1. Policy Statement
Black London Advisory Service (BLAS) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and dignity of all individuals who engage with our services.
BLAS recognises that some individuals may be at greater risk of harm due to age, disability, vulnerability, personal circumstances, social isolation, financial hardship, exploitation, abuse, or other factors.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and harm.
Everyone working with or representing BLAS has a responsibility to identify safeguarding concerns, respond appropriately, and ensure that individuals receive appropriate protection and support.
 
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who access BLAS services.

• Define safeguarding responsibilities across the organisation.

• Establish procedures for identifying and responding to concerns.

• Ensure compliance with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.

• Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Ensure concerns are handled sensitively, professionally, and confidentially.

 
3. Scope
This policy applies to:

• Board Directors and Trustees

• Employees

• Volunteers

• Advisors

• Consultants

• Contractors

• Placement students

• Partner organisations

• Anyone representing BLAS

It applies to all BLAS activities including:

• Advice appointments

• Community outreach

• Workshops

• Training programmes

• Digital services

• Events

• Home visits

• Partnership activities

 
4. Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
It involves:

• Prevention of harm.

• Identifying risks.

• Responding to concerns.

• Supporting individuals.

• Working with appropriate agencies.

 
5. Who Does Safeguarding Apply To?
Children and Young People
A child is anyone under the age of 18.
BLAS recognises that children may experience harm through:

• Abuse

• Neglect

• Exploitation

• Online risks

• Domestic abuse

• Criminal exploitation

• Trafficking

 
Adults at Risk
An adult at risk is someone who:

• Has care and support needs.

• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect.

• Is unable to protect themselves due to those needs.

This may include people experiencing:

• Disability

• Mental health challenges

• Homelessness

• Financial exploitation

• Isolation

• Dependency

• Abuse or coercion

 
6. Safeguarding Principles
BLAS follows these principles:
Empowerment
Supporting individuals to make informed choices and have their voices heard.
Prevention
Taking action before harm occurs.
Proportionality
Responding appropriately to the level of risk.
Protection
Supporting those who are most vulnerable.
Partnership
Working with appropriate agencies.
Accountability
Being transparent and responsible for safeguarding practice.
 
7. Types of Abuse
BLAS recognises that abuse can take many forms.
Physical Abuse
Including:

• Hitting

• Assault

• Physical harm

• Unnecessary restraint

 
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Including:

• Threats

• Intimidation

• Humiliation

• Controlling behaviour

• Isolation

 
Sexual Abuse
Including:

• Unwanted sexual behaviour

• Exploitation

• Sexual assault

• Grooming

 
Neglect
Including:

• Failure to provide care.

• Ignoring health or wellbeing needs.

• Failure to protect from harm.

 
Financial Abuse
Including:

• Theft

• Fraud

• Exploitation

• Pressure to transfer money or assets

 
Domestic Abuse
Including:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Financial control

• Coercive control

• Psychological abuse

 
Modern Slavery and Exploitation
Including:

• Human trafficking

• Forced labour

• Exploitation

• Servitude

 
Discriminatory Abuse
Including harm based on:

• Race

• Disability

• Religion

• Gender

• Sexual orientation

• Other protected characteristics

 
Online Abuse
Including:

• Cyberbullying

• Fraud

• Grooming

• Harassment

• Exploitation
   

8. Safeguarding Responsibilities
Board of Directors/Trustees
The Board will:

• Ensure effective safeguarding arrangements exist.

• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

• Monitor safeguarding performance.

• Ensure appropriate training and resources.

• Review serious incidents.

 
Chief Executive Officer
The CEO will:

• Promote safeguarding culture.

• Ensure policies are implemented.

• Support the DSL.

• Ensure staff compliance.

 
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns.

• Assessing risks.

• Maintaining safeguarding records.

• Making referrals where necessary.

• Liaising with statutory agencies.

• Providing advice and guidance.

• Ensuring safeguarding training.

 
Employees and Volunteers
Everyone must:

• Remain alert to safeguarding concerns.

• Report concerns immediately.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Follow safeguarding procedures.

• Complete required training.

 
9. Safer Recruitment
BLAS is committed to safer recruitment practices.
Recruitment processes may include:

• Identity verification.

• References.

• Right-to-work checks.

• Qualification checks.

• DBS checks where appropriate.

• Safeguarding discussions during interviews.

Roles involving children or adults at risk will be assessed to determine appropriate DBS requirements.
 
10. DBS Checks
BLAS will undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where legally appropriate.
The level of check will depend on:

• Role responsibilities.

• Contact with vulnerable individuals.

• Nature of activities.

DBS information will be handled confidentially.
 
11. Safeguarding Training
Relevant staff and volunteers will receive training covering:

• Recognising abuse.

• Reporting concerns.

• Professional boundaries.

• Confidentiality.

• Consent.

• Referral procedures.

The DSL will receive enhanced safeguarding training.
 
12. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns may arise through:

• Direct disclosure by an individual.

• Observations.

• Behaviour changes.

• Information from third parties.

• Complaints.

• Partner referrals.

Indicators may include:

• Fearfulness.

• Injuries.

• Withdrawal.

• Financial difficulties.

• Sudden changes in circumstances.

• Signs of exploitation.

 
13. Responding to a Disclosure
If someone discloses abuse:
Staff or volunteers should:

1. Listen calmly.

2. Take the person seriously.

3. Reassure them.

4. Explain that information may need to be shared to keep them safe.

5. Avoid making promises of complete confidentiality.

6. Record facts accurately.

7. Report immediately to the DSL.

They should not:

• Investigate themselves.

• Ask leading questions.

• Challenge the alleged perpetrator.

• Delay reporting.

14. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
BLAS respects confidentiality but recognises that safeguarding concerns may require information sharing.
Information may be shared where:

• There is risk of serious harm.

• A child or adult is at risk.

• There is legal obligation.

• Safeguarding agencies require information.

Information sharing will follow:

• UK GDPR

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Safeguarding principles

15. Safeguarding Referral Process
Where appropriate, BLAS may refer concerns to:

• Local Authority Children’s Services.

• Local Authority Adult Social Care.

• Police.

• NHS services.

• Specialist safeguarding organisations.

• Domestic abuse services.

• Modern slavery support services.

The DSL will determine appropriate referral routes.

16. Emergency Situations
Where there is immediate danger:

• Contact emergency services by calling 999.

• Ensure immediate safety where possible.

• Inform the DSL as soon as possible.

17. Safeguarding Records
BLAS will maintain secure records including:

• Date of concern.

• Details of concern.

• Actions taken.

• Referrals made.

• Outcomes.

Records will be:

• Accurate.

• Secure.

• Access restricted.

• Retained according to GDPR requirements.

18. Professional Boundaries
BLAS representatives must maintain appropriate boundaries.
They must not:

• Develop inappropriate personal relationships with clients.

• Exploit their position.

• Share personal contact details unnecessarily.

• Accept inappropriate gifts.

• Use their role for personal advantage.

19. Online and Digital Safeguarding
BLAS recognises online risks.
Staff must:

• Protect personal information.

• Use approved communication channels.

• Avoid inappropriate online relationships.

• Report online abuse concerns.

20. Safeguarding at Events and Outreach Activities
BLAS will consider safeguarding risks when organising:

• Community events.

• Workshops.

• Youth activities.

• Outreach programmes.

Risk assessments will consider:

• Venue safety.

• Staffing levels.

• Emergency procedures.

• Accessibility.

21. Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Trustees
Any allegation that a BLAS representative has caused harm will be taken seriously.
BLAS will:

• Record concerns.

• Protect the person raising concerns.

• Investigate appropriately.

• Follow employment and disciplinary procedures.

• Notify authorities where required.

22. Whistleblowing
Individuals are encouraged to report safeguarding failures.
No person will suffer retaliation for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.
Concerns may be raised through:

• Line Manager

• DSL

• CEO

• Chair of Trustees

• Whistleblowing procedure

23. Monitoring and Review
BLAS will monitor safeguarding through:

• Incident reviews.

• Training records.

• Policy audits.

• Feedback.

• Governance reporting.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

24. Relevant Legislation and Guidance
This policy reflects:

• Children Act 1989

• Children Act 2004

• Care Act 2014

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance (where relevant)

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

• Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021

 
25. Related BLAS Policies
This policy should be read alongside:

• Constitution & Governance Framework

• Code of Conduct Policy

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

• Anti-Racism Policy

• Confidentiality Policy

• Data Protection Policy

• Complaints Policy

• Whistleblowing Policy

• Recruitment Policy

• Volunteer Policy

• Health & Safety Policy