OUR Safeguarding Policy

The Awesomeness Project CIC Safeguarding Policy. Updated 14th March 2026

1. Introduction. The Awesomeness Project CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who engage with our services. We adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and visitors understand their responsibilities to safeguard and protect individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect in accordance with legislation.

2. Policy Statement The Awesomeness Project CIC is fully committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We:
•    Prioritise the welfare and safety of all participants, particularly vulnerable individuals.
•    Promote an inclusive environment where all individuals have equal opportunities, free from discrimination.
•    Actively prevent harm, abuse, or neglect by implementing safeguarding policies and procedures.
•    Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.

3. Legal Framework This policy aligns with:
•    The Children Act 1989 & 2004
•    The Equality Act 2010
•    Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
•    Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
•    Safeguarding Adults Boards Policy and Procedures

4. Roles and Responsibilities The Awesomeness Project CIC is committed to ensuring:
•    The welfare of all individuals, especially vulnerable people, remains paramount.
•    All reasonable steps are taken to protect participants from harm, discrimination, and degrading treatment.
•    Allegations or concerns about abuse are taken seriously and responded to promptly.
•    High standards of behaviour and professionalism are maintained by staff and volunteers.
•    A clear safeguarding process is followed when concerns arise.
The Awesomeness Project CIC Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for:
•    Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns.
•    Liaising with local safeguarding authorities as needed.
•    Providing safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers.
•    Keeping accurate safeguarding records.

5. Recognizing and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns 
Concerns may include:
•    Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
•    Neglect or exploitation
•    Bullying, harassment, or radicalization
•    Online safety risks
All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL, who will assess the situation and take appropriate action.

6. Safe Recruitment & Training To ensure the safety of all participants:
•    All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks.
•    Regular safeguarding training is provided.
•    A rigorous recruitment process is followed, including background checks and reference verification.

7. Code of Conduct All staff and volunteers must:
•    Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
•    Avoid one-on-one situations unless necessary and appropriate.
•    Report any concerns immediately.
•    Maintain confidentiality while ensuring concerns are reported properly.

8. Safeguarding Concern Process
1.    Concern Identified – Any staff member, volunteer, or participant recognizes a safeguarding concern.
2.    Immediate Action? – If urgent danger is present, contact emergency services (999) immediately.
3.    Report to DSL – All concerns must be reported to the Care4Carers Community Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
4.    DSL Assesses Concern – The DSL reviews the details and determines the next steps.
5.    Refer to Authorities if Needed – If appropriate, the DSL contacts social services, the police, or other safeguarding bodies.
6.    Record Keeping – A written record of the concern, actions taken, and outcomes must be maintained securely.
7.    Support for the Individual – Provide necessary support and follow-up for the person affected.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9. Reporting & Confidentiality
•    All safeguarding concerns must be documented and stored securely.
•    Information is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know.
•    In emergency situations, safeguarding authorities will be contacted immediately.

10. Partnership Working The Awesomeness Project CIC collaborates with safeguarding agencies, social services, and law enforcement to ensure best practices in protecting vulnerable individuals.

11. Review & Monitoring This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant safeguarding incidents to maintain its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements.

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Further Information
Support for Victims and Families
It is important to acknowledge that, in matters relating to any Adults at Risk incidents, it can be distressing for all involved. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of sources of support and help that may be available in these situations.

The following organisations may be able to help:
Organisation & Contact Details
Ann Craft Trust    www.anncrafttrust.org | Email: Ann-Craft-Trust@nottingham.ac.uk | Telephone: 0115 951 5400
Act Against Harm    www.actagainstharm.org
Mencap    www.mencap.org.uk | Telephone: 0808 808 1111
Care Line    www.careline.co.uk | Telephone: 0800 101 3333
Mental Health Line    www.mentalhealth.org
Mind    www.mind.org.uk | Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Carers UK    www.carersuk.org | Telephone: 0808 808 7777
Action on Elder Abuse    www.elderabuse.org.uk | Telephone: 0808 808 8141
Victim Support    www.victimsupport.org.uk | Telephone: 0808 168 9111
National Family Carers Network    www.familycarers.org.uk
Refuge    www.refuge.org.uk | Telephone: 0808 200 0247
Samaritans    www.samaritans.org | Telephone: 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI)

For more information or to report a safeguarding concern, contact: Fred Carr (Designated Safeguarding Lead), fred@theawesomenessproject.org.  07857986120