Safeguarding
Safeguarding of adults and children is integral to all aspects of the work that Halifax Opportunities Trust undertakes. All those who come into contact with children & young people have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children & young people and ensure that any potential harm to a child or young person’s welfare is minimised (Children Act 1989). There is a duty to recognise that adults can also be subject to safeguarding issues and to recognise that they may or may not have capacity to make their own decisions. We work with people as individuals and listen to them, looking at the outcomes that are meaningful and personal to them (making safeguarding personal).
Halifax Opportunities Trust is committed to providing a secure and supportive environment in which children & young people can develop and grow and in which adults will be heard regarding any risks to themselves or others. Within our safeguarding policies, clear safeguarding procedures are outlined to ensure effective safeguarding practice. A structure is in place to ensure that safeguarding concerns are managed in a timely fashion. There are two Designated Safeguarding Leads available during core working hours and in the event of an absence this role is passed to another appropriate individual.
Halifax Opportunities Trust adhere to safer recruitment practices, including that all relevant staff have an enhanced DBS.
As part of our safeguarding approach we work with partners, including Calderdale MBC, to adhere to local and nationwide frameworks such as the Calderdale Safeguarding Children and Adults Board and the Prevent strategy. You can find out more about the Calderdale Safeguarding Children and Adults Board here and you can find out more information about Prevent here. As part of Prevent we are required to perform safeguarding checks on all third parties who book our facilities at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and The Outback garden.
Useful Links:
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Hourglass (action on elder abuse)