group and routine reporting to the Board of Trustees.

All relevant organisations that we subcontract should be committed to these principles and have clear policies and procedures that support this commitment.