Safeguarding Policy

If you are worried about someone now

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to all DFCVA trustees, volunteers and anyone helping to run or attending a DFCVA activity — including drop-ins, family events, meetings with partners and our online and telephone communications.

DFCVA is an independent charity working in partnership with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Fostering Services. Statutory responsibility for children in care remains with the placing local authority. DFCVA sets clear safeguarding standards for every activity it leads.

Legal and regulatory framework

This policy follows UK safeguarding law and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government statutory guidance)
• Care Act 2014 (safeguarding adults)
• Charity Commission guidance: Safeguarding and protecting people for charities and trustees
• Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership multi-agency procedures

Raising a concern within DFCVA

If you have a safeguarding concern arising from, or connected with, a DFCVA activity:

• Make sure anyone at immediate risk is safe, and call 999 if needed.
• Contact the relevant statutory service above. For a child in foster care, also inform the child’s social worker or your supervising social worker.
• Tell our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Steven Honnor, as soon as possible on 07813 715488.
• Write down what you saw or were told, in the person’s own words, with the date and time. Do not investigate or ask leading questions.
• Do not send names, dates of birth, school details or case information about a child by ordinary email.

Allegations about trustees or volunteers

Any allegation that a DFCVA trustee or volunteer has harmed a child, or behaved in a way that suggests they may pose a risk to children, is referred to the Dudley Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day, in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.

The person concerned will take no part in DFCVA activities involving children while the matter is considered. Where required, trustees will also report a serious incident to the Charity Commission.

Safer volunteering and confidentiality

Trustees and volunteers whose role involves regular contact with children or adults at risk complete the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a safeguarding induction before starting.

In DFCVA peer support spaces, carers do not share names, dates of birth, school details or confidential medical or legal information that could identify a child in care. Conversations focus on carers’ wellbeing and shared experiences.