Phoenix House Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction
Phoenix House is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for young people aged 16 and over. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people in our care, in compliance with the Supported Accommodation Regulations and relevant safeguarding legislation.
2. Legal Framework
This policy adheres to the following key legislation and guidance:
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
- The Care Act 2014
- The Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance 2018
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
- The Equality Act 2010
- Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) guidelines
3. Safeguarding Principles
Phoenix House operates with the following safeguarding principles:
- The welfare and safety of young people is paramount.
- All young people have the right to live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, including staff, residents, and external partners.
- A proactive approach is taken to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- All safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly, effectively, and in line with legal requirements.
4. Staff Responsibilities
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Phoenix House will appoint a DSL responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, training staff, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies.
- All Staff: Must undergo safeguarding training, understand their responsibilities, and report any concerns immediately.
- Key Workers: Have a duty to monitor young people’s welfare and escalate concerns where necessary.
5. Identifying and Reporting Concerns
All staff must be vigilant for signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including but not limited to:
- Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect
- Domestic violence
- Exploitation (sexual or criminal, including county lines involvement)
- Mental health concerns or self-harm
- Radicalisation and extremism
Reporting Procedure:
- Any safeguarding concern must be reported to the DSL immediately.
- The DSL will assess the risk and take appropriate action, which may include:
- Speaking with the young person to gather further information.
- Referring to external agencies such as social services or the police.
- Keeping detailed, confidential records of all concerns and actions taken.
- All safeguarding concerns must be recorded accurately and securely.
6. Multi-Agency Collaboration
- Local authorities and social workers.
- Health professionals and mental health services.
- The police and community safety organisations.
- Specialist safeguarding organisations.
7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
- Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis in line with GDPR and safeguarding regulations.
- Safeguarding concerns will be reported to the appropriate agencies while ensuring the young person’s privacy is respected as much as possible.
8. Staff Training and Supervision
- All staff must complete safeguarding training at induction and undertake regular refresher training.
- Regular supervision and team meetings will include safeguarding discussions to ensure ongoing awareness and vigilance.
9. Safer Recruitment
- All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks before working at Phoenix House.
- References and employment history checks are required for all employees.
- Safeguarding is embedded in job descriptions and staff roles.
10. Whistleblowing Policy
- Staff are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe practices or misconduct within Phoenix House.
- A clear and confidential whistleblowing procedure is in place to protect those who report concerns.
11. Review and Monitoring
- This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by regulatory changes.
- Safeguarding incidents and procedures will be regularly monitored to improve practices and compliance.
12. Conclusion
Phoenix House is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding to protect the young people in our care. Through vigilance, training, and collaboration, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all residents.
This policy was adopted by Sandra Cohen | Date: March 1st 2025 |
To be reviewed: March 1st 2026 | Signed
|
