Rise and Thrive Families CIC – Safeguarding Policy and Statement

Effective Date: 27 April 2025
Last Reviewed: 27 April 2025
Next Review Date: April 2026
Safeguarding Contact Email: admin@riseandthrivefamilies.com

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Rise and Thrive Families CIC, safeguarding is a core commitment.
We recognise that families we work with — especially those healing after trauma — must be able to trust that our spaces are safe, nurturing, and protective.

We are committed to:

  • Protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm

  • Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns

  • Creating a culture where safeguarding is understood, embedded, and upheld by everyone connected with our work

We believe safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Rise and Thrive Families CIC staff, volunteers, session workers, and directors

  • Anyone acting on behalf of Rise and Thrive in a paid or unpaid capacity

  • Participants, parents, carers, children, and young people who engage with our services

3. Key Safeguarding Policies

We are committed to implementing the following safeguarding measures:

Safer Recruitment:

  • We conduct references and, where appropriate, Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all staff and volunteers.

  • Safeguarding expectations are clearly outlined during recruitment and induction.

Training and Induction:

  • All staff, volunteers, and facilitators complete safeguarding training.

  • Refresher training is offered at least every two years or when major changes occur.

Recognising Signs of Abuse:
We train staff to recognise indicators of:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Domestic abuse

  • Child exploitation and trafficking

  • Peer-on-peer abuse

  • Emotional harm connected to parental trauma or stress

Clear Reporting Procedures:

  • Concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.

  • Concerns are documented accurately and confidentially.

  • Serious safeguarding concerns will be reported to statutory agencies (Children’s Services, Adult Safeguarding Teams, Police) in line with local safeguarding procedures.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing:

  • Confidentiality is respected unless a concern about safety overrides it.

  • We share information securely and only when necessary to protect a child or vulnerable adult.

Working in Partnership:

  • We engage with families, statutory agencies, and community partners where appropriate to promote best safeguarding practice.

  • We respect cultural, racial, religious, and gender diversity while always prioritising safety.

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals

  • Providing advice and guidance to staff and volunteers

  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies

Current Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Natasha Manning
Safeguarding Contact Email: admin@riseandthrivefamilies.com
Safeguarding Contact Phone: 07985 785 886

5. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child, parent, or adult discloses a safeguarding concern:

  • We will listen carefully and without judgment

  • We will not promise to keep information secret if someone is at risk

  • We will take immediate action in line with our safeguarding procedures

  • We will keep accurate and secure records of all concerns raised

6. Photography, Filming, and Social Media

  • We will always seek explicit consent before using photographs, recordings, or quotes from families and individuals.

  • Families have the right to withdraw consent at any time.

7. Online Safety

  • We will take appropriate measures to ensure that all online sessions, communications, and resource sharing are conducted safely and respectfully.

  • Platforms used for online sessions will be secure and access-controlled.

8. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy and statement will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation or safeguarding guidance.

Effective Date: 27 April 2025
Last Reviewed: 27 April 2025
Next Review Due: April 2026

Contact for Safeguarding Concerns:
Natasha Manning – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Email: admin@riseandthrivefamilies.com
Phone: 07985 785 886