MKP UK&I Safeguarding Policy
The Board of Trustees of the Mankind Project UK& Ireland, (MKP UK&I), recognises that it has a legal duty to safeguard its employees and others who may be affected by the charity's activities; and that managing personal safety and well-being is of crucial importance.
Policy Statement
MKP UK&I believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. MKP UK&I is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.
MKP UK&I acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody's responsibility and is committed to preventing abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.
MKP UK&I recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person's resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people's lives.
Actions taken by MKP UK&I will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt and proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of MKP UK&l to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone in a position of responsibility and leadership in MKP UK&l is aware of: The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults: Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults: What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or well-being of an adult within the organisation.
If you have a concern please contact concerns@mankindprojectuki.org
Scope
This safeguarding adult policy and associated procedures apply to all individuals involved in MKP UK&I including Board members, staff, contractors and volunteers and to all concerns about the safety of adults whilst taking part in our organisation, its activities and in the wider UK & IRELAND community. If you believe that something needs reporting or you have a grievance or complaint please contact concerns@mankindprojectuki.org
MKP UK&I Whistle-Blowing Policy
MKP UK&I Grievance & Complaints Policy
Commitments
To implement this policy MKP UK&I will ensure that:
Everyone in a position of leadership & responsibility (trustees, staff, contractors & volunteers) within MKP UK&I is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or well-being of an adult.
Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with MKP UK&I Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.
The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to (see the Safeguarding Adults Procedures).
Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures MKP UK&I.
MKP UK&I will cooperate with the Police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard an adult.
All Board members, staff, contractors and volunteers understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults appropriate for their role.
MKP UK&I uses safe recruitment practices and continually assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals in this organisation.
MKP UK&I will share information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services, where there is a concern that a person may be at risk of physical or mental harm and/or a serious crime taking place.
When planning activities and events MKP UK&I includes an assessment of, and risk to, the safety of all adults from abuse and neglect and designates a person who will be in attendance as a safeguarding lead for that event. Leaders of all MKP UK&l events make it clear to volunteers and participants that all issues regarding safeguarding must be reported to the leader of an event.
Actions taken under this policy are reviewed by the Board and senior management team on an annual basis.
This policy, related policies (see below) and the Safeguarding Adults Procedures are reviewed no less than on an annual basis and whenever there are changes in relevant legislation and/or government guidance as required, or as a result of any other significant change or event, by the MKP UK&I board of trustees.
Implementation
MKP UK&I is committed to developing and maintaining its capability to implement this policy and procedures. In order to do so the following will be in place:
A clear line of accountability within the organisation for the safety and welfare of all adults.
The MKP Policy on Ethical Relationships which can be viewed here
Regular management reports to the Board from the Operating Team detailing what risks have been encountered and how they have been addressed.
Safeguarding adult procedures that deal effectively with any concerns of abuse or neglect, including those caused through poor practice.
Codes of conduct for Board members, Staff, contractors and Volunteers that specify zero tolerance of abuse in any form.
Risk assessments that specifically include safeguarding of adults.
Policies and procedures that address the following areas and which are consistent with this Safeguarding Adults policy.
Those with financial responsibility which include trustees, the Training Manager and the Enrolment Coordinator, are required to have DBS checks. On training weekends no one outside of leadership meets any participant on a one to one basis. The Ethical Relationships Policy is signed by all staff at every training weekend. This offers robust protection to those on our weekends.
The Ethical Relationships Policy
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Last Revised July 2024
