Managing Allegations of Abuse Against Staff Policy Statement
Futures has a responsibility to ensure the safety of young people, children and vulnerable adults.
The aims of the Managing Allegations of Abuse Against Staff policy include:
- Dealing with allegations of abuse quickly, fairly and consistently.
- Supporting all parties involved in allegations to reach a suitable conclusion.
- Ensuring all staff members are aware of their responsibilities and the actions they should take regarding allegation of abuse.
- Ensuring all staff members know what to do in the event of an allegation of abuse regarding external relationships which may affect the integrity of the company.
Definitions
Actions which may indicate abuse include, but are not limited to:
- Behaviours which have caused a child, young person or vulnerable adult to be harmed.
- Criminal offenses committed against children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- Behaviour which indicates risk to children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
- Behaviour which contravenes a duty of care.
Abuse falls into five categories: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect and coercive control.
Responsibilities
All staff members, including both paid professionals and those representing the company on a voluntary basis, are responsible for the ongoing safety of all customers and clients.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) are responsible for hearing concerns and reports surrounding potential safeguarding issues.
The DSO is then responsible for referring cases to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Dealing with Allegations
The company has appointed designated safeguarding officers (DSOs), who are responsible for hearing and processing all reports of suspected abuse.
From there, allegations will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and further action will be taken on a case by case basis.