Safeguarding policy

N.B. in an emergency Please refer to Appendix A ‘Advice for Helpline call handlers’

1. Purpose of the Policy

ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity provides support and information on childhood bedwetting, daytime wetting, soiling and constipation and potty training for families and health professionals.

ERIC believes that every child whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity, has a right to be free from neglect and abuse. The Welfare of the child is paramount and takes precedence over any responsibility to their parent(s) or carer(s). Children’s safety and well being is a core value of ERIC.

The terms child and children are used throughout for consistency.  This includes young people up to the age of 25 years.

Trustees, staff and volunteers may come into contact with vulnerable children or adults through their work, for example by taking calls on the helpline, meeting children and carers at training and drop in events or online via social media. They may also come into contact with vulnerable adults working with ERIC as volunteers.

ERIC aims to take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of any child with whom the charity comes into contact. All staff and volunteers are given copies of this policy. Staff are given training on confidentiality and child protection. Procedures have been established, monitored and reviewed to ensure that precautions are taken for children who receive support from ERIC to be free from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

ERIC commits to maintain children’s confidentiality, other than in exceptional circumstances. Concern about a child’s welfare falls into the category of an exceptional circumstance. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in situations where to give such a guarantee could place or retain a child in a position where they could suffer abuse. Please see ERIC’s Confidentiality Policy for further information.

Everyone associated with ERIC – Trustees, Professional Advisory Committee members and members of staff – is responsible for upholding and reviewing the policy.

2. Designated safeguarding lead

Name of Safeguarding Lead	Juliette Rayner
Telephone	0117 3012104
Mobile number	07969 549 273
Telephone number of Children’s social services	01454 866000 (Mon to Fri) 01454 615165 (out of hours) N.B this is the number for the LA local to ERIC’s office but we will look up details for the relevant LA by postcode given if issue relates to another part of the country.

3. What constitutes abuse and how to recognise it

‘Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part’

The following definitions are taken from ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ 2018

Physical abuse

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

The Department of Health, Home Office and Department of Education and Skills have produced a guidance document entitled ‘Safeguarding children in whom illness is fabricated or induced[1]’.

Emotional abuse

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual abuse

Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Discrimination, harassment and bullying are also abusive and can harm children, both physically and emotionally. (Taken from NSPCC leaflet - What to do if you’re concerned about a child)

4. Procedures

See appendix C

5. Allegations against ERIC staff and/or volunteers

Guidance on managing allegations against people who work with children is available on the South West Child Protection Procedures website[2] and should always be referred to when an allegation is made:

https://swcpp-bristol.trixonline.co.uk/chapter/allegations-against-staff-or-volunteers

Staff and volunteers may be subject to allegations of abusing children. All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitudes or actions of colleagues. Such instances must be raised with the Chief Executive or, in their absence, or if the allegation concerns the Chief Executive, a Trustee Representative (the link person(s) for safeguarding - Wendy Thompson). This will be done on the same day as the allegation is made and must not be delegated to another member of staff.

The Chief Executive/link person(s) should take notes. The notes should be factual and based on what was actually said - not an interpretation of what was said. Questions should only be asked if clarification is needed. DON’T ask questions that suggest a particular answer. Note the date, time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given. Sign and date the record.

Report to the LADO.

Where it is alleged that an individual may have:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to children.

The allegation and circumstances must be reported to the LADO within one working day.

ERIC will offer support in such a situation and will report and discuss the information immediately and at the latest within 24 hours with the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) who may pursue an investigation or give advice as to the way to proceed. This discussion will include what can be reported back to the person making the disclosure, as many people want to know what has happened as a result of the information they gave. If the allegation concerns a member of staff, suspension and/or the disciplinary procedure may be implemented.

It is not the place of ERIC to initiate an investigation unless this has been agreed with the LADO or a Police investigation has concluded without any Criminal proceedings.

Support to staff and volunteers

Child abuse is a highly emotive issue and can cause strong reactions in most people. Staff and volunteers should be supported by the Chief Executive/link person(s) for child protection. If Social Care needs further information from the person who made the disclosure, the Chief Executive/link person(s) will talk with them and the person who made the disclosure about how this will happen. Any feedback permitted will be given to the member of staff who was originally told about the alleged abuse.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is crucial to many aspects of ERIC’s work, but the welfare of the child is paramount. The law does not permit anyone to keep concerns relating to child abuse to themselves. Confidentiality may not be maintained if the withholding of information will prejudice the welfare of the child. However, every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned when an allegation has been made and is being investigated. For this reason, information should only be revealed on a ‘need to know’ basis. ‘Information sharing guidance for safeguarding practitioners’ [3], 2023, should be referenced for further information if required.

Relevant Documents and Legislation on Child Protection

The Children Act 1989 [4], 2004 [5]

Working Together to Safeguard Children December 2023 [6]

Safeguarding Children in whom illness is fabricated or induced 2008 [7]

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused. 2015 [8]

6. Safe recruitment

We are committed to ensuring that all staff, volunteers and trustees working at ERIC are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure we attract the best possible applicants to vacancies and deter prospective candidates who may pose a risk to children, young people or vulnerable adults. We use application forms to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role followed by face to face interviews. We stress our commitment to safeguarding children and young people and ensure that all candidates have access to our safeguarding policy. We check the candidate’s identity by asking them to bring photographic ID and ask whether they have any criminal convictions, cautions, other legal restrictions or pending cases that might affect their suitability to work with children or vulnerable adults. We always check candidates’ relevant qualifications. All staff, volunteers or trustees who have contact with children or vulnerable adults are required to have an enhanced DBS check. Any references provided are followed up and checked with the referees.

7. Induction, training, supervision and support

All staff, volunteers and trustees are given this safeguarding policy and receive induction training including child protection and safeguarding. Child protection training is refreshed regularly through a mix of resources such as online training, formal sessions delivered by a suitably qualified trustee and regular discussions in team meetings. All volunteers are suitably supervised when accessing personal information or when coming into contact with children or families. All staff receive regular support through one to one meetings and appraisal.

8. Distributing and reviewing policies and procedures

This policy is available to all staff and volunteers. Service users are signposted to the policy which is published on our website. This policy is reviewed annually and signed off by the board of trustees.

Wendy Thompson, Chair

January 2024

APPENDIX A

ADVICE FOR ERIC HELPLINE CALL HANDLERS (to be displayed on all call handlers’ desks whether in office or working from home

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS AT RISK OF HARM

If you take a call from an adult or child who appears to be in danger or has suicidal thoughts, please:

• Keep them talking
• Listen carefully
• Do not judge or make assumptions
• Take notes
• Explain you may need to pass on their information to the police or social services
• Alert ERIC’s designated safeguarding lead (Juliette Rayner) as soon as possible
• Alert your manager/lead contact if Juliette is not available
• In an emergency, do not wait for someone to get back to you but contact social services or the police immediately
• If the caller is unwilling to share contact details or for you to pass them on, gently refer them to the most appropriate agency:
  • NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
  • Childline 0800 1111
  • The Samaritans 116 123
• Once you have dealt with the immediate risk, please refer to ERIC’s safeguarding policy in full and please speak to your manager/lead contact or another member of the team for support

APPENDIX B

ERIC’S SAFE FROM HARM CODE OF PRACTICE

This Code sets out general principles of good practice when working or dealing with children and young people. The terms child and children are used throughout for consistency but include young people up to the age of 18 years. The term parents also includes carers.

Information about what to do if child abuse is disclosed to you is contained in a separate document - see ERIC’s Guidelines on Dealing with Disclosure of Abuse.

• Information about ERIC’s child protection policy and procedures will be available on our website and literature aimed at children. Children and families working with ERIC will be given a copy of the child protection policy and informed about whom they should contact if they want further information (Director/Deputy Director).
• Children working with or contacting ERIC do so in trust and this trust must be upheld, unless information about possible or actual concerns about their welfare becomes apparent.
• Children working with or contacting ERIC will be treated with respect and, other than asking for relevant information to be able to offer appropriate support, confidentiality and their privacy will be respected. The only exceptions to this will be if information about possible or actual concerns about their welfare becomes apparent.
• Discussing sensitive issues with children requires special caution. It is important to strike the right balance between being sympathetic and interested and remaining professional.
• Questions to children contacting the Helpline must be limited to what is absolutely essential to know to provide the information/support requested. The following are acceptable areas to ask about:
  • the child’s age and gender;
  • any specific difficulties they have (e.g. special needs);
  • history of incontinence;
  • any other family members with a relevant history;
  • personal circumstances that might be affecting the situation;
  • how the child and the family view the incontinence issue(s);
  • professional intervention to date;
  • treatment tried to date.
• Children working with ERIC may be asked the questions set out above (if relevant) plus:
  • their name and contact information;
  • what need(s) they have for information about their continence problem;
  • in what format(s);
  • their views on draft materials.

Information gained from children should be kept anonymous – name and contact information is only used to liaise with the child whilst they are working with ERIC. Identifying information will be kept securely.

• Names and addresses of children and families contacting ERIC must not be given to anyone outside ERIC without the individual family’s permission, unless a statutory authority demands it because of a child protection investigation. Refer such demands to the Director/Deputy Director/link person for child protection.
• Children contacting ERIC may be informed that if they wish they may remain in touch with ERIC for further support or information. They should be told what methods of contact are available i.e. the Helpline, ERIC Says…., the website, email or by post. If a child wishes to speak to the same person when s/he rings, this is not a problem and Helpline workers should give their name to the child. Tell the child when you will be available. It is up to the child to initiate/renew contact. ERIC staff and volunteers must only respond to any contact; not initiate it.
• Terms of endearment should not be used. This is important even in sensitive situations, for example, when a child is upset. Remember that words and/or actions can be misconstrued, even when well intentioned.
• In any instance where a child, a parent/carer or a third party discloses actual or suspected abuse, there are guidelines to be followed. Refer to ERIC’s Guidelines on Dealing with Disclosure of Abuse for further details.
• Children under 18 who wish to order priced items must be informed that their parent or carer needs to make the order on their behalf.
• Children working with ERIC should be encouraged to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like.
• If, when working with children, you need to contact a child, agree when, where and how you make contact with his/her parents and make sure you always follow the agreed procedure(s). The child’s parents must always know when and where you are meeting the child, and give their permission for the meeting. Do not make contact with the child without the parents’ knowledge and consent.
• Any meeting with a child should be in an open area or with the door to the room open so you are in general view. If you meet a child at his/her home, the parents must be at home. The meeting should not take place in the child’s bedroom.
• Do not take a child away from the meeting venue for any reason.
• Do not initiate remarks, gestures or touching of a kind which could be misunderstood. You must not initiate physical contact with a child.
• Avoid being drawn into attention seeking behaviour by the child, such as tantrums, crushes etc.
• If a child seeks physical contact, for example, holding your hand, look to disengage, and discourage that behaviour in a sensitive manner.
• Do not do things of a personal nature that children could do for themselves.
• Do not give a child rewards or presents.
• Do not think ‘It couldn’t happen to me’.

APPENDIX C Procedures

Becoming aware of a safeguarding issue

Recognising abuse is not easy. The following examples aim to give some pointers only. They are not exhaustive and are not guarantees that abuse is/is not occurring.

• The child says that s/he is being abused.
• The child’s behaviour changes, for example, s/he becomes aggressive or withdrawn.
• The child expresses mental health issues including suicidal thoughts.
• The child demonstrates inappropriate sexualised behaviour.
• The child has difficulty with social functioning, relationships and/or educational progress.
• The child has injuries, possibly untreated, the cause(s) of which seem unusual/unlikely/disturbing.
• The child shows signs of neglect e.g. in their clothing or physical appearance.

What to do if you are concerned about a child

If you're in a situation where you suspect abuse of a child but they haven't actually said anything to you, there are a number of steps you can take.

• Continue to talk to the child
• Most children who are being abused find it very difficult to talk about it. By having ongoing conversations, the time may come when they're ready to talk.
• Keep a record of your concerns
• This is a good way to keep a note of your concerns and the way your child is behaving. It can also help to spot patterns of behaviour.
• Other professionals who come into contact with the child may also have noticed them behaving unusually or that their behaviour has recently changed.
• Talk through your worries, get someone else's perspective: talk to your Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• You can also report your worries to the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

What to do if abuse is suspected or disclosed

It is the responsibility of every individual to report to the Chief Executive (who acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead) any concerns about possible abuse of a child. Never keep your concerns to yourself; it is better to be wrong than not to act. Bear in mind that because of confidentiality issues, information should only be provided on a ‘need to know’ basis.

The responsibility for investigating suspected abuse falls to statutory authorities e.g. Local Authority Children’s Social Care and the police.

The Chief Executive should be familiar with “What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused[9]” 2015.

Talking to a child who reveals abuse/ or whom you suspect may be suffering abuse.

• Listen carefully and calmly to the child and to what is being said. Find an appropriate opportunity early in the conversation to explain that, if they are willing to give you their contact details, it is likely that the information will need to be shared with other people. Don’t promise to keep what they have said a secret. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you.
• Take notes. Your notes should be factual and based on what was actually said - not your interpretation of what was said. Only ask questions if clarification is needed. DON’T ask questions that suggest a particular answer. Note the date, time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given. Sign and date the record.
• Be sure to tell the child that the information may be passed on to children’s Social Care and the police. Attempt to get the child’s informed consent to this course of action, but do not pressurise the child. Although the Helpline and ERIC’s direct work with children, young people and families are confidential, disclosure can be justified if there is overriding public interest to prevent harm to others (if you are unsure refer to the Government guidance ‘Information Guidance for Safeguarding Practitioners[10]’ updated July 2023).
• If the child agrees to give their contact details, inform them that you will only pass on what they have said and make it clear to whom you will pass it on (social care). Whenever you give information, you should ensure that the child has a clear understanding of how it may be used or shared.
• If the child does not wish to make their contact details known, you should suggest that they contact another organisation to talk through their concerns such as the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or ChildLine on 0800 1111 (website www.childline.org.uk). In such instances, we cannot pass on what the child has said, as the authorities cannot follow up non-specific information.

Explain what will happen

• If the child has given his/her contact details, you will discuss the situation with the Chief Executive or, in their absence, a Trustee Representative (the link person(s) for child protection matters).This will be done on the same day as the call was taken, and must not be delegated to another member of staff. It will help at this time to pass on the signed, dated notes that you made. If a child asks for feedback i.e. what has happened as a result of their disclosure, say that you don’t know what, if anything, can be fed back until we have spoken to Children’s Social Care. Tell the child that you will report that s/he has asked for feedback and that you will contact her/ him if you are able to do so.
• The Chief Executive/link person(s) for child protection will report and discuss the information with Children’s Social Care. This should happen immediately and at the latest within 24 hours.

Talking to a parent/ carer who reveals they have abused a child/ or who you suspect of abusing a child

• Parents/ carers who disclose that they have abused/ are abusing a child in relation to his/ her incontinence should be given information about the condition(s) and support and suggestions on how to deal with it/ them. They can also be given details of other helplines such as NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (website www.nspcc.org.uk) and the Family Lives Helpline on 0808 800 2222 (website address www.familylives.org.uk). Information about these Helplines should also be given to those who disclose abuse unrelated to the child’s continence difficulties.
• Take notes. Your notes should be factual and based on what was actually said - not your interpretation of what was said. Only ask questions if clarification is needed. DON’T ask questions that suggest a particular answer. Note the date, time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given. Sign and date the record.
• If they give their contact details, for example, to have information sent to them, you can record this in your report, to discuss with the Chief Executive. If asked, do not say that any of the information they have told you will be treated in confidence as, if they give their contact details, these may be passed on to Children’s Social Care and/ or the police. If you suspect that the case is serious enough to pursue, you should ask the parents for their names and contact details and you can use this information, and consent is not needed. In some cases, seeking consent may prejudice an investigation or increase risk of harm to the child.
• Parents/ carers who refuse to give contact details should be encouraged to call either the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (email address: [email protected]) or the Family Lives Helpline on 0808 800 2222. In such instances, we cannot pass on what has been said, as the authorities cannot follow up non-specific information.

Talking to a third party who reports suspected abuse.

• Listen carefully to the person and to what is being said. Take notes. Your notes should be factual and based on what was actually said - not your interpretation of what was said. Only ask questions if clarification is needed. DON’T ask questions that suggest a particular answer. Note the date, time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given. Sign and date the record.
• Ask the person if you can take their contact details but tell them that the information will be passed on to children’s social care. Attempt to get their informed consent. It is not vital to get their consent but explain that it will help the investigation and will be of great help to the authorities. Assure them that this information will not be passed on to the family involved, but don’t promise to keep what they have said a secret.

Explain what will happen

• You will discuss the situation with the Chief Executive or in their absence a Trustee Representative (link person(s) for child protection matters). This will be done on the same day as the call was taken and must not be delegated to another member of staff. It will help at this time to pass on the signed, dated notes that you made. If the person asks for feedback i.e. what has happened as a result of their disclosure, say that you don’t know what, if anything, can be fed back until we have spoken to social care. Tell the person that you will report that s/he has asked for feedback and that you will contact her/him if you are able to do so.
• The Chief Executive/ link person(s) for child protection will report and discuss the information with Social Care. This will include what can be reported back to the person making the disclosure as many people want to know what has happened as a result of the information they gave. This should happen immediately and at the latest within 24 hours.

[1] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277314/Safeguarding_Children_in_whom_illness_is_fabricated_or_induced.pdf

[2] https://swcpp.trixonline.co.uk

[3] www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-advice

[4] www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents

[5] www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents

[6] www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk/index.html

[7] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277314/Safeguarding_Children_in_whom_illness_is_fabricated_or_induced.pdf

[8] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419604/What_to_do_if_you_re_worried_a_child_is_being_abused.pdf

[9] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419604/What_to_do_if_you_re_worried_a_child_is_being_abused.pdf

[10] www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-advice

Last Reviewed: January 2024

Next Review: January 2025