Secret Garden safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy
Secret Garden Page Hall
1 · Statement of Intent
Secret Garden Page Hall is a community gardening project providing space for volunteers to participate in basic gardening activities. We are committed to safeguarding all children and adults at risk who may visit or participate in our activities.
Safeguarding Principles
● The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount in all our activities.
● Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child for the purposes of this policy.
● All children and adults at risk have the right to protection from abuse, regardless of age, culture, disability, gender, racial origin, language, or religious beliefs.
● All allegations and suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Definitions
Child: Someone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
Adult at Risk: Anyone aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves.
2 · Safeguarding Responsibilities
Secret Garden Page Hall will:
● Adopt and follow this safeguarding policy.
● Ensure all volunteers are aware of this policy and their responsibilities.
● Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who takes lead responsibility for safeguarding matters – Emma Castle, committee member.
● Ensure that lone volunteers without a DBS are not left alone with unsupervised children or adults at risk.
● Involve relevant agencies in any safeguarding issues that arise.
DBS checks are not required for all volunteers as members will not be undertaking roles that involve regular, substantial or unsupervised contact with young persons or adult at risks. However, DBS checks are recommended for those with control of the finances (currently done through the medical centre).
Designated Safeguarding Lead
The DSL is responsible for:
● Promoting Secret Garden Page Hall's commitment to safeguarding.
● Ensuring this policy is understood by all volunteers.
● Reviewing this policy annually.
● Providing information and support to volunteers on safeguarding matters.
● Maintaining records of reported incidents appropriately.
● Liaising with local safeguarding agencies as required.
3 · Recording and Reporting Concerns
If a Disclosure is Made
If a child or adult at risk tells you they are being abused or harmed:
● Stay calm and reassure them, but do not make promises you cannot keep.
● Take what they say seriously.
● Ask questions only to clarify understanding—do not interrogate.
● Let them know you understand and will act on what they have told you.
● Report to the DSL immediately.
Recording Concerns
Make a record of your concern as soon as possible. Record facts only—not assumptions or opinions. All concerns should be recorded whether or not Social Care becomes involved.
Making a Referral
A safeguarding referral should be made when:
● A child or adult at risk makes a clear allegation of abuse.
● Someone sustains an injury and there is concern about how it was caused.
● A credible allegation is made by a member of the public.
● There are concerns about neglect, emotional abuse, or risk of significant harm.
● A person is at risk of illegal procedures (e.g. FGM, forced marriage) or radicalisation.
Where there is immediate risk, contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub: 
0114 273 4855 (24 hours)
Reporting Flowcharts
Refer to the following flowcharts for step-by-step guidance:
● "Safeguarding Flowchart - concern about volunteer"
● "Safeguarding Flowchart - concern about adult/child"
4 · Working Safely with Children and Adults at Risk
What is Abuse?
Abuse is the term used to describe how children and adults at risk are harmed. Types of abuse include:
Children: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Adults: Physical, sexual, psychological, discriminatory, organisational, neglect, self-neglect, financial abuse, modern slavery, and domestic abuse.
Safe Behaviour Guidelines
Volunteers should never:
● Be alone with children or adults at risk out of public view.
● Engage in rough or inappropriate physical contact.
● Make inappropriate comments.
● Invite or allow children into their home.
● Give a child a lift in their car except in emergencies.
● Let allegations go unacknowledged or not acted upon.
Appropriate physical contact (such as first aid or supporting someone in an activity) is acceptable and necessary. However, volunteers should be mindful of how their actions may be perceived.
5 · Indicators of Abuse
Be aware of potential signs of abuse, which may include:
Physical indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; inappropriate dress for weather; signs of malnutrition.
Behavioural indicators: Fear of certain people; withdrawn behaviour; sudden changes in behaviour; reluctance to go home; self-harm.
Important: Many people who are abused may not show outward signs. Always take any disclosure seriously.
6 · Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation or best practice.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: ___Emma Castle______________________________
Date: ____10/9/26_____________________________
Review Date: ___10/9/27______________________________