Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

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At Nexus Family Connect, the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults are our highest priorities. We are fully committed to safeguarding in line with statutory guidance, legislation, and best practice, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, and relevant local authority procedures.

Our Commitment

• We believe that all children and vulnerable adults have the right to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
• We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are trained to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
• We work closely with families, carers, courts, and local safeguarding agencies to ensure that risks are minimised and children’s welfare is prioritised at all times.

Our Approach

• Prevention: Staff are carefully recruited, vetted, and trained in safeguarding, child protection, and recognising signs of abuse. We maintain a safe environment in our centre, during community contact, and in virtual sessions.
• Protection: Any concerns or disclosures are recorded and reported immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in line with internal procedures and statutory guidance. Urgent concerns are reported to local authority safeguarding teams or the police as required.
• Partnership: We collaborate with parents, carers, social services, legal professionals, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.
• Empowerment: Children and families are supported to understand their rights, to communicate their concerns, and to participate safely in decisions that affect them.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Our Centre Manager, [Insert Name], is the DSL responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, staff training, and liaison with external safeguarding agencies. All staff know how to contact the DSL and the procedures to follow if they have a concern.

Staff Training and Recruitment

• All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and thorough recruitment procedures.
• Staff receive ongoing training in child protection, safeguarding policies, recognising abuse, and reporting procedures.
• Regular supervision and refresher training ensure staff remain vigilant and up-to-date with safeguarding best practice.

Reporting Concerns
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, you can:

• Speak to a member of our team or the DSL immediately
• Contact your local safeguarding authority
• Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for guidance

Confidentiality and Safeguarding
We respect privacy and confidentiality but recognise that safeguarding concerns override confidentiality. Relevant information will always be shared on a need-to-know basis to protect a child or vulnerable adult from harm.

At Nexus Family Connect, safeguarding is central to everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children and families can feel supported, protected, and empowered.