Safeguarding Policy
Last updated: [Date] — Review date: [Date]
1. Policy Statement
ASeekers is committed to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals who engage with our organisation, with particular regard to vulnerable adults including asylum seekers, refugees, and those with lived experience of displacement or trauma.
We believe that every person has the right to be safe from abuse, exploitation, and harm, and that the welfare of vulnerable individuals is paramount.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, and third parties working on behalf of ASeekers across all activities including our digital platform, community forum, and any outreach activities.
3. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) receives and acts on all safeguarding concerns.
DSL: [Name]
Contact:
safeguarding@aseekers.org
4. Types of Abuse
We recognise the following forms of abuse and are alert to signs of each:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Discriminatory abuse
- Online or digital abuse
- Exploitation including modern slavery and trafficking
5. Online Safeguarding
As a digital platform we have specific online safeguarding responsibilities:
- The forum is actively moderated
- Content raising safeguarding concerns is reviewed promptly
- Staff and volunteers must not engage in private communications with service users outside the platform
- Content depicting or facilitating abuse is removed immediately and reported to authorities
Users may report concerns via the flagging system or by emailing safeguarding@aseekers.org .
6. Reporting a Concern
If there is immediate risk of harm call 999.
Otherwise:
- Record what you have seen or been told using the person's own words where possible
- Report to the DSL within 24 hours
- The DSL will decide whether to refer to Adult Social Care, the police, or take other action
- Maintain confidentiality — share only on a need-to-know basis
7. Safer Recruitment
All volunteers in roles involving direct contact with vulnerable adults shall provide two references and, where appropriate, undergo enhanced DBS checks.
8. Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the trustees or following any safeguarding incident.
Approved by trustees: [Date]