1. Policy Statement
SisterLink is a community built by Muslim women, for Muslim women, dedicated to providing practical support, emotional care, faith-centred guidance, and short-term Sadaqah assistance to single Muslim mothers and their children. We recognize our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, who engage with our services. SisterLink is committed to ensuring that all safeguarding practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and comply with best practices and relevant charity commission requirements. Our policies are designed to establish common values, principles, and beliefs, outlining the steps taken to meet SisterLink’s commitment to protect all beneficiaries.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trustees, and any individuals working for or on behalf of SisterLink. It covers all activities undertaken by SisterLink, whether online, in person, or through third-party referrals. The policy is applicable to all children (individuals under the age of 18) and vulnerable adults (individuals aged 18 or over who are or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who are or may be unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation).
3. Legal Framework
SisterLink operates within the legal framework of safeguarding and child protection relevant to its operational jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004 (UK), the Care Act 2014 (UK), and other relevant national and local safeguarding guidance. We are committed to adhering to these legal obligations to safeguard and promote the well-being of children and adults at risk. This includes ensuring all adults who work with or on behalf of SisterLink are competent, confident, and safe to do so.
4. Our Values, Principles, and Beliefs
Child-Centred Approach: The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions taken. All children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation.
Respect and Dignity: All individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or background, have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
Empowerment: We aim to empower children and vulnerable adults by providing them with information, fostering their participation, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to transparent practices and hold ourselves accountable for safeguarding decisions and actions.
Prevention: We believe in proactive measures to prevent abuse and neglect, including robust recruitment, training, and awareness programs.
Collaboration: We work in partnership with relevant agencies, families, and communities to ensure effective safeguarding.
Confidentiality: Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of the individual, and in accordance with data protection laws.
5. Types of Abuse and Neglect
SisterLink recognizes that abuse and neglect can take many forms. These include, but are not limited to:
Physical Abuse: Causing physical harm or injury.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Causing emotional distress or harm.
Sexual Abuse: Involving a child or vulnerable adult in sexual activity.
Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s or vulnerable adult’s basic needs.
Financial Abuse: Misuse or theft of a vulnerable adult’s money or possessions.
Modern Slavery: Human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude.
Online Abuse: Abuse facilitated through digital technologies.
Radicalisation: The process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
6.1. Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within SisterLink. Their responsibilities include:
Ensuring the organization has a robust safeguarding policy and procedures.
Reviewing and approving the safeguarding policy annually.
Ensuring adequate resources are allocated for safeguarding training and implementation.
Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
6.2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL is responsible for:
Acting as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
Providing advice and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters.
Managing and recording safeguarding concerns.
Liaising with external agencies, such as social services and the police.
Ensuring all staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training.
6.3. All Staff and Volunteers
All individuals working for or on behalf of SisterLink are responsible for:
Adhering to this safeguarding policy and related procedures.
Reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.
Participating in mandatory safeguarding training.
Maintaining professional boundaries with all beneficiaries.
7. Safer Recruitment
SisterLink is committed to safer recruitment practices to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children and vulnerable adults. Our recruitment process includes:
Clear job descriptions and person specifications.
Application forms that gather relevant safeguarding information.
Interviews that explore safeguarding attitudes and understanding.
Verification of qualifications and references.
Criminal record checks (e.g., DBS checks in the UK) where appropriate.
A probationary period for all new staff and volunteers.
8. Training and Awareness
All staff and volunteers will receive mandatory safeguarding induction training, regardless of whether they work directly with children and vulnerable adults. This training will be regularly updated and will cover:
Understanding different types of abuse and neglect.
Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse.
Reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns.
Maintaining professional boundaries.
Online safety and digital safeguarding.
9. Reporting Concerns
Any individual who has a safeguarding concern, no matter how small, must report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to a designated deputy or a trustee. All concerns will be taken seriously and handled sensitively and confidentially.
9.1. Reporting Procedure
Immediate Action: If there is an immediate risk of harm, call emergency services (e.g., 999 in the UK).
Report to DSL: Inform the DSL as soon as possible, providing all relevant details.
Record Keeping: The DSL will record the concern accurately and securely.
Liaison with Authorities: The DSL will liaise with statutory agencies (e.g., local authority children’s services, adult social care, police) as appropriate.
Confidentiality: Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis.
10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
SisterLink understands the importance of confidentiality in safeguarding matters. However, confidentiality is not absolute when there is a concern about the safety or well-being of a child or vulnerable adult. Information will be shared with relevant agencies where there is a legal duty to do so, or where it is necessary to protect an individual from harm. All information sharing will be done in accordance with data protection legislation.
11. Review of this Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, government guidance, or organizational practice. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff and volunteers.
12. Contact for Safeguarding Concerns
Designated Safeguarding Lead: [Name of DSL – To be inserted by SisterLink]
Email: [DSL Email – To be inserted by SisterLink]
Phone: [DSL Phone Number – To be inserted by SisterLink]
Emergency Services: 999 (UK) or local equivalent
Local Authority Children’s Services/Adult Social Care: [Contact details – To be inserted by SisterLink]