Safeguarding policy

1. Introduction

1. 1.1. Safeguarding encompasses legal duties and responsibilities to protect people's health, wellbeing, and human rights, supporting them to prevent problems from escalating and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
2. 1.2. Safeguarding involves many organisations including Criminal Justice Agencies, Children's Services, Adult Social Care and Health agencies. District Councils have a range of statutory duties to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of individuals and communities which complement but do not duplicate those of our partners.
3. 1.3. Great Yarmouth Borough Council embraces its duties and responsibilities to keep people safe. This policy ensures that we fulfil our legal duties, taking consistent and effective action to protect those who need safeguarding. This includes:
   • having effective safe guarding policies and procedures in place
   • having a workforce and elected councillors who know how to identify concerns and how refer appropriately
   • referring concerns to partner agencies
   • working closely with partners (e.g., police, social care, etc.)
   • undertaking regular audit and scrutiny to test our effectiveness

4. This policy and its related procedures apply to and must be followed by all staff, councillors, volunteers, and contractors or consultants working on behalf of and/or representing Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

5. 1.4. Everyone must:
   • know where and how to access this policy and its related procedures
   • read and comply with these documents
   • complete appropriate training for their role
   • identify and respond to concerns, abuse, alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or poor practice
   • understand how, why and who to contact with concerns or for further advice.
   • always respond to concerns, discussing these with their manager, the safeguarding lead officer, or another appropriate organisation
   • act swiftly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone at risk or suspected of being at risk