The purpose and scope of this policy statement
Circus Wonderful CIC is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote positive physical and mental health via the provision of circus-related activities. Any profits made by Circus Wonderful CIC will be reinvested back into the company, in order to increase the amount of well-being activities we are able to offer, and to increase our geographical coverage. We are a company that aims to be inclusive, and to provide accessible activities to people of all ages across a diverse range of cultures and communities.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
● To protect vulnerable adults who receive Circus Wonderful CIC’s services from harm.
● To provide staff and volunteers with a set of guiding principles that establish our approach to the protection of vulnerable adults.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Circus Wonderful CIC, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.
Supporting documents
This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational procedures for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults
Policy statement:
Circus Wonderful CIC believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.
● Circus Wonderful CIC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.
● Circus Wonderful CIC acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.
● Circus Wonderful CIC recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives.
● Circus Wonderful CIC recognises that there is a legal framework within which we need to work, to safeguard adults who have needs for care and support and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves. We will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislation and with local statutory safeguarding procedures.
● Actions taken by Circus Wonderful CIC will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding, ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.
Commitments:
In order to implement this policy Circus Wonderful CIC will ensure that:
● Everyone involved with Circus Wonderful CIC is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult.
● Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with Circus Wonderful CIC’s Safeguarding Adults Procedures.
● The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to (see the
Safeguarding Adults Procedures).
● Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
● Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures.
● Circus Wonderful CIC will cooperate with the police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard an adult.
● All Board members, staff, self-employed contractors and volunteers understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
● Circus Wonderful CIC continually assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment of unsuitable individuals in this organisation.
● Circus Wonderful CIC shares information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: disclosure and barring service, police, Local authority/social services.
● Actions taken under this policy are reviewed by the board and senior management team on an annual basis.
Contact details
Nominated safeguarding lead:
Name: Carla Bradley
Email: carla@circuswonderful.co.uk
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.
This policy was last reviewed on: 16th May 2023
Signed:
