Safeguarding Children Policy - Revision history

Seymour Jacklin: /* Domestic abuse */ and coercive control

2026-09-16T10:50:18Z

Domestic abuse: and coercive control

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 16 September 2026
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	* Ask for help, but may not be explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear.		* Ask for help, but may not be explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear.

	=== Domestic abuse ===		=== Domestic abuse and coercive control ===
	'''Definition:'''		'''Definition:'''

Seymour Jacklin: /* Definitions */ explicit inclusion of the unborn child

2026-09-16T10:06:55Z

Definitions: explicit inclusion of the unborn child

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	* Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care		* Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
	* Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.		* Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
			Handcrafted recognises that safeguarding responsibilities can extend to unborn children where a risk of harm is identified antenatally, for example through concerns about a parent's substance use, mental health, or exposure to domestic abuse during pregnancy. Where such a risk is identified, staff should follow the same reporting and escalation procedures set out in this policy, and raise the concern with the HSO/HDSO at the earliest opportunity.

	=== Assurance ===		=== Assurance ===

Seymour Jacklin: /* Domestic abuse */ update to reflect basis of domestic abuse being considered child abuse

2026-09-16T10:05:28Z

Domestic abuse: update to reflect basis of domestic abuse being considered child abuse

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:05, 16 September 2026
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	'''Witnessing and experiencing domestic abuse'''		'''Witnessing and experiencing domestic abuse'''

	Domestic abuse always has an impact on children. Being exposed to domestic abuse in childhood is child abuse.		Domestic abuse always has an impact on children. Under Section 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a child who sees, hears, or experiences the effects of domestic abuse, and who is related to the person being abused or the abuser, is a victim of domestic abuse in their own right, not merely someone indirectly affected by it. Being exposed to domestic abuse in childhood is child abuse.

	Children may experience domestic abuse directly, but they can also experience it indirectly by:		Children may experience domestic abuse directly, but they can also experience it indirectly by:
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	* being hurt from being caught up in or trying to stop the abuse		* being hurt from being caught up in or trying to stop the abuse
	* not getting the care and support they need from their parents or carers as a result of the abuse (Holt, Buckley and Whelan, 2008).		* not getting the care and support they need from their parents or carers as a result of the abuse (Holt, Buckley and Whelan, 2008).
			Where domestic abuse is identified or suspected, safeguarding assessments must explicitly consider the safety of any unborn children, as well as children already born.

	'''Signs to look out for:'''		'''Signs to look out for:'''

Seymour Jacklin: /* Reporting concerns and allegations */ LADO reporting of allegations thresholds clarified

2026-09-16T09:54:18Z

Reporting concerns and allegations: LADO reporting of allegations thresholds clarified

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:54, 16 September 2026
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	A concern reported to the HSO/HDSO will be marked as a '''low-level concern''' if it is decided that the member of staff acted in a way that was not consistent with the staff handbook, but it is not necessary to escalate the situation by reporting it externally. A note will be made of the concern and the member of staff who was implicated, and any action taken. This will be kept securely in accordance with the Handcrafted Data Privacy Notice.		A concern reported to the HSO/HDSO will be marked as a '''low-level concern''' if it is decided that the member of staff acted in a way that was not consistent with the staff handbook, but it is not necessary to escalate the situation by reporting it externally. A note will be made of the concern and the member of staff who was implicated, and any action taken. This will be kept securely in accordance with the Handcrafted Data Privacy Notice.

	A concern will be marked as an '''allegation''' if it ~~is deemed necessary to escalate~~ the ~~situation by reporting the concern externally~~, or if the concern was reported externally in the first instance. An allegation must be reported to the local authority safeguarding board. Handcrafted is committed to actively cooperating with any investigations that arise from such a report.		A concern will be marked as an '''allegation''' if it meets the LADO referral threshold set out in Appendix 11, or if the concern was reported externally in the first instance. An allegation must be reported to the local authority safeguarding board. Handcrafted is committed to actively cooperating with any investigations that arise from such a report.

	If a staff member is found to have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the staff handbook, then disciplinary action will be taken against them as stipulated in their contract.		If a staff member is found to have acted in a way that is inconsistent with the staff handbook, then disciplinary action will be taken against them as stipulated in their contract.
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	=== LADO reporting procedures ===		=== LADO reporting procedures ===
	The HSO/HDSO, safeguarding deputy or senior manager should review all concerns and determine whether they meet the harm or risk of harm threshold~~, constituting an allegation~~. If the threshold is met, a referral to the ~~Local Authority Designated Officer (~~LADO) must be made within one working day. Where uncertainty exists about whether the threshold is met, advice should be sought from the LADO. In urgent cases involving immediate risk to a child, Police (999 for emergencies, 101 for non-emergencies) and/or the Emergency Duty Team should be contacted first, with the LADO informed as soon as possible thereafter.		The HSO/HDSO, safeguarding deputy or senior manager should review all concerns and determine whether they meet the threshold for referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), constituting an allegation. An allegation meets this threshold if a person who works with children has:

			* behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child (the harm threshold);
			* possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child (the criminal threshold);
			* behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children;
			* behaved, or may have behaved, in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children (the suitability threshold); or
			* behaved in a manner that discriminates against a child on the basis of one or more protected characteristics.

			If the threshold is met, a referral to the LADO must be made within one working day. Where uncertainty exists about whether the threshold is met, advice should be sought from the LADO. In urgent cases involving immediate risk to a child, Police (999 for emergencies, 101 for non-emergencies) and/or the Emergency Duty Team should be contacted first, with the LADO informed as soon as possible thereafter.

	=== Ofsted reporting for registered supported accommodation ===		=== Ofsted reporting for registered supported accommodation ===

Seymour Jacklin: /* Definitions */ legislation updated with most recent act

2026-09-16T09:51:20Z

Definitions: legislation updated with most recent act

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	=== Definitions ===		=== Definitions ===
	According to "Working Together to Safeguard Children ~~2018~~", the safeguarding duties apply to all children up to the age of 18 years whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently.		According to "Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026", the safeguarding duties apply to all children up to the age of 18 years whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently.

	According to "Working Together to Safeguard Children ~~2018~~":		According to "Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026":

	Safeguarding means:		Safeguarding means:
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	** Children and Families Act 2014		** Children and Families Act 2014
	** Children and Social Work Act 2017		** Children and Social Work Act 2017
	** Working together to safeguard children (~~2018~~)		** Working together to safeguard children (2026)
	** What to do if you are worried a child is being abused: advice for practitioners (Department for Education, 2015)		** What to do if you are worried a child is being abused: advice for practitioners (Department for Education, 2015)
	** Protection of Children Act 1999		** Protection of Children Act 1999

Seymour Jacklin: /* Handcrafted Chair of Trustees */ updated trustee names

2026-09-16T09:44:35Z

Handcrafted Chair of Trustees: updated trustee names

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 September 2026
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	=== Handcrafted Chair of Trustees ===		=== Handcrafted Chair of Trustees ===
	Name: ~~Dr Paul Morley~~		Name: Charlotte Clarke

	The Handcrafted Chair of Trustees will work with the rest of the Trustees to ensure that Handcrafted abides at all times with this policy, in conjunction with the organisation's other policies. They will take overall responsibility for ensuring that all safeguarding concerns, cases and decisions are recorded and the HSO carries out their role, as detailed in this policy.		The Handcrafted Chair of Trustees will work with the rest of the Trustees to ensure that Handcrafted abides at all times with this policy, in conjunction with the organisation's other policies. They will take overall responsibility for ensuring that all safeguarding concerns, cases and decisions are recorded and the HSO carries out their role, as detailed in this policy.

	=== Nominated Trustees with Safeguarding Oversight (NOTSOs) ===		=== Nominated Trustees with Safeguarding Oversight (NOTSOs) ===
	~~Name~~: ~~Eileen Brady~~		Names: Frances Njovana, Karen Bianchi

	~~Email: eileenbrady63@gmail.com~~

	The Nominated Trustees with Safeguarding Oversight (NOTSOs) will liaise with the HSO and provide them with advice and guidance on safeguarding matters. This may include advising the HSO on individual cases. However, in accordance with the Handcrafted's Confidentiality Policy and Guidance, the HSO will not share identifying details with them of trainees who are affected by safeguarding cases. The NOTSOs should also provide the HSO with advice and guidance on the Handcrafted's strategic approach to safeguarding, helping the HSO to ensure that Handcrafted fulfils all the commitments stated at the start of this policy. The NOTSOs will be members of the Handcrafted Safeguarding Steering Group. At least one NOTSO will attend each meeting of the group, to ensure quoracy.		The Nominated Trustees with Safeguarding Oversight (NOTSOs) will liaise with the HSO and provide them with advice and guidance on safeguarding matters. This may include advising the HSO on individual cases. However, in accordance with the Handcrafted's Confidentiality Policy and Guidance, the HSO will not share identifying details with them of trainees who are affected by safeguarding cases. The NOTSOs should also provide the HSO with advice and guidance on the Handcrafted's strategic approach to safeguarding, helping the HSO to ensure that Handcrafted fulfils all the commitments stated at the start of this policy. The NOTSOs will be members of the Handcrafted Safeguarding Steering Group. At least one NOTSO will attend each meeting of the group, to ensure quoracy.

Seymour Jacklin: Working Together superseded 2023 by 2026 - updated references

2026-07-24T09:49:32Z

Working Together superseded 2023 by 2026 - updated references

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:49, 24 July 2026
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	This policy should be read in conjunction with:		This policy should be read in conjunction with:

	# Statutory guidance from the Department for Education, "Working Together to Safeguard Children ~~2023~~".		# Statutory guidance from the Department for Education, "Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026".
	# Statutory guidance from the Department for Education, "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused", 2015.		# Statutory guidance from the Department for Education, "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused", 2015.
	# Advice and guidance from the Social Care Institute for Excellence.		# Advice and guidance from the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

Seymour Jacklin: added Stacey DSO, updated review date

2026-07-24T09:41:58Z

added Stacey DSO, updated review date

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 24 July 2026
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	\|-		\|-
	\|'''Last review and approval'''		\|'''Last review and approval'''
	\|16/07/2025.		\|16/07/2025. (Currently being reviewed - July 2026)
	\|}		\|}

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	The Handcrafted Safeguarding Officer (HSO) has a duty to collate precise details of safeguarding concerns and allegations which are reported by staff. They will liaise with the staff who have provided the report to decide on what the appropriate course of action should be, and support staff to take the appropriate steps. They will provide advice to staff who have queries about Handcrafted's approach to safeguarding, or about specific cases. Where a case is reported externally to another agency, the HSO will take responsibility for liaising with that agency. They will take reasonable measures to ensure that a joined-up and holistic approach is taken to supporting those affected by the case. They will attend the meetings of the Handcrafted Safeguarding Steering Group. They will ensure that every Handcrafted staff member has a valid DBS check, and be responsible for the renewal of these checks as they approach expiry.		The Handcrafted Safeguarding Officer (HSO) has a duty to collate precise details of safeguarding concerns and allegations which are reported by staff. They will liaise with the staff who have provided the report to decide on what the appropriate course of action should be, and support staff to take the appropriate steps. They will provide advice to staff who have queries about Handcrafted's approach to safeguarding, or about specific cases. Where a case is reported externally to another agency, the HSO will take responsibility for liaising with that agency. They will take reasonable measures to ensure that a joined-up and holistic approach is taken to supporting those affected by the case. They will attend the meetings of the Handcrafted Safeguarding Steering Group. They will ensure that every Handcrafted staff member has a valid DBS check, and be responsible for the renewal of these checks as they approach expiry.

	=== Handcrafted Deputy Safeguarding ~~Officer~~ ===		=== Handcrafted Deputy Safeguarding Officers ===
	~~Name:~~ Ruth Crichton		Ruth Crichton (ruth@handcraftedproject.com)

	~~Email: ruth~~@handcraftedproject.com		Stacey Nicholas (stacey@handcraftedproject.com)

	The Handcrafted Deputy Safeguarding Officer (HDSO) will assist the HSO with their duties. However, in accordance with the organisation's Confidentiality Policy and Guidance, the HSO will not share identifying details with them of trainees who are affected by safeguarding cases. The HDSO will take a lead on raising awareness within Handcrafted of the importance of safeguarding. This will include ensuring that this policy is clearly and consistently shared with staff, and that safeguarding procedures are displayed clearly in Handcrafted premises.		The Handcrafted Deputy Safeguarding Officer (HDSO) will assist the HSO with their duties. However, in accordance with the organisation's Confidentiality Policy and Guidance, the HSO will not share identifying details with them of trainees who are affected by safeguarding cases. The HDSO will take a lead on raising awareness within Handcrafted of the importance of safeguarding. This will include ensuring that this policy is clearly and consistently shared with staff, and that safeguarding procedures are displayed clearly in Handcrafted premises.

Seymour Jacklin: /* Prevent Duty */

2026-02-24T15:29:59Z

Prevent Duty

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 24 February 2026
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	We have ensured that Prevent Duty training is part of the safeguarding training received by all Handcrafted staff. We will work with key partners to ensure that we are aware of any tensions within our local community so that we can create safe spaces for our trainees to discuss their experiences and concerns. Where we are concerned about a trainee, we will follow our safeguarding procedures. Serious concerns should be referred to the Police Prevent Team where there is a concern that a trainee is at immediate risk.		We have ensured that Prevent Duty training is part of the safeguarding training received by all Handcrafted staff. We will work with key partners to ensure that we are aware of any tensions within our local community so that we can create safe spaces for our trainees to discuss their experiences and concerns. Where we are concerned about a trainee, we will follow our safeguarding procedures. Serious concerns should be referred to the Police Prevent Team where there is a concern that a trainee is at immediate risk.

	In exercising our specific duty under Prevent we seek to protect ~~vulnerable~~ adults from being drawn into, and against, the messages of all violent extremism. This includes and is not restricted to Daesh, Al Qaeda, Far Right, Neo-Nazi, White Supremacist ideology, Irish Nationalist and Loyalist paramilitary groups and extremist Animal Rights movements.		In exercising our specific duty under Prevent we seek to protect children and adults at risk of harm from being drawn into, and against, the messages of all violent extremism. This includes and is not restricted to Daesh, Al Qaeda, Far Right, Neo-Nazi, White Supremacist ideology, Irish Nationalist and Loyalist paramilitary groups and extremist Animal Rights movements.

	Staff should be alert to changes in trainees' behaviour, which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.		Staff should be alert to changes in trainees' behaviour, which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.

Seymour Jacklin: /* Prevent Duty */

2026-02-24T15:27:35Z

Prevent Duty

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 24 February 2026
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	There are now duties imposed on agencies under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (The Prevent Duty), to have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.'		There are now duties imposed on agencies under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (The Prevent Duty), to have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.'

	Further advice in relation to this is within the statutory guidance – Revised Prevent Duty guidance: for England and Wales ~~1 April 2021~~		Further advice in relation to this is within the statutory guidance – Revised Prevent Duty guidance: for England and Wales (2023)

	We have ensured that Prevent Duty training is part of the safeguarding training received by all Handcrafted staff. We will work with key partners to ensure that we are aware of any tensions within our local community so that we can create safe spaces for our trainees to discuss their experiences and concerns. Where we are concerned about a trainee, we will follow our safeguarding procedures. Serious concerns should be referred to the Police Prevent Team where there is a concern that a trainee is at immediate risk.		We have ensured that Prevent Duty training is part of the safeguarding training received by all Handcrafted staff. We will work with key partners to ensure that we are aware of any tensions within our local community so that we can create safe spaces for our trainees to discuss their experiences and concerns. Where we are concerned about a trainee, we will follow our safeguarding procedures. Serious concerns should be referred to the Police Prevent Team where there is a concern that a trainee is at immediate risk.