Safeguarding Policy and Procedure 2025–2028

About this item

Overview

The Safeguarding Policy and Procedure 2025–2028 sets out Kesgrave Town Council’s commitment to protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm or abuse. It applies to all councillors, employees, contractors, and volunteers involved in Council activities and events.

This policy explains how concerns are reported, who is responsible for responding, and the procedures the Council follows to promote safety and wellbeing in line with the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Kesgrave Town Council:

• Promotes good safeguarding practice across all its services and activities.
• Prevents abuse and neglect through awareness and training.
• Responds appropriately to allegations or suspicions of abuse.
• Supports individuals at risk and works with partner organisations to protect them.

Responsibilities

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. The Council ensures that all staff, councillors, and volunteers:

• Understand how to identify the signs of abuse or neglect.
• Know how to report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Work collaboratively with Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership and other relevant agencies.
• Respect confidentiality while prioritising the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Council’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Events & Estate Manager. In their absence, the Town Clerk acts as the deputy safeguarding contact.

Their responsibilities include recording and referring safeguarding concerns, following up on cases, and ensuring that staff and councillors understand their duties.

Training

All staff and councillors undertake safeguarding awareness training at least every three years. The Designated Safeguarding Lead receives enhanced training and updates to support effective management of safeguarding cases.

Reporting and Responding

• Concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Town Clerk.
• In an emergency, the Police or Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership should be contacted directly.
• Records of concerns must be factual and stored securely in line with data protection rules.
• Referrals may be made to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) by calling 0345 606 1499.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The Council follows the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership guidance when assessing whether DBS checks are required. Current assessments confirm that Council employees, councillors, and volunteers do not carry out “regulated activities” under the Act; however, the Council has chosen to obtain basic DBS checks for all staff to promote best practice and community reassurance.

Confidentiality

Information about safeguarding concerns is handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know. The safeguarding of a child or vulnerable adult overrides confidentiality obligations where necessary to prevent harm.

Download

Download Safeguarding Policy and Procedure 2025–2028 (PDF)

Contact: For any safeguarding concerns or questions, email enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.gov.uk .