Policy Statement
CHART Safeguarding, Law & Training Ltd (“CHART”) is committed to promoting the safety, dignity, rights and wellbeing of children and adults who may be at risk of harm.
As a provider of safeguarding training, professional consultation and supervision, we recognise the importance of safe professional practice, appropriate information sharing and clear responses to safeguarding concerns.
We aim to ensure that safeguarding is considered throughout our activities, professional relationships and organisational arrangements.
Purpose
This policy sets out the principles and arrangements that guide CHART in:
- Promoting safeguarding awareness and responsible professional practice.
- Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Handling safeguarding information responsibly.
- Signposting or referring concerns to appropriate organisations or authorities where necessary.
- Supporting a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
Scope
This policy applies to CHART’s activities, including training sessions, consultations, supervision, commissioned organisational work and relevant communications.
It is intended to guide the conduct of the business and any employees, associates or representatives engaged in delivering services on its behalf, as applicable.
Where CHART works with a commissioning organisation, the client’s safeguarding policy and local procedures should also be considered.
Safeguarding Principles
CHART recognises the importance of:
- Respecting the dignity, rights and individual circumstances of each person.
- Taking concerns seriously and responding proportionately.
- Promoting appropriate professional curiosity and accountability.
- Maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Sharing information lawfully and when necessary to protect individuals.
- Avoiding assumptions and discriminatory treatment.
- Supporting learning from safeguarding incidents, reviews and professional practice.
Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
A safeguarding concern may arise where there is a suspicion or indication that a child or adult is experiencing, or may be at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation or other harm.
Concerns may be disclosed directly, observed during professional activities or brought to our attention by another person.
CHART’s training and consultation activities are not a substitute for an organisation’s own safeguarding arrangements or emergency response procedures.
Responding to a Safeguarding Concern
Where a safeguarding concern arises, CHART will consider the circumstances and take appropriate action within the scope of its role.
This may include:
- Listening carefully and responding calmly and respectfully.
- Avoiding promises of absolute confidentiality.
- Recording relevant information accurately, distinguishing facts from opinions where appropriate.
- Considering whether immediate action is required to protect someone from harm.
- Contacting the appropriate safeguarding lead, local authority, statutory service or emergency service where necessary.
- Sharing relevant information where there is a lawful basis to do so.
- Keeping an appropriate record of the concern, decisions and actions taken.
If someone is in immediate danger, the appropriate emergency service should be contacted without delay.
Concerns involving a child should be directed to the appropriate children’s safeguarding service or police where necessary. Concerns involving an adult at risk should be handled in accordance with relevant adult safeguarding procedures and applicable law.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
CHART respects confidentiality but recognises that information may need to be shared to protect a person from harm or comply with legal obligations.
Information will be shared on an appropriate lawful basis and limited to what is necessary for the purpose.
Safeguarding decisions should take account of the person’s circumstances, applicable law, professional responsibilities and relevant local procedures.
Professional Boundaries
All professional interactions should be respectful, appropriate and consistent with the purpose of the service.
CHART aims to maintain clear boundaries in training, consultation and supervision, including in online environments.
Participants should not use training or supervision sessions to share identifiable case information unnecessarily. Where case discussion is required, information should be anonymised or handled through an agreed secure process wherever appropriate.
Training and Professional Development
CHART provides safeguarding training intended to support professional knowledge, judgement and practice.
Training content may cover recognising concerns, responding to disclosures, information sharing, referral pathways and relevant safeguarding responsibilities.
The content and level of each session will depend on the agreed training objectives and the needs of the participants.
Attendance at a CHART training session does not transfer safeguarding responsibility from an employer or commissioning organisation to CHART.
Safer Working Practices
CHART will consider safeguarding risks relevant to its activities and take proportionate steps to reduce them.
Where roles, contracts or activities require checks, supervision, risk assessments or additional safeguards, these should be considered and implemented in accordance with applicable legal requirements and the nature of the work.
Recording and Reviewing Concerns
Relevant safeguarding concerns and actions should be recorded securely, with access restricted to authorised individuals.
Records should be retained and disposed of in accordance with applicable data protection requirements and relevant retention arrangements.
CHART will review its approach when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, professional guidance, risks or learning from experience.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when required.
The latest version will be made available on the CHART website.
Contact
For enquiries about this policy, please contact:
CHART Safeguarding, Law & Training Ltd
Website: https://chartslt.co.uk/
Email: enquiries@chartslt.co.uk
Postal address: CHART Safeguarding Law & Training Ltd, 4 Highcroft Park, Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0NE
For urgent safeguarding concerns, contact the appropriate local authority safeguarding service or emergency service rather than relying on the website contact form.
