BBS UK Safeguarding Children Policy

Introduction

Safeguarding involves protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care environments, and taking action to achieve the best possible outcomes for all children (Working Together to Safeguard Children, DfE, 2018, p6).

Purpose of the Safeguarding Policy

• To ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with BBS UK.
• To inform service users, staff, trustees, and volunteers about BBS UK’s safeguarding responsibilities.
• To ensure a clear understanding of how these responsibilities should be carried out by everyone involved.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, trustees, volunteers, contractors, and any individuals engaged in or associated with the activities, services, or operations of BBS UK. It ensures comprehensive adherence to safeguarding principles across all levels of the Charity.

This Child Protection Policy should be read alongside the following policies:

• Code of Conduct
• Staff Handbook
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Disciplinary Policy

Mission Statement

BBS UK are committed to promoting positive health and wellbeing within the BBS community; to improving knowledge and understanding amongst those affected, the medical and educational professionals and the wider public; and to supporting research and raising awareness of Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Principles Underpinning Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy of BBS UK is built upon the following core principles:

• The welfare of the individual is paramount: Every decision and action taken by BBS UK prioritises the safety, health, and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals above all else.
• The right to protection from abuse and exploitation: All children and vulnerable individuals have an inherent right to live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: Every staff member, trustee, volunteer, and contractor has a duty to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with their role and training.
• Actions must always be in the best interests of the individual: Decisions are guided by what will most positively impact the welfare and development of the child or vulnerable person involved.
• Confidentiality must be respected, but safety overrides confidentiality: While respecting privacy is crucial, any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being will always take precedence, ensuring appropriate actions are taken swiftly and responsibly.

Ethos and Culture

BBS UK strives to establish and maintain an ethos and culture where:

• Service users feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are actively listened to and supported when they express worries or concerns.
• Staff and volunteers feel safe, are encouraged to speak up, and are listened to and supported when they raise concerns about the safety and well-being of a child.

Across its services, BBS UK ensures that children receive the support they need to achieve their full potential. This may include making referrals to local authority support and social care agencies.

When concerns arise about a child’s welfare, staff members adopt an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ and always act in the best interests of the child.

Statutory Framework

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children, BBS UK will act in accordance with the following legislation and guidance:

• The Children Act 1989
• The Children Act 2004
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE 2023)
• Sexual Offences Act (2003)
• Section 26, The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (PREVENT duty)
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (Section 74, Serious Crime Act 2015)
• Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (makes it a criminal offence to force someone to marry. Includes taking someone overseas to force them to marry whether or not the forced marriage takes place).
• Serious Violence Strategy 2018
• Equality Act 2010 (including the Public Sector Equality Duty)
• The Human Rights Act 1998

Roles And Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Board of Trustees will ensure the appointment of an appropriate senior staff member as the DSL and a Deputy DSL (DDSL). The Board of Trustees will ensure the DSL has the appropriate status and authority to carry out the duties of the post. The role carries a significant level of responsibility and the postholder should be given the additional time, funding, training, resources, and support needed to carry out the role effectively. The DSL Role and Responsibilities can be found in Appendix 4.

The DSL is the central point of contact for all safeguarding concerns, responsible for:

• Managing referrals to relevant agencies for suspected abuse, neglect, or radicalisation.
• Supporting and advising staff on safeguarding practices.
• Maintaining child protection records and ensuring accurate documentation.
• Liaising with external safeguarding partners and local authorities.
• Overseeing safeguarding training and promoting a culture of vigilance.

Staff and Volunteers:

All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

• Completing safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• Reporting concerns promptly using BBS UK’s safeguarding procedures.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to the Code of Conduct.

Board of Trustees:

The Trustees oversee safeguarding practices and ensure organisational compliance by:

• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding laws and policies.
• Receiving safeguarding training to understand their responsibilities.
• Appointing a senior board-level lead (Designated Official) to oversee safeguarding responsibilities, including:
  - Provide induction training for trustees on safeguarding and child protection, including online safety. Training should enable trustees to challenge and assure the effectiveness of policies and procedures, with regular updates provided
  - Appointing and supporting a DSL and Deputy DSL (DDSL).
  - Monitoring the effectiveness of safeguarding policies and their implementation.

Training for Staff and Volunteers

To ensure competence in safeguarding, a training needs analysis and training record will be maintained for all staff, trustees and volunteers:

• All staff will undergo role-specific safeguarding training during induction, with updates at least annually.
• Volunteers will receive an introduction to safeguarding procedures, the Code of Conduct, and their responsibilities.
• Training topics will include recognising abuse, making referrals, and understanding relevant policies.

Multi-agency working

The Board of Trustees should ensure that BBS UK contributes to multi-agency working in line with statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’.

BBS UK will work together with appropriate relevant agencies, to safeguard and promote the welfare of local children, including identifying and responding to their needs.

It is especially important that BBS UK understands its role within the local safeguarding arrangements. The Board of Trustees and senior management team, especially their DSLs, should make themselves aware of and follow the arrangements relevant to where the child resides or to the hospital which they attend

The Board of Trustees should understand the criteria for action and protocols for assessment and ensure they are reflected in their own policies and procedures. They should also be prepared to supply information as requested by safeguarding partners.

BBS UK should work with local authority children’s social care, the police, health services and other services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. This includes providing a coordinated offer of early help when additional needs of children are identified and contributing to inter-agency plans to provide additional support to children subject to child protection plans.

Current DSL: Rebecca Perfect: [email protected]
Current DDSL: Tonia Hymers: [email protected]
Designated Official for Child Protection: Tonia Hymers
Chair of the Board of Trustees: Emma Hughes: [email protected]
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees: Chetan Meshram: [email protected]

Safeguarding Procedures

All staff (the term staff shall refer to anyone working on behalf of BBS UK, including paid staff, trustees, volunteers and contractors) should be vigilant in recognising indicators of abuse and neglect, understanding that children can be at risk of harm in various environments, including within and outside of BBS UK, at home, and online. Professional curiosity and awareness are essential for the early identification of abuse and neglect, enabling timely intervention and protection. Abuse can occur in person or online, involving harm caused by adults or other children.

Key Forms of Abuse:

• Physical Abuse: Includes deliberate harm such as hitting or shaking.
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent maltreatment causing adverse emotional development, including bullying or unrealistic expectations.
• Neglect: The persistent failure to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care.
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities, including grooming or exploitation online.

For detailed definitions, indicators, and examples of each type of abuse, refer to Appendix 1.

When to Be Concerned

If any staff member has concerns about a child’s welfare, they must act immediately. Staff should follow the safeguarding policy and promptly speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL (DDSL). The DSL/DDSL typically has a comprehensive view of safeguarding matters and is the most appropriate person to provide guidance on responding to concerns.

However, any staff member can make a Child Protection Contact Referral to Children’s Services if they believe it is necessary to safeguard a child.

All staff should understand the referral process, particularly for statutory assessments under the Children Act 1989, including:

• Section 17: For children in need.
• Section 47: For children suffering or likely to suffer significant harm due to abuse or neglect.

Staff must not assume that someone else will take action or share vital information. Early sharing of information is essential to enable effective identification, assessment, and allocation of appropriate services.

Options for Response:

1. Internal Support: Managing support for the child through BBS UK’s support services.
2. Request for Early Help: Engaging local early intervention services to provide additional support.
3. Child Protection Contact Referral: Referring to statutory services when a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Children who may require early help

All staff should be aware of the early help process, and understand their role in identifying emerging problems, sharing information with other professionals to support early identification and assessment of a child’s needs. It is important for children to receive the right help at the right time to address risks and prevent issues escalating. This also includes staff monitoring the situation and feeding back to the DSL any ongoing/escalation of concerns so that consideration can be given to a Child Protection Contact Referral to Children’s Services if the child’s situation doesn’t appear to be improving.

If early help is appropriate, the DSL or a DDSL will generally lead on liaising with other agencies and setting up a Families First Assessment as appropriate. See Appendix 2 for examples where a child may benefit from early help.

Contextual Safeguarding and Extra-Familial Harm:

Safeguarding concerns may arise from factors outside of BBS UK or the family environment. Staff, especially DSLs and DDSLs, must consider the broader context in which incidents or behaviours occur. Contextual Safeguarding emphasises the need to assess whether external environmental factors, for example, peer influences, community risks, or online interactions, pose a threat to a child’s safety or welfare.

By recognising and addressing these broader factors, staff can ensure a more holistic approach to safeguarding.

Dealing With a Disclosure

If a child or parent confides in a member of staff or volunteer and requests that the information be kept secret, it is essential that the staff member explains, in a way that is appropriate to the child’s age and developmental stage, that they cannot guarantee complete confidentiality. They should clarify that the information may need to be shared with other professionals to help ensure the safety of the child or others.

If a child discloses any form of abuse, the member of staff should:

• Listen attentively without showing shock or disbelief
• Accept the child's account without questioning its validity
• Allow the child or parent to speak freely without interruption
• Offer reassurance, but avoid making promises that may not be possible to keep
• Never promise confidentiality, as doing so may not be in the best interest of the child
• Reassure the child that they are not at fault
• Emphasise that telling someone was the right thing to do
• Listen carefully, only asking questions to clarify what is being said, and avoid leading or intrusive questions
• Refrain from criticising the alleged perpetrator
• Explain the next steps in the process and who will be informed
• Make a detailed written record of the disclosure (see Record Keeping)
• Pass the information to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) without delay. If the DSL or Deputy DSL is unavailable, inform a senior staff member or complete a child protection referral to ensure immediate action by the police or Children’s Services, if necessary, to protect the child from harm.

This approach ensures that the child feels supported while the necessary steps are taken to protect their safety and wellbeing.

Third Party Disclosures

Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns about children and contact Children’s Services or the Police if they suspect a child has been abused or is at risk of abuse.
When a parent or member of the public shares a concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), they also have a responsibility to report the issue themselves, rather than assuming it is only BBS UK’s job. If they’re unsure how to do this, they should speak to the DSL for guidance.

Recording and Documentation

All staff, trustees and volunteers should be confident of the processing conditions under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR which allow them to store and share information for safeguarding purposes, including information, which is sensitive and personal, and should be treated as ‘special category personal data’.

All concerns, discussions and decisions made and the reasons for those decisions should be recorded in writing. If in doubt about recording requirements, staff should discuss this with the DSL. Staff will:

• Record the information as soon as possible after the conversation.
• Ensure the date, time, place is recorded, noting any noticeable non-verbal behaviour and the words used.
• Record statements and observations rather than interpretations or assumptions.
• Do not destroy the original records in case they are needed by a court.

The DSL/DDSL will have access to safeguarding records and will ensure that all records are managed in accordance with relevant statutory requirements.

Confidentiality and Information sharing

Safeguarding children involves sensitive information that must be handled carefully by all staff and volunteers:

• Staff have a responsibility to share relevant child protection information with other professionals, particularly investigative agencies, to effectively address risks to children's safety and welfare.
• Information about children and their families should only be shared within appropriate professional contexts.
• BBS UK staff must proactively share information with local agencies to identify, assess, and address risks to children, whether the concerns are emerging or the case is already known to local authorities.
• Clear processes and principles for information sharing should be in place within BBS UK and with relevant partners, including local authorities and safeguarding agencies.
• The Board of Trustees must ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, ensuring personal information is processed fairly, lawfully, and securely.
• Staff should understand data protection principles to share or withhold personal information appropriately under these regulations.

For more information about GDPR, Data Protection and Freedom of Information: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/

Investigating Concerns

If any staff member is concerned about a child, they must inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

• The DSL will decide whether the concern should be raised with Children’s Services and if it meets the threshold for a Child Protection Contact Referral.
• If a Child Protection Contact Referral is made, the DSL will discuss it with the parents unless doing so would put the child at further risk of harm.
• While it is the DSL’s responsibility to make Child Protection Contact Referrals, any staff member can make a referral to Children’s Services if a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm (e.g., concerns about FGM, forced marriage, etc.). In such cases, a referral should be made immediately to Children’s Services and/or the Police. The DSL must be informed as soon as possible if a staff member makes a referral.
• The staff member must record any concerns on the same day. The record must be clear, precise, and factual, documenting any verbal disclosures and observations (see recording form).
• Particular attention should be paid to the development of any child about whom there are concerns or who is subject to a Child Protection Plan, and a written record should be maintained.

Further guidance around information sharing can be located within; Information sharing Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers (DfE, 2018):

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-advice

Communication:

• BBS UK will ensure the Safeguarding Policy is publicly available via the website or other means.
• Parents should be informed before a Child Protection Contact Referral is made, unless doing so may increase the risk of harm to the child, delay action, or jeopardise evidence.
• BBS UK may also consider not informing parents where this would place staff at risk.
• BBS UK will ensure that parents understand the safeguarding responsibilities of staff.

Staff Support:

• Staff or volunteers dealing with a disclosure or safeguarding concerns should discuss their feelings with the DSL or line manager for professional support.

Managing Safeguarding Concerns and Allegations Against Staff

The Board of Trustees must ensure procedures are in place to address all safeguarding concerns, including 'Low-Level' concerns, or allegations about staff members, whether or not they meet the harm threshold.

An allegation or safeguarding concern may suggest that a staff member, volunteer, or contractor has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed or may harm a child.
• Committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
• Behaved in a way that poses a potential risk to children.
• Behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.
• Violated the BBS UK Code of Conduct for working with children.

This applies to all current BBS UK team members, regardless of where the alleged incident took place. Allegations involving former staff should be referred to the police. Historical abuse allegations must also be reported to the police.

Reporting and Referrals:

• Safeguarding concerns or allegations about a staff member (including supply staff, volunteers, or contractors) must be referred to the Operations Manager, including allegations from children, parents, or the public.
• If the Operations Manager is the subject of the allegation, the Board of Trustees must be informed.
• Staff may discuss concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and, if appropriate, make a referral through them.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Referral:

• Procedures must ensure that any person in regulated activity who is dismissed or removed due to safeguarding concerns (or would have been if they had not resigned) is referred to the DBS. Failing to refer when required is a criminal offence.

Initial Reporting of Allegations:

• The person receiving the allegation must take it seriously and remain open-minded. They should not investigate or ask leading questions but seek clarification without making assumptions.
• Confidentiality should not be promised; the informant should be told that the information will be shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.
• A written record of the allegation, including time, date, place, details of what was said, and who was present, must be made, signed, and passed to the Operations Manager immediately.

Assessing the Allegation:

• The recipient of the allegation must not determine its validity. Failure to report it as required may result in disciplinary action.
• The Operations Manager or Trustee Chair will not investigate the allegation but will assess whether a referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is necessary. The LADO Threshold Guidance can inform this decision.

Child Protection Procedures:

• If the allegation meets the criteria, contact the appropriate LADO without delay and within 24 hours
• If a child protection strategy or joint evaluation meeting is needed, it will be arranged according to local guidelines.
• If no meeting is required, the LADO will advise on managing the allegation.

Concerns Below the Harm Threshold:

• BBS UK will also address ‘low-level’ concerns about staff, as outlined in the staff behaviour policy/code of conduct.
• Low-level concerns are any concerns about staff behaviour inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, which does not meet the harm threshold but still requires attention.
• These concerns may arise from suspicion, complaints, or allegations from various sources and should be shared confidentially and managed appropriately.

Reporting Low-Level Concerns:

• Low-level concerns should be reported to the Operations Manager, who will determine the response. If in doubt, the LADO will be consulted.
• All low-level concerns will be recorded in writing, reviewed for patterns, and managed appropriately. Records will be kept confidential and in compliance with data protection laws.

Whistleblowing:

• BBS UK promotes an open and transparent culture, addressing concerns promptly and appropriately.
• If staff feel unable to raise concerns internally, they can contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline at 0800 028 0285 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM) or email [email protected].

Staff Concerns About Safeguarding Practices:

• Staff and volunteers should feel confident to raise concerns about poor practice or failures in safeguarding.
• Whistleblowing procedures are reflected in staff training and policies and should be followed to escalate concerns to senior management.

Safer Recruitment

BBS UK is dedicated to the principles of safer recruitment as recommended by the NCVO and NSPCC.

• Rigorous Recruitment Process: We ensure all individuals working with children undergo a thorough recruitment process that prioritises child safety and well-being.
• Background Checks: Enhanced DBS checks, barred list checks, and other relevant background checks are conducted to ensure suitability.
• Reference Checks: References from previous employers or relevant sources are obtained to assess the candidate’s history.
• Safeguarding Understanding: Interviews are designed to assess candidates' understanding of safeguarding practices, and training is provided to reinforce this knowledge.
• Continuous Review: Our recruitment procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to meet the highest standards of child protection.
• Only Suitable Candidates: We ensure that only those who are safe and suitable to work with children and vulnerable individuals are employed within the organisation.

Monitoring and Review

• Regular Policy Reviews: Safeguarding policies are reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with current legislation, best practices, and general safeguarding authority guidelines.
• Effectiveness Evaluation: We assess the effectiveness of staff training, recruitment processes, and the handling of safeguarding concerns based on feedback from staff, children, parents, and external agencies.
• Oversight by DSL: The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) oversees the implementation of safeguarding policies, monitors incidents, and ensures appropriate actions are taken.
• Board of Trustees Involvement: The Board of Trustees reviews safeguarding performance quarterly to ensure compliance, resource allocation, and ongoing child protection.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitoring and review processes help identify areas for improvement and adapt to emerging risks or challenges, ensuring the safety and support of children within the Charity.

Contacts:

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Rebecca Perfect
[email protected]
07421 455649

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tonia Hymers
[email protected]
07591 206680

Executive with Responsibility for Safeguarding
Tonia Hymers
As above

Chair of BBS UK
Emma Hughes
[email protected]
07757 855111

Vice-Chair of BBS UK
Chetan Meshram
[email protected]
07783 403999

External Agencies
Children’s Services: 0300 123 4043

Approved by:

Emma Hughes: Jan 25
Gareth Owens: Jan 25
Dianne Hand: Jan 25
Rachael Zimbler: Dec 24
Bilaal Ali: Dec 24

APPENDIX 1:

Signs and Types of Abuse

All BBS UK team members should be aware of indicators of abuse and neglect (see below). Exercising professional curiosity and knowing what to look for is vital for the early identification of abuse and neglect so that staff can identify cases of children who may need help or protection.

Abuse: a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others.
Abuse can take place wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. Children may be abused by an adult or adults or by another child or children.

Physical abuse

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Indicators in a child/ young person:

• Bruises – shape, grouping, site, repeat or multiple
• Bite-marks – site and size
• Burns and Scalds – shape, definition, size, depth, scars
• Withdrawal from physical contact
• Aggression towards others, emotional and behaviour problems
• Improbable, conflicting explanations for injuries or unexplained injuries
• Frequently absent
• Untreated injuries
• Admission of punishment which appears excessive
• Injuries on parts of body where accidental injury is unlikely
• Fractures
• Repeated or multiple injuries
• Fabricated or induced illness

Emotional abuse

Definition: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.

It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate.

It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning or preventing the child from participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

Indicators in a child/ young person:

• Self-harm
• Chronic running away
• Drug/solvent abuse
• Compulsive stealing
• Makes a disclosure
• Developmental delay
• Neurotic behaviour (e.g. rocking, hair twisting, thumb sucking)
• Over-reaction to mistakes / Inappropriate emotional responses
• Abnormal or indiscriminate attachment
• Low self-esteem
• Extremes of passivity or aggression
• Social isolation – withdrawn, a ‘loner’, frozen watchfulness
• Depression
• Desperate attention-seeking behaviour

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy, for example, because of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate or appropriate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Indicators in a child/ young person:

• Failure to thrive - underweight, small stature
• Failure to manage medical condition, including obesity management in BBS
• Dirty and unkempt condition
• Inadequately clothed
• Dry sparse hair
• Untreated medical problems
• Red/purple mottled skin, particularly on the hands and feet, seen in the winter due to cold
• Swollen limbs with sores that are slow to heal, usually associated with cold injury
• Low self-esteem
• Inadequate social skills and poor socialization
• Self-harming behaviour
• Constant tiredness
• Disturbed peer relationships

Sexual abuse

Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing, and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. The sexual abuse of children by other children is a specific safeguarding issue (also known as peer on peer abuse) and all staff should be aware of it and procedures for dealing with it.

Indicators in a child/ young person:

• Self-harm - eating disorders, self-mutilation and suicide attempts
• Running away from home
• Pregnancy
• Inexplicable changes in behaviour, such as becoming aggressive or withdrawn
• Pain, bleeding, bruising or itching in genital and /or anal area
• Sexually exploited or indiscriminate choice of sexual partners
• Poor self-image, self-harm, self-hatred
• Inappropriate sexualised conduct
• Withdrawal, isolation or excessive worrying
• Sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate to age/stage of development, or that is unusually explicit
• Poor attention / concentration (world of their own)

Child on Child Abuse

All staff should be aware that children can abuse other children and that it can happen both in person and online.

Child-on-child abuse is most likely to include, but may not be limited to:

• Bullying (including cyberbullying, prejudice-based and discriminatory bullying).
• Abuse in intimate personal relationships between children (sometimes known as ‘teenage relationship abuse’
• Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm. (this may include an online element which facilitates, threatens and/or encourages physical abuse)
• Sexual violence, such as rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault. (this may include an online element which facilitates, threatens and/or encourages sexual violence)
• Sexual harassment, such as sexual comments, remarks, jokes and online sexual harassment, which may be stand-alone or part of a broader pattern of abuse.
• Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent, such as forcing someone to strip, touch themselves sexually, or to engage in sexual activity with a third party
• Consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude and semi-nude images and/or videos (also known as sexting or youth produced sexual imagery)
• Upskirting, which typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without their permission, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or cause the victim humiliation, distress, or alarm, and
• Initiation/hazing type violence and rituals (this could include activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group and may also include an online element).

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Both CSE and CCE are forms of abuse that occur where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into taking part in sexual or criminal activity, in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator and/or through violence or the threat of violence. CSE and CCE can affect children, both male and female and can include children who have been moved (commonly referred to as trafficking) for the purpose of exploitation.

Mental Health

All staff should be aware that mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Only appropriately trained professionals should attempt to make a diagnosis of a mental health problem, however, if staff have a mental health concern about a child that is also a safeguarding concern, immediate action should be taken, following this policy, and speaking to the DSL or a DDSL.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can encompass a wide range of behaviours and may be a single incident or a pattern of incidents. Domestic abuse can be, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional. Children can be victims of domestic abuse. They may see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse at home and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse). All of which can have a detrimental and long-term impact on their health, well-being, development, and ability to learn.

All children can witness and be adversely affected by domestic abuse in the context of their home life where domestic abuse occurs between family members.

APPENDIX 2:

Children who may require early help

All staff should be aware of the early help process, and understand their role in identifying emerging problems, sharing information with other professionals to support early identification and assessment of a child’s needs.

Any child may benefit from early help, but all staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for a child who:

• is disabled or has certain health conditions and has specific additional needs
• has special educational needs (whether or not they have a statutory Education, Health and Care Plan)
• has a mental health need
• is a young carer
• is showing signs of being drawn in to anti-social or criminal behaviour, including gang involvement and association with organised crime groups or county lines
• is frequently missing/goes missing from care or from home
• is at risk of modern slavery, trafficking, sexual or criminal exploitation
• is at risk of being radicalised or exploited
• has a family member in prison, or is affected by parental offending
• is in a family circumstance presenting challenges for the child, such as drug and alcohol misuse, adult mental health issues and domestic abuse
• is misusing alcohol and other drugs themselves
• has returned home to their family from care
• is at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse such as Female Genital Mutilation or Forced Marriage
• is a privately fostered child, and
• is persistently absent.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or certain medical or physical health conditions can face additional safeguarding challenges both online and offline. Barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children. This can include:

• Assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the child’s impairment without further exploration
• These children being more prone to peer group isolation or bullying (including prejudice-based bullying) than other children.
• The potential for children with SEND or certain medical conditions being disproportionally impacted by behaviours such as bullying, without outwardly showing any signs and
• Communication barriers and difficulties in managing or reporting these challenges.
• Cognitive understanding – being unable to understand the difference between fact and fiction in online content and then repeating the content/behaviours or the consequences of doing so.
• Child-on-child abuse

APPENDIX 3:

Safeguarding Referral Process

PDF - Safeguarding Referral Process.

APPENDIX 4:

Role & Responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and child protection within BBS UK. Their responsibilities include managing child protection cases, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, and providing leadership, advice, and support to staff and volunteers. The DSL ensures that safeguarding remains a priority across all aspects of the Charity’s activities.

Managing Child Protection Cases:

Referrals:

• Make timely referrals to relevant agencies for cases of suspected abuse or neglect, including the police for potential crimes and the Channel Programme for concerns related to radicalisation.
• Coordinate with the Operations Manager/ to ensure significant safeguarding issues are escalated appropriately.

Support and Advice:

• Act as a source of support, advice, and expertise to staff, helping them determine when and how to make referrals.
• Assist staff in completing referrals to external services and ensure accurate, thorough documentation of concerns and actions taken.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with external agencies, including local authority children’s social care, to manage cases effectively.

Knowledge and Training:

Formal Training:

• Undertake comprehensive safeguarding training specific to the DSL role at least every two years.

Continuous Development:

• Regularly update knowledge and skills through e-bulletins, networking with other DSLs, and reviewing the latest developments in safeguarding practices.

Expertise in Processes:

• Maintain a strong understanding of local authority safeguarding processes, statutory interventions, and child protection procedures, including case conferences and multi-agency collaboration.

Awareness of Vulnerabilities:

• Stay alert to the needs of children in vulnerable circumstances, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), health conditions, or responsibilities as young carers.

Promote Information-Sharing:

• Foster a culture of effective information-sharing within the Charity and with external safeguarding partners to ensure a coordinated approach to child protection.

Raising Awareness:

Policy Accessibility:

• Ensure all staff, trustees, and volunteers have access to and understand BBS UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Make safeguarding and child protection policies publicly available and ensure parents are informed about the referral process and the Charity’s safeguarding role.

Policy Review:

• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and Board of Trustees to review and update the Safeguarding Policy annually, incorporating lessons learned and best practices.

Training Opportunities:

• Facilitate regular safeguarding training for staff and volunteers, ensuring they stay informed about current safeguarding arrangements and best practices.

Promote a Safeguarding Culture:

• Encourage open communication and a culture where safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of the Charity’s operations and decision-making.

The DSL’s role is central to maintaining a safe and protective environment for children and young people served by BBS UK, ensuring that safeguarding is not just a policy but a lived commitment across the organisation.