Safeguarding policy

Effective Date - 23.05.25
Review Date - 23.05.26
Approved by: Board of Directors

1. Policy Statement
Uplift Ventures CIC is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all participants involved in our programmes—particularly women, vulnerable adults, and community members who may be at increased risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and commit to creating a culture of openness, accountability, and proactive prevention across all areas of our work.

2. Purpose
This policy outlines how we prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns. It applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners involved in delivering our programmes, including those supporting our "Women Cooking from Home" entrepreneurship initiative.

3. Legal Framework
Our safeguarding policy is aligned with:

- The Care Act 2014
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- The Charity Commission’s guidance on safeguarding (2017)
- Safeguarding Adults: Roles and Responsibilities in Health and Care Services (DHSC)

4. Who We Safeguard
- Adult participants (including women in vulnerable financial, social, or emotional circumstances)
- Young people involved in outreach or digital training (aged 16+)
- Volunteers and staff interacting with at-risk individuals
- Beneficiaries receiving services in-person or via digital platforms

5. Types of Abuse We Safeguard Against
We recognise multiple forms of abuse, including but not limited to:

- Economic abuse or coercive control or exploitation
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Discriminatory abuse

6. Prevention & Risk Management
- All staff and volunteers receive basic safeguarding training during induction.
- Enhanced DBS checks are conducted for staff or volunteers working directly with vulnerable adults.
- We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse or harassment.
- Risk assessments are conducted for workshops, events, and digital engagement.

7. Roles and Responsibilities
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Bala Subbaiah / bala@upliftventures.co.uk
- Responsible for leading safeguarding training, reporting concerns, and liaising with statutory services.

Board of Directors:
Oversee safeguarding practice and review this policy annually.

All Staff & Volunteers:
Must report any concern immediately and follow Uplift’s safeguarding reporting process.

8. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Any concern—no matter how minor—should be reported to the DSL within 24 hours.

Concerns may be raised:
- In person
- By email to: bala@upliftventures.co.uk

In case of immediate danger, emergency services (999) must be contacted.

9. Responding to Allegations
All concerns will be taken seriously, documented confidentially, and investigated promptly. Uplift Ventures will follow local safeguarding board procedures and notify appropriate agencies (e.g., Newham Council’s safeguarding team, police, social services). Victims will be treated with sensitivity and offered referrals for additional support services.

10. Confidentiality & Data Protection
Confidentiality will be respected unless there is a risk of harm. All safeguarding data is stored securely in compliance with GDPR regulations. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and only with relevant authorities.

11. Policy Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the board or sooner if legislation changes. Incident logs and feedback will inform ongoing improvements in safeguarding practice.

12. Supporting Information
- Uplift Ventures Code of Conduct
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
- Volunteer Handbook
- Safeguarding Incident Report Form