Flourish Connect Outreach (Foundation CIO)

1. Legal Status and Governance Responsibility (Foundation CIO)

Flourish Connect Outreach is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by a Foundation CIO constitution.

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and for ensuring that the charity:

• Operates for public benefit

• Protects individuals from harm

• Complies with safeguarding legislation and Charity Commission guidance

• Has appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures, and controls in place

Safeguarding is a standing governance responsibility and is overseen at trustee level.

2. Scope of This Policy

This Safeguarding Policy applies to:

• Trustees

• Staff and volunteers

• Members (as defined by the constitution)

• Contractors and partners

• Beneficiaries and participants

• Any individual acting on behalf of the charity

The policy applies to all charity activities, including:

• Community outreach

• Education and training programmes

• Events and meetings (in-person and online)

• Pastoral and wellbeing support

• Academy activities

• Media and digital engagement

3. Safeguarding Principles (CIO-Aligned)

Flourish Connect Outreach is guided by the following safeguarding principles:

• Safety first: The welfare of individuals is paramount

• Trustee accountability: Trustees retain oversight and responsibility

• Prevention: Risks are identified and managed proactively

• Proportionality: Safeguarding measures are appropriate to activities

• Transparency: Concerns are taken seriously and acted upon

• Inclusivity: Safeguarding applies to all, without discrimination
  

4. Definitions

Children and Young People

A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18.

Adults at Risk

An adult who:

• Has care and support needs

• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect

• Is unable to protect themselves
  

5. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Trustees

The Trustees:

• Approve and review the Safeguarding Policy

• Ensure safeguarding is embedded in governance

• Ensure appropriate reporting and escalation

• Act on serious incidents in line with Charity Commission guidance
  
  

Safeguarding Lead

The charity appoints a Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for:

• Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns

• Liaising with trustees and external agencies

• Maintaining safeguarding records

• Supporting volunteers and staff
  

Volunteers, Members, and Staff

All individuals involved in the charity must:

• Act in accordance with this policy

• Report safeguarding concerns promptly

• Respect boundaries and confidentiality

6. Safer Recruitment and Participation

Where appropriate and proportionate:

• Volunteers and staff may undergo suitability checks

• DBS checks are carried out for roles involving regulated activity

• Induction includes safeguarding awareness

• Role descriptions clarify safeguarding responsibilities

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported promptly to the Safeguarding Lead or a Trustee.

Concerns may relate to:

• Abuse or neglect

• Inappropriate behaviour

• Risk of harm

• Disclosure by a child or adult
  

Where there is immediate risk:

• Emergency services are contacted

• Relevant statutory authorities are informed

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information is:

• Treated confidentially

• Shared only on a need-to-know basis

• Managed in line with data protection legislation

Confidentiality may be overridden where there is a risk of harm.

9. Online and Digital Safeguarding

The charity recognizes risks associated with online engagement and:

• Uses appropriate controls for online meetings

• Sets expectations for behaviour

• Manages digital communications responsibly

• Applies safeguarding standards to online activities
  

10. Managing Allegations and Serious Incidents

Where a safeguarding concern meets the threshold of a serious incident, the Trustees will:

• Report the matter to the Charity Commission without delay

• Cooperate with statutory authorities

• Take appropriate internal action

11. Training and Awareness

Safeguarding training and guidance is provided to trustees, volunteers, and relevant personnel to ensure:

• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities

• Understanding of reporting procedures

• Ongoing compliance

12. Monitoring and Review (CIO-Aligned)

This Safeguarding Policy:

• Is approved by the Board of Trustees

• Is reviewed regularly

• Is updated in response to changes in law or guidance

Trustees ensure safeguarding remains effective and proportionate.

13. Linked Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Privacy Policy

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

• Code of Conduct

• Complaints Policy

• Volunteer Policy

Safeguarding Policy