1. Purpose and scope
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to set out how the HEADTURNED Foundation (the Foundation) will work to protect children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with our activities, whether at the Sanctuary, in the community, or online.
This policy applies to trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone else acting on behalf of the Foundation.
2. Principles
Our approach to safeguarding is guided by the following principles:
- The welfare of the child or adult at risk is paramount.
- Everyone has a responsibility to recognise and report safeguarding concerns.
- Concerns will be taken seriously, acted on promptly, and escalated where necessary.
- We will work in partnership with statutory agencies and follow relevant laws and guidance.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, we use the following broad definitions:
- Child / young person: anyone under the age of 18.
- Adult at risk: an adult who, due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances, may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
- Abuse: forms of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or neglectful behaviour that cause harm or distress.
4. Roles and responsibilities
Trustees have overall responsibility for safeguarding arrangements. Day-to-day leadership may be delegated to a designated safeguarding lead or team.
Everyone acting on behalf of the Foundation is expected to:
- Follow this policy and any associated procedures.
- Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect.
- Report concerns promptly using the routes provided.
5. Safer recruitment and conduct
Where roles involve working with children or adults at risk, the Foundation will, where applicable:
- Use recruitment processes designed to identify appropriate values and behaviours.
- Seek references and, where required by law, undertake appropriate criminal record checks.
We expect everyone acting on behalf of the Foundation to maintain professional boundaries, avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted, and report concerns about colleagues or others.
6. Recognising and responding to concerns
Concerns might arise from something a person says, something observed, or information provided by a third party. If someone is in immediate danger, the emergency services should be contacted.
Otherwise, concerns should be passed promptly to the designated safeguarding lead or another appropriate contact, who will decide:
- What immediate steps, if any, are needed to protect the person.
- Whether the concern should be referred to local safeguarding authorities, law enforcement, or another agency.
- How and what to record about the concern.
7. Working with partners and visitors
Where we work with schools, community groups, volunteers, or other partners, we will aim to clarify roles and responsibilities for safeguarding, including which organisation's policy applies and how to escalate concerns.
Visitors to the Sanctuary or other sites may be given clear guidance on any rules that are in place to keep people and animals safe.
8. Recording and confidentiality
Safeguarding concerns will be recorded in a timely, accurate, and secure way. Access to safeguarding records will be limited to those who need to see them for legitimate reasons.
Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis, in line with our Data Protection & Information Governance Policy and any legal obligations.
9. Training and awareness
People in roles that involve working with children or adults at risk, or overseeing such work, are expected to have appropriate safeguarding awareness and, where relevant, training.
10. Review and updates
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, or the Foundation's activities.
The version published on the HEADTURNED Foundation website is the version currently in force.