Safeguarding Policy (Easy-read version)
We want to make sure everyone at OPAL stays safe and protected. This policy is our plan to make sure vulnerable adults and children are safe when they are with us.
What’s in this policy?
- Why we have this policy
- Laws that help keep people safe
- What we mean by ‘vulnerable adults’ and ‘children’
- How we will use this policy and keep it up to date
- How all our paid staff and volunteers will work safely
- How we will choose and train new staff and volunteers
- How we will manage our organisation to keep people safe
- What to do if you’re worried about how we work
- What to do if you’re worried about someone we work with
- What to do if you think someone is being abused
- How to report abuse
- Useful contacts
Why do we have this policy?
We want everyone to feel safe and protected when they’re with us. We will take care of everyone, no matter their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual identity.
Laws that help keep people safe
There are laws that make sure we do everything we can to keep people safe. These laws are the Care Standards Act of 2000, the Children Act 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Vetting and Barring Scheme.
What do we mean by ‘vulnerable adults’ and ‘children’?
A child is anyone under 18.
A vulnerable adult is someone over 18 who has a learning or physical disability, a physical or mental illness, or a reduction in physical or mental capacity.
Using this policy and keeping it up to date
Our chief executive is responsible for making sure everyone follows this policy. We will check and update this policy regularly to make sure it’s working.
How all our paid staff and volunteers will work safely
Everyone needs to follow these rules to keep people safe:
1. Be a good role model
2. Treat everyone with respect and dignity
3. Share information properly
4. Help people make decisions
5. Involve people in making sure we work safely as much as possible
Choosing and training new staff and volunteers
We will make sure everyone we work with is safe for others. We will choose and train new staff and volunteers carefully.
Managing our organisation to keep people safe.
We will always look for ways to make things safer for everyone. We will listen to what people want and make sure our policy reflects this.
What to do if you’re worried about how we work
If you’re worried about how we’re working, you can tell us. We want to make sure everyone feels safe.
What to do if you’re worried about someone we work with
If you’re worried about someone we work with, you can tell us. We will take your concerns seriously.
What to do if you think someone is being abused
If you think someone is being abused, you must report it. We must make sure everyone is safe.
How to report abuse
Report abuse to OPAL’s Chief Executive. If they are not available, report it to a staff member.
Useful contacts
Here are some useful contacts if you need help or advice.
If you are unsure that a child/children may be at risk of suffering and are worried, contact:
- Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0161 770 7777
- Email: child.mash@oldham.gov.uk
If you are unsure that a vulnerable adult may be suffering and are worried contact:
- Oldham Vulnerable Adults – Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (Mash) 0161 770 7777
- Email: adult.mash@oldham.gov.uk
This is a simplified summary. For the full details, including legal definitions and specific procedures, please refer to the official policy document available from OPAL’s Chief Executive.
Michelle Anderson
Chief Executive