Objective:
This policy outlines Parapluie FLAM’s commitment to the protection and well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially children, associated with its UK French-speaking supplementary schools. The policy focuses on the Parapluie FLAM’s specific responsibilities towards its committee members, trustees, CEO, and its member schools. It is designed to work in conjunction with other Parapluie FLAM’s policies, including the Whistleblowing Policy, Data Protection Policy, Volunteer Management Policy, Trustees Handbook, and Code of Conduct.
1. Scope:
1.1 Applicability:
This policy applies to all individuals involved with Parapluie FLAM, including trustees, committee members, the CEO, staff, volunteers, contractors, and member supplementary schools committees, teaching staff, volunteers and pupils.
2. Definitions:
2.1 Vulnerable Individuals:
Defined as any person under 18, vulnerable adults, or any other at-risk groups associated with Parapluie FLAM’s activities. Vulnerable adults are those at risk due to factors such as disabilities, mental health issues, or other special needs.
2.2 Types of Abuse:
Includes physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and exploitation.
3. Commitment to Safeguarding:
3.1 Parapluie FLAM‘s Responsibility:
Parapluie FLAM is committed to ensuring the protection and well-being of all individuals within its remit. This includes implementing safeguarding measures for its committee members, trustees, CEO, staff, volunteers, and contractors, and supporting member schools in developing their safeguarding practices.
3.2 Zero Tolerance:
Parapluie FLAM maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse or exploitation, applying this standard to both Parapluie FLAM itself and all its member and affiliated organisations.
4. Key Principles:
4.1 Dignity and Respect:
All individuals, especially children, will be treated with dignity and respect, and their rights will be upheld.
4.2 Prevention of Abuse:
Parapluie FLAM will work proactively to prevent abuse, including through awareness programs and training for staff, volunteers, and member supplementary schools.
4.3 Child-Centred Approach:
Parapluie FLAM will ensure that the best interests of the child are always the primary consideration in all safeguarding activities.
5. Reporting Mechanism:
5.1 Reporting Concerns:
Any individual associated with Parapluie FLAM who has a concern about the safety or well-being of a child or vulnerable adult should report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
5.2 Action by DSL:
The DSL will assess the concern and take appropriate action, which may include contacting relevant authorities, such as the local authority designated officer (LADO) or the police.
5.3 Anonymous Reporting:
Parapluie FLAM will provide an option for anonymous reporting to ensure individuals feel safe to report concerns without fear of identification.
5.4 Immediate Response:
Parapluie FLAM will soon establish clear guidelines for immediate response to any reported safeguarding concerns, including steps to take if a child is in immediate danger. Provide contact information for relevant authorities.
5.5 Step-by-Step Guide:
Parapluie FLAM will soon provide a step-by-step guide on how to report concerns, whom to contact, how to document concerns, and follow-up procedures.
6. Training and Awareness:
6.1 Training Programs:
Parapluie FLAM will provide mandatory safeguarding training to all trustees, committee members, CEO, staff, volunteers, and contractors who members of its committee or working for Parapluie FLAM. This training will cover:
- Recognizing signs of abuse and neglect in children and adults
- How to respond to disclosures or concerns
- Reporting procedures
- The federation’s whistleblowing policy
- Data protection considerations
6.2 Refresher Training:
Refresher training will be provided annually to ensure all individuals are up-to-date with the latest safeguarding practices.
6.3 Resources and Materials:
Develop and distribute safeguarding resources and materials (guidelines, posters, handouts) to reinforce training. Use multilingual materials or interpretation services where needed.
7. Collaboration with Authorities:
7.1 Cooperation with Authorities:
Parapluie FLAM will collaborate with relevant authorities and agencies in cases of suspected abuse, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
7.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Parapluie FLAM will appoint a designated safeguarding lead within the federation to coordinate safeguarding efforts and liaise with external authorities.
7.3 Multi-Agency Collaboration:
Parapluie FLAM will encourage multi-agency collaboration, including working with social services, health professionals, and law enforcement, to ensure comprehensive safeguarding.
8. Confidentiality:
8.1 Confidentiality Assurance:
Information related to safeguarding concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, following legal and ethical standards.
8.2 Data Protection Compliance:
Parapluie FLAM ensures compliance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR) in handling safeguarding information, with clear protocols for data storage and sharing.
9. Review and Improvement:
9.1 Regular Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, considering changes in legislation and best practices. The review will be conducted by a designated committee or safeguarding lead.
9.2 Stakeholder Feedback:
Parapluie FLAM will collect feedback regularly from stakeholders (staff, volunteers, and member schools) on the safeguarding policy and its implementation.
9.3 Incident Analysis:
Parapluie FLAM analyses regularly any safeguarding incidents and responses to identify trends, areas for improvement, and share lessons learned.
10. ESG and ESD Integration:
10.1 ESG Criteria:
Parapluie FLAM is committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. This safeguarding policy supports the social aspect of ESG by ensuring the protection and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
10.2 ESD Principles:
In line with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles, Parapluie FLAM promotes the development of safe and inclusive educational environments. This includes fostering a culture of respect, equality, and sustainability within all affiliated supplementary schools.
11. Federation-Specific Responsibilities:
11.1 Direct Responsibility:
Parapluie FLAM has direct responsibility for safeguarding its own staff, volunteers, and contractors. This includes:
- Ensuring all federation staff, volunteers, and contractors understand and comply with this policy.
- Providing support and guidance specific to the federation’s internal operations.
11.2 Trustee and Committee Responsibility:
The board and committee members are responsible for ensuring the safeguarding policy is implemented effectively within the federation itself. This includes regular monitoring and review.
11.3 Conflicts of Interest:
The board will manage potential conflicts of interest related to safeguarding, particularly for trustees who also have freelance contracts with the federation.
11.4 Safe Recruitment:
The board has established clear procedures for recruiting and vetting staff, volunteers, and contractors, including background checks and references.
11.5 Regular Communication:
The board ensures regular communication of the safeguarding policy and procedures to all stakeholders, including new members and volunteers.
11.6 Support for Member School Policies:
While Parapluie FLAM does not directly manage member supplementary schools, it will offer guidance and support to help them develop and maintain effective safeguarding measures.
11.7 Insurance:
11.7.1 Parapluie FLAM’s Liability Insurance:
Parapluie FLAM has liability insurance to cover safeguarding risks within its operations.
11.7.2 Member School Insurance:
Member schools are advised to obtain appropriate liability insurance that covers safeguarding risks.
11.8 Whistleblowing Policy Summary:
Parapluie FLAM encourages the reporting of any concerns regarding misconduct, unethical behaviour, or other wrongdoing. The key points of the Whistleblowing Policy are:
- Scope: Applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors, and associated individuals.
- Reporting: Concerns can be reported directly to designated individuals or through an anonymous mechanism.
- Confidentiality: All reports are handled confidentially, with efforts to protect the whistle-blower’s identity.
- Protection: Whistle-blowers are protected from retaliation when reporting concerns in good faith.
For full details, please refer to the Whistleblowing Policy available from Parapluie FLAM.
11.9 Data Protection:
The board ensures that all safeguarding practices comply with the latest UK data protection laws and provide clear guidance on handling sensitive data.
12. Legal References:
12.1 Child Protection Legislation:
This policy is informed by the following key UK legislation and guidance:
- Children Act 1989 & 2004: Establishes the framework for the care and protection of children in England and Wales.
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018): Statutory guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023): Statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment.
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Provides the framework for the vetting and barring scheme to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.
- The Care Act 2014: Establishes the legal framework for safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect.
- Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA): Protects workers who ‘blow the whistle’ about wrongdoing.
- Data Protection Act 2018 & GDPR: Governs the processing of personal data, including safeguarding information.
12.2 Regulatory Bodies and Guidance:
- NSPCC: Provides resources and guidance on safeguarding and child protection.
- Charity Commission for England and Wales: Offers safeguarding guidance for charities.
- OFSTED: Regulatory body that inspects safeguarding arrangements in schools and educational institutions.
Effective Date: 5 January 2024