Safeguarding Policy
Our Safeguarding Policy page outlines our transparent process, ensuring that your feedback is valued, addressed, and resolved efficiently, as part of our continuous efforts to improve and better serve the community at MS Action.
Safeguarding Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
MS Action - Safeguarding Policy
Effective Date: 1st July 2024
MS Action is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all individuals involved in our activities, including service users, volunteers, staff members and visitors. It sets out the procedures and guidelines to be followed to prevent harm and respond effectively to any safeguarding concerns.
Responsibilities
Committee/Trustee Responsibilities:
Committee: The Committee is responsible for ensuring the implementation and effectiveness of MS Actions safeguarding policy and procedures.
Staff: All staff members have a duty to report any safeguarding concerns to the Office Manager or a member of the Committee and cooperate fully with investigations.
Volunteers: Volunteers are expected to policy and report any safeguarding concerns promptly to the Office Manager or a member of the Committee.
Service Users: Service users have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and protection from harm. They should report any concerns they may have to the Office Manager or a member of the Committee.
Prevention and Risk Assessment
We have put in place specific policies and procedures that will assist with safeguarding such as Individual Risk Assessments for more vulnerable members and associates to identify additiona lneeds. We will also conduct regular risk assessments (at least annually) of our activities, facilities, and procedures to identify potential safeguarding risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training to enhance awareness, knowledge, and understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures. We will promote a culture of openness, where individuals feel safe to raise concerns and are aware of the procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.
Reporting and Responding to Concerns
Any safeguarding concerns or allegations either raised through the Office Manager or through a Committee member will be consider by the whole Committee. The Committee will liaise with relevant external agencies when necessary. A record will be kept of any safeguarding concerns raised. Where a concern raised relates to a member of the Committee, that member will be required to absent themselves from the review process. The confidentiality of the individuals involved will be respected, while information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis MS Action will cooperate fully with any external investigations and follow local statutory requirements for reporting safeguarding concerns.
Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually, or as needed, taking into account changes in legislation, best practices, and the charity's activities. Regular monitoring and evaluation (at least annually) will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and identify areas for improvement.
Policies and Procedures Relating to Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policy will influence and inform the following policies and procedures of MS Action:
· Code of Conduct
· Individual Risk Assessments
· DBS Checking Procedure
· Complaints Process
· Bullying and Harassment
. Whistleblowing
· GDPR Policy
· Health and Safety including risk assessments, fire safety and first aid
· Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
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