Resources & Policies

Safeguarding Policy

Hope For Families · SC053715 · Last reviewed: July 2025

1. Introduction

Hope For Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in our programmes or come into contact with our organisation. This policy applies to all trustees, paid staff, volunteers, students on placement and anyone working on behalf of Hope For Families.

Our commitment: Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to be protected from harm. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility at Hope For Families — it is not optional and it takes priority over all other considerations.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:

  • Children (Scotland) Act 1995
  • Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
  • Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
  • Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
  • The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Scottish Government: Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework
  • Dundee City Council Child Protection Committee Procedures

3. Definitions

Child / Young Person

A child is any person under 18 years of age. Our Little Stars Initiative works with children aged 5–12; our Adolescent Development Initiative works with young people aged 13–17.

Vulnerable Adult

An adult who, due to age, disability, illness, financial hardship or other circumstances, may be unable to protect themselves from harm, exploitation or neglect.

Abuse

Abuse takes many forms. At Hope For Families we recognise and are alert to:

  • Physical abuse — hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or otherwise causing physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse — persistent emotional ill-treatment causing severe and adverse effects on development.
  • Sexual abuse — involving a child or vulnerable adult in sexual activities they do not fully understand or consent to.
  • Neglect — persistent failure to meet basic physical or psychological needs.
  • Financial abuse — theft, fraud or exploitation of a vulnerable adult's finances or resources.

4. Designated Safeguarding Officer

Hope For Families has a nominated Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who is responsible for receiving, recording and managing all safeguarding concerns and allegations. All staff and volunteers know who the DSO is and how to contact them.

If the concern involves the DSO, it should be referred directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees or to Dundee City Council Social Work Department.

To raise a safeguarding concern, contact us at:kelechioliora@gmail.com

5. Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Be familiar with this policy and attend safeguarding training as required.
  • Treat all participants with dignity and respect.
  • Never spend unnecessary time alone with a child or vulnerable adult.
  • Avoid physical contact unless it is necessary and appropriate (e.g., first aid).
  • Never share personal contact details with participants or invite them to personal social media accounts.
  • Report any concern immediately — do not investigate independently or promise confidentiality.

The DSO must:

  • Ensure all concerns are recorded accurately and securely.
  • Liaise with Dundee City Council Social Work, Police Scotland or other agencies as appropriate.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local safeguarding procedures.
  • Ensure this policy is reviewed at least annually.

6. Reporting a Concern

  1. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
  2. Report the concern to the DSO as soon as possible — the same day if at all possible.
  3. Write down what was seen, heard or said using the child's or adult's exact words where possible. Include dates, times and names of any witnesses. Do not delay reporting while trying to gather more information.
  4. The DSO will decide whether to refer to Dundee City Council Social Work (01382 433833) or Police Scotland (101).
  5. All concerns, actions and decisions must be recorded on our secure safeguarding log.

If you believe a child is at risk and the DSO is not taking action, you have the right and responsibility to refer directly to statutory authorities yourself.

7. Safer Recruitment

Hope For Families is committed to safe recruitment practices:

  • All staff and volunteers who work directly with children or protected adults are subject to a PVG Scheme check through Disclosure Scotland before starting work.
  • References are sought and verified for all staff appointments.
  • All new staff and volunteers receive a safeguarding induction before working unsupervised with participants.

8. Photography, Filming & Social Media

Written consent is obtained from parents or guardians before any photography or filming of children under 18. Images of children are never published on social media without explicit consent. Please refer to ourConsent Policy for full details.

Staff and volunteers must not photograph or film participants on personal devices. All photography is coordinated by a designated staff member.

9. Related Policies

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or sooner if legislation, guidance or an incident requires it. All staff and volunteers are informed of any changes.

Next review due: July 2026