Middle World Farms is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially children, young adults, and vulnerable people who participate in our programmes. Our safeguarding procedures are designed to provide a clear and effective approach to handling any safeguarding concerns. These procedures include guidance on how to report concerns, how we respond to incidents, and how we maintain confidentiality.

1. Reporting Procedures

If you have a safeguarding concern, it is crucial to act promptly. All staff, volunteers, and visitors must follow these steps to report a concern:

• Recognise and Respond: If you notice any signs of abuse, neglect, or distress, or if someone discloses a safeguarding issue, take it seriously and remain calm.
• Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Report the concern immediately to the DSL, either in person or by phone. If the DSL is unavailable, inform the Deputy DSL or another senior member of staff.
• Record the Concern: Make a factual, written record of what you have observed or what was disclosed to you, including any relevant details (e.g., names, dates, times, and a description of the concern). Use the safeguarding reporting form if available.
• Act Without Delay: Reporting safeguarding concerns should be done without delay to ensure the individual’s safety. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services immediately by calling 999.

2. Response Procedures

Once a safeguarding concern has been reported, Middle World Farms will follow these response procedures:

• Initial Assessment by DSL: The DSL will assess the reported concern, considering the severity, urgency, and any immediate safety risks. The DSL may seek additional information from the individual reporting the concern to clarify details.
• Referral to External Agencies: If necessary, the DSL will refer the concern to relevant external agencies, such as local social services, child protection services, or law enforcement. Middle World Farms will cooperate fully with any investigations conducted by these agencies.
• Support for Affected Individuals: The DSL will ensure that the individual(s) affected by the safeguarding concern receive appropriate support. This may include providing access to counselling or other resources to help them cope with the situation.
• Internal Follow-up: The DSL will document all actions taken and decisions made in response to the reported concern. This documentation will be kept secure and will form part of Middle World Farms’ safeguarding records.

3. Confidentiality Procedures

Middle World Farms is committed to maintaining confidentiality in safeguarding matters. We understand the sensitive nature of safeguarding concerns and handle all information with care.

• Limited Sharing of Information: Safeguarding information is shared only on a need-to-know basis. This means that details of a safeguarding concern will only be shared with individuals who are directly involved in responding to or managing the concern (e.g., the DSL, Deputy DSL, or external agencies).
• Secure Storage of Records: All safeguarding records, including incident reports and investigation notes, will be securely stored to protect the privacy of those involved. Access to these records is restricted to authorised personnel.
• Respect for Privacy: We respect the privacy of all individuals involved in a safeguarding concern. Staff and volunteers are reminded not to discuss safeguarding matters in public or with unauthorised individuals.
• Disclosure Requests: In cases where information about a safeguarding concern is requested by a relevant authority (e.g., social services or law enforcement), Middle World Farms will comply with legal requirements while prioritising the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Staff and Volunteers: Report concerns to the DSL, respect confidentiality, and do not investigate on their own.
• DSL: Assess concerns, take necessary action (including referrals to external agencies), and maintain confidentiality.
• All Individuals: Avoid discussing safeguarding matters outside of appropriate channels and maintain a respectful and professional approach.