Safeguarding Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines on safeguarding responsibilities, provide a framework for identifying, reporting, and managing safeguarding concerns and ensure that all individuals associated with Nude Health understand their role in safeguarding.

This policy applies to:

• All employees, trustees, and volunteers of Nude Health.

• Partner organisations and contractors working with Nude Health.

• Any individuals interacting with Nude Health’s services or programmes.

This policy aligns with relevant safeguarding legislation and best practices, including but not limited to:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 (UK).

• The Care Act 2014 (UK).

• The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (UK).

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (UK).

• International safeguarding frameworks where applicable.

Definitions

Safeguarding: Protecting individuals' health, wellbeing, and rights to live free from abuse and harm.

Abuse: Any action that causes harm, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Vulnerable Individuals: Anyone at risk due to age, disability, illness, socio-economic factors, or other circumstances.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Trustees and Senior Leadership are responsible for ensuring safeguarding is embedded in the charity’s culture and operations, approving and regularly reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as ensuring appropriate safeguarding training and support for staff and volunteers.

Our safeguarding lead oversees safeguarding procedures and ensure concerns are addressed appropriately. They act as the main point of contact for safeguarding issues and maintain confidential safeguarding records.

All staff and volunteers must adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures, report safeguarding concerns promptly and complete safeguarding training as required.

We have employed appropriate measures to ensure safeguarding is a priority, this includes:

Safe Recruitment: Interviews will assess safeguarding awareness and suitability, all references will be verified.

Training and Awareness: Mandatory safeguarding training for all employees, volunteers, and trustees, regular updates on safeguarding best practices and working with partner organisations that align with our safeguarding standards.

Code of Conduct: Maintain professional boundaries in all interactions, report and challenge any inappropriate behaviour, promote a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion.

Recognising and Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Signs of abuse may include physical injuries, changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fear, or unexplained financial transactions.

Reporting Process

1. Immediate Risk: If an individual is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

2. Internal Reporting: Report concerns to the Safeguarding Lead using the designated reporting form.

3. Confidentiality: Reports will be handled with sensitivity, and information will only be shared with relevant authorities.

4. External Reporting: When required, we will refer cases to appropriate safeguarding agencies or law enforcement.

Responding to Allegations

We will take all allegations seriously and conduct a prompt investigation. Affected individuals will receive appropriate support and disciplinary action may be taken against individuals found to be in violation of safeguarding policies.

Anyone working or volunteering with us are encouraged to report safeguarding concerns without fear of retaliation, therefore anonymous reporting options will be provided where feasible. 

Data Protection and Confidentiality

All safeguarding reports and records will be stored securely, personal information will be handled in accordance with data protection regulations.

Our safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or following any significant incidents and considers feedback from staff, beneficiaries, and partners will be in policy updates.