Safeguarding

The D Word Safeguarding Policy Statement

The D Word strives to create a culture of support and openness during all of our activities.

We realise that this may encourage participants to share information about themselves and their lives with Celebrants who are delivering The D Word sessions.

We are committed to ensuring everyone involved in our activities is safe and supported, as far as is possible.

We believe that:

  • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
  • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.
  • the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do.
  • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues: extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.
  • Find out more about:

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/children-from-black-asian-minoritised-ethnic-communities
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/deaf-and-disabled-children
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/lgbtq-children-young-people
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection-schools/safeguarding-children-with-special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send

Celebrants delivering The D Word will always do so with a member of staff appointed by the senior manager of the establishment. This will be a teacher/support teacher/care worker. These members of staff will all be familiar with the Safeguarding policies, practices and procedures of their establishment.

Our Celebrants have a responsibility to pass on any concerns they may have regarding Safeguarding young people to these members of staff who will follow the procedures of their establishment.

Where there is an emergency at any of our activities, we will call the Emergency Services on 999.

Where there are concerns about safeguarding of any participants, we will report this to the member of staff who is employed to support the group.

Signposting:

Where we become aware that participants are experiencing difficulties related to bereavement, we may be able to signpost them to services and activities available to them in the community, and to share information about the help available.

Signed:
Gillian B. Robertson
Founder and Committee Member of The D Word
Date to be reviewed: 30 th September 2028