SAFEGUARDING

As a Trust we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people, and adults. We acknowledge that children, young people, and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect.

We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.

We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. They have a right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.”

As a Trust we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

The policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight.

The Trustees on behalf of the members and staff of the Morning Star Trust undertake to:

endorse and follow all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures, in addition to the international conventions outlined above.
provide on-going safeguarding training for all its workers and will regularly review the operational guidelines attached.
ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation, and that it is welcoming and inclusive.
support the Safeguarding Coordinator(s) in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.

Safeguarding Statement

Morning Star Trust (MST) is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people (CYP) and adults with care and support needs and ensuring their well-being.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with CYP and adults with care and support needs.
We believe that all with whom we work should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that those we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.
We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent abuse in all its recognised forms.
We will report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
We recognise the personal dignity and rights of all with whom we work and will ensure that our policies and procedures will reflect this.

We are committed to:

Following our guidelines in relation to safeguarding CYP and adults and will ensure that as an organisation all workers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.
Implementing the requirements of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, the Care Act 2014, the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation.
Supporting, resourcing, and training those who undertake this work.
Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this organisation.
Supporting all those affected by abuse.

We recognise:

It is our responsibility to refer to the relevant statutory agencies any allegations or suspicions of abuse and that we are not to undertake our own investigations unless advised.
Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy annually.

Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Graham Sykes

tel no: 07817 956581 / 01243 908026

email: graham.sykes@mst.org.uk

Responsible Trustee

David Shepherd

tel: 07530 284311

email: david.shepherd@mst.org.uk

We are working with Thirtyone:Eight as our safeguarding advisors to help protect those we work with.