Safeguarding Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

Purpose

The key purpose of this policy is to protect children and young people working on the Tanfield Railway (TR).

Safeguarding applies to all children (up to the age of 18), young people (up to the age of 25) and vulnerable adults. Collectively they are referred to as youngsters in this document.

As per the NSPCC 2024;

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:

● protecting children from abuse and maltreatment

● preventing harm to children’s health or development

● ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care

● taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Background

Tanfield Railway has a sizeable group of young volunteers, whom we encourage, and which is seen as containing the future volunteers who will perpetuate the railway in coming years.

We accept volunteers from the age of 12, limiting tasks and volunteering time to reflect age, ability and

their safety as of utmost importance at all times.

Management

The supervisor for a particular task may be a designated youth team leader or the leader of a department who requires youth help.

Usually youngsters will work as part of a group and not be singled out to work alone.

Youngsters should always have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with a responsible member of the company so that the situation may be better understood and problems promptly resolved.

Once an incident has arisen it will be investigated by the management or Board and a resolution found.

Proper records of the incident will be kept and the outcome recorded in the Board minutes.

Principles

Tanfield Railway has a duty of care to safeguard from harm all youngsters with whom it interacts.

Youngsters occupy a central place within the railway and our work.

All youngsters have the right to be treated fairly, justly and have freedom from abuse and harm.

This policy applies to all TR staff, including those who work on a volunteer and freelance basis as well as TR’s Company Directors. It is everyone’s responsibility to support and work in such a way that safeguards and promotes the welfare of youngsters.

All suspicions and allegations of abuse or bullying will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the TR Board of Directors, with support from the DSL.

STAFF ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff and volunteers have responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of youngsters working on the railway, specifically:

● Being vigilant of the signs that may indicate a youngster is experiencing harm, or is at risk of harm

● Reporting any disclosures or concerns, as soon as possible, to management

All staff and volunteers are expected to:

● be aware of and follow the Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines through the appropriate training

● adhere to the Code of Conduct (Appendix 1)

● acquaint themselves with indicators of abuse (Appendix 2)

TR recognises a DSL whose role is to;

● provide support and guidance when a safeguarding concern or incident is raised

● ensure thorough and robust record keeping

● support signposting to relevant agencies

● maintain regular annual training

● maintain up to date DBS documentation

● support continuous improvement and awareness with regard to safeguarding

N Irving (Nicola.irving@tanfield-railway.co.uk) is named as DSL for Tanfield Railway.

The role of the TR Board is to;

● ensuring safeguarding policies, procedures and measures are fit for purpose and up-to-date

● support an organisation wide awareness of their safeguarding responsibilities and knows how to respond to concerns

● appoint a DSL

● challenge decisions which adversely affect anyone’s wellbeing

● manage allegations of abuse against someone involved in the organisation

● reporting serious incidents as necessary.

IDENTIFYING & RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Where appropriate, the TR Volunteer Complaints Procedure and Disciplinary Proceedings will be followed. However, Safeguarding issues are likely to require a more rigorous approach.

At times TR staff may have to respond to concerns about the welfare of youngsters. This could relate to the actual or alleged harm of youngster. Alternatively a youngster we are working with may disclose abuse directly to a staff member / volunteer. This section provides information and guidelines on these

situations.

HEARING A DISCLOSURE

If a youngster says or indicates that they are being abused, or information is obtained which gives concern that a youngster is being abused, this guidance should be followed:

RECEIVE:

● Listen to what is being said, without displaying shock or disbelief.

● Accept what is said and react calmly so as not to frighten the youngster.

● Make a note of what has been said as soon as practicable.

REASSURE:

● Reassure the youngster, but only so far as is honest and reliable.

● Tell the youngster they are not to blame and that it was right to tell; I am glad you came to me.

● It is important that you do not promise to keep it a secret as your responsibilities may require you to report the matter.

REACT:

● React to the youngster only as far as is necessary for you to establish whether or not you need to refer this matter, but do not interrogate for full details.

● Take what the youngster says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a youngster who has a speech disability and/or differences in language;

● Do not ask ‘leading’ questions, for example ‘what did he do next?’ (This assumes he did!), or ‘did he hit you hard?’ Such questions may invalidate evidence in any later prosecution in court.

● Explain what you have to do next and whom you have to talk to.

RECORD:

● Make notes at the time on any paper which comes to hand. It is essential a clear, factual account is made.

● Do not destroy your original notes in case they are required by a court.

● Record the date, time, place, persons present and any noticeable non-verbal behaviour.

● Be specific when noting the words used by the youngster.

REPORTING ALLEGATIONS, SUSPICIONS OR CONCERNS

It is not the responsibility of anyone working at TR to decide whether or not a youngster is being abused or might be abused. However, there is a responsibility to act on concerns to protect youngsters in order that appropriate agencies can then make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the

youngster.

If you become aware of any issue or complaint relating to the welfare or wellbeing of a youngster then you should raise these immediately with the DSL who will be responsible for documenting your concerns. All concerns will be considered and a decision reached as to whether the concern should be

referred to Social Services.

All Incident Report Forms are held securely. A note in the Incident book will provide basic details about the incident and a reference to the location of the Incident Report Form.

MAKING A REFERRAL TO SOCIAL SERVICES

If a decision is made to raise a concern with Social Services it will be the responsibility of the DSL to formally report this concern. Referrals should be made to NSPCC Helpline, 0808 800 5000.

TR will make all referrals within 24 hours of a serious concern or disclosure coming to light. When a referral is made, TR will record the name and role of the children and young people’s services member of staff or police officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the

call/referral.

If a concern is allayed and a decision is made not to make a referral then TR will still be required to record details of the concern and details as to why a referral was not made. This information may become relevant later on if further concerns emerge.

ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT OR ABUSE BY STAFF

In the event of allegations being made against a member of staff or volunteer, TR has a dual responsibility in respect of both the youngster and employee. The same person must not have responsibility for dealing with the welfare issues about the youngster and the staff disciplinary issues.

With regards to the youngster, the above process will be followed. With regards to the staff member against whom the allegation is made, the below process will be followed:

TR will make formal contact with the NSPCC who is responsible for providing instruction in the event of an allegation of abuse or suspicious behaviour made against a staff member.
TR is legally required to alert the LADO (local authority designated officer) to all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with youngsters has:
1. Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a youngster
2. Possibly committed a criminal offence against a youngster
3. Behaved towards a youngster in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable for such work.
The LADO will instruct TR on procedure and what information may be shared with the person who is the subject of an allegation. TR and LADO will decide, in consultation with the Police and/or any other relevant agencies, what may be shared in situations that may possibly lead to a criminal investigation.

4. Subject to advice from the LADO, and to any consequent restrictions on the information that can be shared, TR will, as soon as possible, inform the accused person about the nature of the allegation, how enquiries will be conducted and the possible outcome.

In all instances TR will seek to ensure that any staff member is treated fairly and honestly and that they are supported to understand the concerns expressed and processes involved. They will be kept informed of the progress and outcome of any investigation and the implications for any disciplinary or related process.

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECKS

It is not considered that any current roles at the Tanfield Railway constitute regulated activities (regular unsupervised activities with children). As such, DBS checks are not currently necessary however DBS is held by the DSL.

REVISION HISTORY

New - J Lennox/G Tritton, May 2018

New document/introduction

V1 - N Irving, February 2024

Addition of revision history table to document.

Addition of DSL to document.

Addition of header and footer to include version and page numbers.

Update of section one related documents to reference volunteer code of conduct.

Update of safeguarding definition in document.

APPENDIX 1 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STAFF / VOLUNTEERS

Staff / volunteers will ALWAYS:

Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Set an example you would wish others to follow.
Treat all youngsters equally.
Plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or in sight/hearing of others.
Follow recommended ratios between adults and youngsters for activities.
Respect a youngster’s right to personal privacy.
Avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust.
Allow youngsters to talk about any concerns they may have.
Remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned.
Take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer immediately.

Staff / volunteers will NEVER:

Form a relationship with a youngster that is an abuse of trust.
Engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact - physical, verbal, sexual.
Make suggestive remarks or threats to a youngster.
Use inappropriate language – writing, phoning, email or internet.
Let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported.

On occasion, one-to-one contact will be unavoidable, in such cases:

Make sure it is for as short a time as possible.
Ensure you remain accessible to others.
Tell someone where you are going, what you are doing and why.
Try to move with the youngster to areas where there are more people.
Try to avoid unnecessary physical contact.

APPENDIX 2 DEFINITIONS & SIGNS OF ABUSE

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse is any form of non-accidental injury or injury which results from wilful or neglectful failure to protect a youngster.

An important indicator of physical abuse is where bruises or injuries are unexplained or the explanation does not fit the injury. A delay in seeking medical treatment for a youngster when it is obviously necessary is also a cause for concern. Bruising may be more or less noticeable on youngsters with different skin tones or from different racial groups and specialist advice may need to be taken. Patterns of bruising that are suggestive of physical child abuse include:

• Bruises that are seen away from bony prominences;

• Bruises to the face, back, stomach, arms, buttocks, ears and hands;

• Multiple bruises in clusters;

• Multiple bruises of uniform shape;

• Bruises that carry the imprint of an implement;

• Cigarette burns;

• Adult bite marks;

• Scalds.

Although bruising is the commonest injury in physical abuse, fatal non-accidental head injury and non-accidental fractures can occur without bruising. Any youngster who has unexplained signs of pain or illness should be seen promptly by a doctor. Behaviour changes can also indicate physical abuse:

• Fear of parents being approached for an explanation;

• Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts;

• Flinching when approached or touched;

• Reluctance to get changed, for example wearing long sleeves in hot weather;

• Depression; or withdrawn behaviour;

• Running away from home.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse happens where there is a relationship between a carer and a youngster and can manifest in the youngster’s behaviour or physical functioning.

Emotional abuse can be difficult to measure, and often youngsters who appear well-cared for may be emotionally abused by being taunted, put down or belittled. Emotional abuse can also take the form of youngsters being allowed to mix/play with other youngsters. The physical signs of emotional abuse may include:

Failure to thrive or grow;
Sudden speech disorders;
Developmental delay, either in terms of physical or emotional progress.

Changes in behaviour which can also indicate emotional abuse include:

Neurotic behaviour, eg, sulking, hair twisting, rocking;
Being unable to play; or fear of making mistakes;
Fear of parent being approached regarding their behaviour;
Self-harm.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse involves the use of a youngster for gratification or sexual arousal by a person for themselves or others.

Adults who use youngsters to meet their own sexual needs abuse both girls and boys of all ages, including infants and toddlers. Usually, in cases of sexual abuse it is the behaviour of youngsters which may cause you to become concerned, although physical signs can also be present. In all cases youngsters who talk about sexual abuse do so because they want it to stop. It is important, therefore, that they are listened to and taken seriously.

The physical signs of sexual abuse include:

Pain or itching in the genital/anal areas;
Bruising or bleeding near genital/anal areas;
Sexually transmitted disease; vaginal discharge or infection;
Stomach pains;
Discomfort when walking or sitting down.

The following changes in behaviour may also indicate sexual abuse:

Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour (eg becoming aggressive or withdrawn);
Fear of being left with a specific person or group of people;
Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age or developmental level;
Self-harm or mutilation, sometimes leading to suicide attempts;
Suddenly having unexplained sources of money;
Acting in a sexually explicit way towards adults;
Sexual drawings or language.

NEGLECT

Neglect results in a youngster suffering significant harm or impairment of development as a result of being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection from adults, or medical care.

Neglect can be a very difficult form of abuse to recognise. The physical signs of neglect may include:

Hunger, sometimes stealing food from others;
Constantly dirty or smelly;
Loss of weight, or being constantly underweight;
Inappropriate dress for the conditions.

BULLYING

Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone else – such as name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone. It’s usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a youngster both physically and emotionally. Bullying that happens online, using social networks, games and mobile phones, is often called cyberbullying.

You can’t always see the signs of bullying. And no one sign indicates for certain that a child’s being bullied. But you should look out for:
belongings getting “lost” or damaged
physical injuries such as unexplained bruises
being afraid to go to school, being mysteriously 'ill' each morning, or skipping school
not doing as well at school
asking for, or stealing, money (to give to a bully)
being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn
problems with eating or sleeping
bullying others.

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