Safeguarding Policy
Policy Statement
Zen Laughter CIC is committed to protecting the welfare and safety of all individuals we engage with. This includes our service users, beneficiaries and stakeholders; and volunteers, personnel and trustees (where applicable). Our policy outlines our safeguarding procedures, responsibilities, preventive measures, accountability whilst ensuring accountability and regular policy review.
Safeguarding Procedures
Zen Laughter CIC maintains policies and procedures designed to protect everyone in contact with the organisation. These measures aim to prevent and identify safeguarding issues, support staff facing allegations, and manage any claims ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals involved. It is the responsibility of the safeguarding officer /company director to keep a written record of any incidents reported, following recommended guidelines (see appendix 1)
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the safeguarding officer/company director at Zen Laughter CIC to ensure the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (see appendix 2) and ensure equal protection regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or identity. We strive to prevent all forms of abuse or harm and adhere to statutory responsibilities (see appendix 3), government guidance, and best practices to ensure a safe environment is maintained for all individuals we engage with, and all personnel associated with our organisation.
Prevention and Protection
Zen Laughter CIC implements robust measures, including safe recruitment practices and awareness-raising initiatives to prevent abuse. All personnel will identify and respond appropriately to concerns, ensuring swift, fair, and suitable responses to all allegations or suspicions of harm.
Accountability
Zen Laughter CIC operates a transparent approach, fostering continuous learning and improvement. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Implementation and Review
This policy will be available on our website and undergo annual review by the company director, Jaycee La Bouche. Specific arrangements and implementation responsibility lie with the company director.
Contact
For any inquiries or concerns about our safeguarding practices, please contact: Safeguarding Officer, Zen Laughter CIC, Jaycee La Bouche [email: zenlaughter@gmail.com]
Reviewed: April 2024
Appendix 1
Record keeping of suspected abuse.
A written record, marked ‘confidential’, should include the following details and can be sent electronically to the Safeguarding Officer by the person reporting the incident/concern (refer to Appendix 1):
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Name of person making the report stating whether they are expressing their own concerns or those of someone else.
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Name of child/young person/vulnerable adult.
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Name of parent/guardian/carer.
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Date of birth.
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Address and telephone number.
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First language.
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Date, time and place of incident/when concern arose.
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How the concern was identified (alleged or reported by child/vulnerable adult; alleged, reported, suspected or witnessed by someone else; suspected or witnessed by self; other).
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Details of other people involved/alleged to be involved.
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Summary of incident/concern (if you include statements by other parties try to use their words in quotations; include details of all alleged perpetrators and details of any immediate protection made).
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Details of any physical injuries reported or witnessed (including description of any visible injuries and any indirect signs such as behavioural changes.
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Names of any witnesses.
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Have parents/carers been contacted? (details of any discussion).
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Were emergency services involved? (E.g. taking child to A&E, Police etc.) (where possible, referral to the Police or Social Services or LA Safeguarding Team should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours and the name of the contact who took the referral should be noted).
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Details of any advice given, and any action taken. The safeguarding officer will save this information in a confidential folder.
Appendix 2
Definitions Child/young person
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An individual under the age of 18.
Vulnerable adult
A person aged 18 years or over and at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs for care and support. For example, the person: Is an older person who is frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment.
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Has a learning disability.
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Has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment.
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Has a severe impairment in the ability to communicate with others.
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Has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder.
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Has a long-term illness/condition.
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Misuses substances or alcohol.
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Is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse.
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Lacks the mental capacity to make particular decisions and is in need of care and support.
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Is receiving nursing services/personal care in a care home or at home, medical services, or social care services.
This list is not exhaustive.
Appendix 3
Law and guidance supporting this policy
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Children Act 2004
United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991 the-united-nations-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child/
General Data Protection Regulation
Human Rights Act 1998 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents
Sexual Offences Act 2003 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/contents
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/contents
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/9/contents
Children and Families Act 2014 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents/enacted