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Better Breastfeeding

Safeguarding procedure

January 2024

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This process outlines the steps to follow within Better Breastfeeding when identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.

Identification of Safeguarding Concern:

Any director, contractor, volunteer or other individual associated with Better Breastfeeding who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern must report it immediately. This may include any form of abuse, neglect, harm, or potential risk to individuals that we come into contact with in the course of our work. It may also include becoming aware of or suspecting that an individual associated with the organization is missing.

Contacting the Safeguarding Manager:

The first point of contact for reporting safeguarding concerns is our safeguarding director, Hannah Lynes. The individual who identifies the safeguarding concern should contact Hannah as soon as possible. They should provide a detailed account of the concern, including relevant dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any supporting information or evidence. Hannah can be contacted by phone on 07790 032620 or by email on hannah@betterbreastfeedingteam.onmicrosoft.com.

Absence of the Safeguarding Manager:

In the event that Hannah is unavailable, the next step is to contact our founding director, Ayala Ochert. Ayala can be contacted by phone on 07952 068158 or by email on ayala@betterbreastfeeding.uk.If both Hannah and Ayala are unavailable or cannot be reached, the individual reporting the concern should contact Shel Banks, also a director of Better Breastfeeding, on shel@shelbanks.co.uk.

Recording the Safeguarding Concern:

Regardless of the availability of Hannah or Ayala, it is essential to record the safeguarding concern. This should be done in a secure and confidential manner. The record should include details of the concern, the date and time of reporting, the individuals involved, and any actions taken.

Communication and Follow-up:

After the safeguarding concern has been recorded, Hannah, Ayala and/or Shel will communicate with the individual who reported the concern. They will confirm that the concern is being addressed, outline the next steps, and offer any necessary support or guidance throughout the process.

Acting on concerns:

If we think a child, young person or adult is at risk of immediate harm we will call 999.

If we have concerns about the safety and/or welfare of a child, young person or adult, we will contact the adult’s or children’s safeguarding contact for the relevant local authority.

If we need to report allegations about a professional or someone working with children or young people, we will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer for the relevant local authority.

If we have reason to believe that a crime has been, is being or may be committed, but no one is in immediate danger we will contact the police on 101.

If an allegation is made against a member of our staff or one of our volunteers that indicates the individual could be a risk of harm to children or adults they work with, we will conduct an investigation as soon as possible and take action where necessary. We take any such allegations very seriously and will put a plan in place with immediate effect to ensure that while the investigation takes place there is no risk to children or vulnerable adults arising from any work the individual may do with Better Breastfeeding.

If a missing person is reported to us, we will record all available details regarding the missing individual that might assist in locating them and will contact the police to inform them.

Role of the safeguarding director

The safeguarding director is responsible for overseeing and implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures within Better Breastfeeding. The safeguarding director leads the development and maintenance of a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that staff and volunteers have the guidance, training, and support they need to promote best safeguarding practices.

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures:

• Develop and update safeguarding policies and procedures in line with current legislation, regulations, and best practices.
• Ensure policies are accessible, communicated effectively, and understood by all relevant stakeholders.
• Regularly review and update policies to reflect changes in safeguarding requirements.

Safeguarding Training and Awareness:

• Consider what safeguarding training is required and ensure this is accessible for staff, volunteers, and stakeholders as appropriate.
• Promote awareness of safeguarding issues, including the identification and reporting of concerns.
• Provide ongoing support and advice to staff regarding safeguarding matters.

Risk Assessment and Management:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify any potential safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities within the organization.
• Where risks are identified, develop and implement appropriate risk management strategies to mitigate these.
• Ensure any incidents and concerns are promptly and appropriately recorded, investigated, and reported in accordance with relevant procedures.

Safeguarding Culture and Compliance:

• Foster a strong safeguarding culture within the organization, ensuring that our strategic plan includes actions relating to adults and children and participating in annual reviews of the strategic plan to ensure safeguarding actions are regularly updated.
• Monitor compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures, providing guidance and support to ensure adherence.
• Collaborate with relevant external agencies and stakeholders to stay updated on safeguarding developments and requirements.

Reporting and Monitoring:

• Report on safeguarding activities and incidents to the directors.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and propose improvements as needed.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations when handling safeguarding-related information.

Date	Changes made	Review date
22nd May 2023	Policy agreed	22nd May 2024
4th January 2024	Added further information about acting on concerns	4th January 2024