Safeguarding Policy
Our Trustees view protecting people and the Charity’s safeguarding responsibilities as an important governance matter. It is a fundamental part of operating as a charity for public benefit.
Our Charity does not have any staff or volunteers but, where work is outsourced, Trustees ensure safeguarding is in place for those undertaking the Charity’s work.
We do not work directly with children or adults at risk but we do support UK organisations working with people who are likely to be at risk of harm.
The aim of this policy is to ensure our Trustees are taking proportionate and reasonable steps to make sure donees have appropriate systems in place to protect all those who may come into contact with their organisation or who may come into contact with any organisation or individual undertaking work on their behalf.
Safeguarding expectations
It is the responsibility of the donee to ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are fit for purpose given the specific nature of their work and the manner in which their work is conducted.
We do not want to burden applicants with unnecessary demands but our Trustees need enough information to make good funding decisions. We do not expect a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to safeguarding but we do expect that applicant’s safeguarding measures are:
- Relevant and proportionate to their organisation’s work and the needs of all who come into contact with them (including staff members / volunteers / beneficiaries / service users).
- Agreed by their trustees or governing body.
- Reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they are up to date and reflect statutory guidance.
- Actively monitored across their organisation and any outside organisation or individual undertaking work on their behalf.
We expect safeguarding policies and procedures to include as a minimum:
- A statement outlining their commitment to safeguarding.
- Specific safeguarding procedures relating to their work with beneficiaries / service users / volunteers.
- Clear instructions for staff and volunteers on how to report concerns.
- Clarity for beneficiaries / service users on how to make a complaint regarding the donee or any organisation or individual carrying out work on behalf of the donee
- Clarity regarding who is responsible for safeguarding.
We will ask applicants to confirm they have a safeguarding policy in place. If their beneficiaries / service users / volunteers include children or adults at risk we ask for confirmation that there are no reportable safeguarding incidents that have occurred in the last five years that in fairness our Trustees should be aware of.
Our Grant Terms & Conditions make it clear that, by accepting a grant, donees agree to the expectations set out in this policy.