Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

This policy outlines the Mindera UK Foundation's unwavering commitment to safeguarding individuals of all ages participating in our workshops, mentoring programmes, and training initiatives. The policy applies to all staff, volunteers, mentors, contractors, and trustees involved in Foundation activities. We recognise our responsibility not only to protect those directly participating in our programmes but also to ensure that everyone in our care remains safe, supported, and respected throughout their engagement. Our approach to safeguarding is underpinned by our commitment to creating a culture of safety, care, and respect across all aspects of the Foundation's work. This policy is regularly reviewed to align with best practices, relevant legislation, and statutory guidance to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

Scope of the Policy

This safeguarding policy applies to all activities and interactions that the Mindera UK Foundation is involved in, including but not limited to workshops, mentoring programmes, online platforms, events, and any other initiative led by the Foundation. It extends to all employees, volunteers, mentors, contractors, board members, and any individuals associated with the Foundation. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

1. Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Environment: We strive to create an environment where every participant feels safe, respected, and able to thrive. This includes physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
2. Shared Responsibility for Safeguarding: Safeguarding is a collective responsibility. All those involved with the Foundation, whether in leadership, delivery, or participation, play an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
3. Rigorous Recruitment and Vetting: We uphold rigorous recruitment practices to ensure that individuals joining the Foundation understand and support our safeguarding commitments. This includes background checks, reference verification, and the vetting of all staff, volunteers, and mentors.
4. Clear and Effective Reporting Procedures: Safeguarding concerns must be raised promptly, and we ensure there are accessible, confidential, and secure reporting channels for both participants and staff.
5. Respect and Support for Survivors: We are committed to providing support for individuals who have experienced abuse or harm. We prioritise confidentiality, dignity, and respect in all responses to safeguarding concerns.
6. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Improvement: We are dedicated to continuously reviewing and improving our safeguarding policies and practices through regular training, feedback, and collaboration with external safeguarding bodies.
   
   
   

Roles and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities for All Individuals

All individuals associated with the Mindera UK Foundation must:

• Familiarise themselves with this safeguarding policy and relevant procedures.
• Implement the safeguarding measures outlined in this policy.
• Understand the process for reporting safeguarding concerns and follow established reporting protocols.
• Participate in safeguarding training appropriate to their role and responsibilities.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation of safeguarding practices. Their specific responsibilities include:

• Approving and reviewing this safeguarding policy at least annually.
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Appointing and supporting designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Ensuring sufficient resources are allocated for safeguarding training, reporting, and monitoring activities.
• Reviewing safeguarding incidents and reports to evaluate the Foundation’s response and improve policies.

Executive Leadership Team

The Executive Leadership Team, led by the Charity Leader, ensures that safeguarding principles are embedded within all of the Foundation’s activities. Their specific responsibilities include:

• Ensuring safeguarding is integral to the Foundation’s operational strategy and culture.
• Ensuring the Foundation complies with all statutory safeguarding requirements.
• Holding managers and other staff accountable for the implementation of safeguarding practices.
• Supporting the Safeguarding Leads in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding practices.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The designated Safeguarding Lead for the Mindera UK Foundation is:

• Name: Damien Reynolds, Charity Leader
• Email: damien.reynolds@minderafoundation.com

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are handled in a professional, sensitive, and timely manner. They also support staff training, provide advice on safeguarding issues, and ensure that all safeguarding incidents are properly documented and reviewed.

Safe Practices

The Mindera UK Foundation prioritises the implementation of safe practices that ensure the well-being of all individuals involved in our programmes. These practices include:

1. Rigorous Recruitment Procedures:

   • All staff, volunteers, and mentors are subject to thorough recruitment processes, including criminal background checks, reference checks, and interviews to assess their suitability for working with vulnerable individuals.

2. Training and Induction:

   • All staff, volunteers, and mentors will receive mandatory safeguarding training as part of their induction. Ongoing training will be provided regularly to ensure that individuals remain up-to-date with the latest safeguarding practices and procedures.

3. Code of Conduct:

   • A clear Code of Conduct is in place for all those involved with the Foundation, outlining expectations for behaviour, including how to interact with participants, professional boundaries, and handling sensitive situations.
   • All individuals associated with the Foundation must:
     • Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness.
     • Follow the Foundation's guidelines for maintaining appropriate boundaries with participants.
     • Refrain from any form of abusive or inappropriate behaviour, language, or actions.
       
       
       

Raising a Safeguarding Concern

Any safeguarding concern, regardless of its severity, should be reported immediately. Concerns can be raised through the following channels:

• Directly contacting the designated Safeguarding Lead via email: damien.reynolds@minderafoundation.com
• Reporting anonymously through a designated confidential online platform (if available).
• In urgent cases, concerns may be raised with local authorities or law enforcement as appropriate.

All concerns will be treated seriously, investigated thoroughly, and handled in a way that ensures confidentiality and the protection of the individual involved.

Emergency Situations

In the case of immediate danger or an emergency situation, individuals must:

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the individual(s) involved.
2. Contact the appropriate authorities (e.g., emergency services, local safeguarding boards, or law enforcement).
3. Notify the Safeguarding Lead at the earliest opportunity to ensure the Foundation’s response is coordinated.

The Foundation’s Safeguarding Lead will work with external authorities, ensuring that the case is properly documented and that appropriate support is offered to all affected individuals.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Mindera UK Foundation is committed to ongoing evaluation of its safeguarding practices. We will:

• Regularly review and update our safeguarding policy to reflect new legislation, guidance, or best practices.
• Encourage feedback from staff, volunteers, participants, and external stakeholders to continuously improve safeguarding measures.
• Conduct regular audits of safeguarding procedures and provide reports to the Board of Trustees.