Safeguarding at SEND4

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At SEND4, safeguarding is central to everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with our services.

We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported, and we work proactively to create environments where concerns are taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone.

Who We Safeguard

Our safeguarding arrangements apply to:

• Children and young people (under 18)
• Young adults and adults at risk (18+)
• SEND4 members, participants, interns, and volunteers
• Families and carers
• Staff, mentors, job coaches, and partners
• Employers and external placement providers working with SEND4

Our Safeguarding Principles

We follow recognised safeguarding principles, including:

• Protection – supporting individuals to stay safe from harm
• Prevention – acting early to reduce risk
• Empowerment – listening to individuals and respecting their views
• Proportionality – responding in the least intrusive way appropriate
• Partnership – working with families, professionals, and agencies
• Accountability – clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting pathways

What Is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means:

• Protecting people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Preventing harm to health or development
• Ensuring people grow up and live in safe and effective care
• Taking action to enable the best possible outcomes

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Financial or material abuse
• Discriminatory abuse
• Online or digital abuse
• Exploitation (including criminal or sexual exploitation)

Our Safeguarding Approach

SEND4 operates robust safeguarding arrangements which include:

• A clear Safeguarding and Child/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
• Named Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
• Safer recruitment practices, including DBS checks
• Ongoing safeguarding training for staff and volunteers
• Risk assessments tailored to individuals and activities
• Clear reporting and escalation procedures
• Partnership working with local authorities and professionals

Safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

SEND4 has trained Designated Safeguarding Leads responsible for managing safeguarding concerns.

• Penny Bailey
  Managing director / Designated safeguarding lead
  
• Lucia Sanchis
  Financial and operations director / Designated safeguarding lead
  
• Bev Gowman
  Compliance, training and programmes officer / Designated safeguarding lead
  
• Tracy Perren
  Dorset Regional Lead / Designated safeguarding lead
  

If you are unsure whether something is a safeguarding concern, always report it.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of someone involved with SEND4:

1. Report it immediately to a SEND4 staff member or DSL
2. Provide as much factual information as possible
3. Do not investigate or promise confidentiality
4. Concerns will be handled sensitively and appropriately

All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and managed in line with SEND4 policy and statutory guidance.

Out-of-Hours and Emergency Support

If a safeguarding concern arises outside of SEND4 operating hours, or if someone is at immediate risk, please use the following support services:

• Emergency Services: 999
• Non-Emergency Police: 101
• ChildLine: 0800 1111
• NHS urgent medical advice: 111
• Samaritans: 116 123
• BCP council out-of-hours safeguarding: 01202 123654
• Dorset council out-of-hours safeguarding: 01305 221016

If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger, always call 999 first.

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

SEND4 recognises that adults may be at risk due to factors such as disability, mental health needs, communication difficulties, or reliance on others for support.

We follow the principles of the Care Act 2014 and work to ensure adults are supported to live safely, with dignity and independence.

Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding

SEND4 takes online safety seriously and recognises the additional risks posed by digital communication.

We promote:

• Safe and appropriate use of technology
• Clear boundaries around communication
• Awareness of online exploitation and grooming
• Reporting of harmful or concerning online behaviour

Safer Recruitment

SEND4 operates a safer recruitment policy, which includes:

• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Reference checks
• Clear role descriptions and expectations
• Safeguarding training as part of induction

This helps ensure that everyone working with SEND4 is suitable to do so.

Whistleblowing

SEND4 encourages anyone to raise concerns about unsafe or inappropriate behaviour, including concerns about staff or organisational practice.

Concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal and will be taken seriously.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns may require information to be shared with relevant professionals or agencies.

Information will only be shared:

• When there is a legal or safeguarding duty to do so
• On a need-to-know basis
• In line with data protection legislation

Policies and Further Information

The following policies and guidance are available upon request:

• Child Protection and Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy
• Safer Recruitment Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Policy
• Safeguarding guidance

Contact Us About Safeguarding

If you have a safeguarding question or concern, please contact: