Safeguarding Policy

Durham Guild is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected and valued.

We acknowledge the right of all adults to make decisions for themselves.

We also acknowledge that any adult, through illness, age or external circumstances, may become vulnerable to abuse and harm.

We are committed to supporting the right of adults at risk to be protected from abuse and neglect and to acting promptly when dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse or neglect. 

To that end the committee will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead and will put in place a clear reporting procedure.

We believe that Safeguarding is the responsibility of all members.

 

Safeguarding Procedure 

 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Durham Guild is Diana Barclay.

 

If you are concerned that someone you have met in the context of the Guild is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or if necessary, report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police, without delay.

 

If someone makes a disclosure of abuse to you in the context of the Guild, you should listen carefully and take their concerns seriously. They should be informed that their identity and the identity of the respondent will be shared with the Safeguarding adviser and may be shared with Statutory Authorities. The concern or allegation should not be shared with anyone other than those who need to know. Record the details of the concern or allegation in writing as soon as possible afterwards. You should keep the record factual. Record the time, date, location, persons present and how the concern or allegation was received. The record should include details of information provided to that person as well as the information received. Always sign and date the record. Pass a copy of the record to the Safeguarding Adviser as soon as possible. The record will be kept secure and confidential.