Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Genuine Futures CIC believes everyone we come into contact with, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other characteristic has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

People working or volunteering for Genuine Futures CIC also have this right. We will not tolerate abuse, maltreatment, or exploitation by or to our staff, volunteers, and members of the public, or any associated individuals.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all suspicions, concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

Children and Adults at Risk who Genuine Futures work with mainly do so as part of an organised group. Whilst the primary responsibility for their welfare rests with the supervising adult, we aim to ensure that all Children and Adults at Risk are safe from harm. Prompt action will be taken where abuse – or suspected abuse – is reported, to minimise the risk of harm occurring from any possible further abuse.

What is safeguarding at Genuine Futures CIC?

Genuine Futures CIC understands safeguarding Children as the process of protecting Children (anyone under the age of 18) from maltreatment, abuse, and neglect; preventing impairment of Children’s – mental or physical – health or development; ensuring Children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and, taking action to enable all Children have the best chances in life. It also encompasses promoting the wellbeing of Children. The law defines ‘children’ as anyone under the age of 18, regardless of their circumstances or situation.

Genuine Futures CIC understands safeguarding Adults at Risk as the process of protecting adults (aged 18 and over) at risk from abuse or neglect. It means protecting an Adult at Risk’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It also encompasses promoting the wellbeing of the
Adult at Risk within Safeguarding processes.

The Care Act (2014) states safeguarding duties apply when an adult is classed as ‘at Risk’, and defines an ‘Adult at Risk’ as an adult who:

• has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs);
• is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.

Genuine Futures CIC aims around Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk are to:

a. prevent harm and reduce the risk and experience of abuse or neglect;
b. stop and/or report abuse or neglect wherever possible;
c. promote the wellbeing of Children and adults whom our work brings us into contact with.

Genuine Futures CIC seeks to keep Children and adults safe by:

a. valuing and listening to them;
b. appointing Designated & Deputy Safeguarding Leads, a Senior Lead for
Safeguarding, and a Link Trustee for Safeguarding;
c. adopting safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers;
d. providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and monitoring so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently;
e. recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made;
f. recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance;
g. making sure Children, Adults at Risk, and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern;
h. using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children their parents or carers, and adults at risk as appropriate;
i. using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately;
j. ensuring we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place;
k. ensuring we apply health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance;
l. building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, visitors and others treat
each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns;
m. regularly reviewing our policy and best practice.

What to do if you have a concern:

If you have a concern about safeguarding at CCT please contact our Safeguarding Team, by emailing hello@genuinefutures.co.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response or action taken by the Safeguarding Team, please then contact Sam smith, Senior Lead for Safeguarding, by emailing
sam@genuinefutures.co.uk

Genuine Futures CIC Safeguarding Policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect Children and Adults at Risk in England. Date: Updated October 2024