HEALTH GAP CIC

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. Purpose and Scope

Health Gap CIC is a community-interest company dedicated to improving health equity and awareness through outreach, education, and collaboration.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

  • to protect children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with Health Gap CIC’s programmes, events, and services

  • to provide directors, staff, associates, volunteers, and contractors with clear principles and procedures to ensure good safeguarding practice across all our work.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Health Gap CIC,  including senior managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff, freelancers, students, and board members.

1.1 Definitions

Vulnerable adult: We use the NHS definition of vulnerable adults to mean anyone over 18 years of age as any adult (person over the age of 18) unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from exploitation or harm.

Abuse:

Abuse can be defined as a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. This may consist of single or repeated acts, it may occur in any relationship and lead to the significant harm, or exploitation of a person. The main forms of abuse are:

  • physical

  • domestic abuse or violence

  • sexual abuse

  • psychological or emotional abuse

  • financial or material abuse

  • modern slavery

  • discriminatory abuse

  • organisational or institutional abuse

  • neglect or acts of omission

  • self-neglect

2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on key UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Care Act 2014 (safeguarding adults)

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR

Further guidance and resources can be found at nspcc.org.uk.

3. Our Commitment and Beliefs

We believe that:

  • Everyone, regardless of age, disability, race, religion, belief, sex, sexual orientation, or gender reassignment, has a right to protection from abuse or neglect.

  • Children, young people and adults at risk should never experience abuse of any kind.

  • We all have a responsibility to promote welfare, prevent harm, and act promptly when concerns arise.

4. We Recognise That

  • The welfare of all people we work with is paramount.

  • Partnership with children, families, carers, and other agencies is vital to safeguarding.

  • Some individuals may be additionally vulnerable due to special educational needs, disability, language barriers, or previous trauma; these cases require extra vigilance.

  • Cultural awareness and inclusive practice are essential to ensure equitable protection and support.

5. How We Keep People Safe

Health Gap CIC will:

  • Value, listen to and respect participants, clients, children, young people, and adults at risk.

  • Appoint named safeguarding leads and ensure deputies are trained and accessible.

  • Recruit safely, carrying out required identity checks and DBS vetting.

  • Train and support all staff and volunteers to recognise, report, and act on safeguarding concerns.

  • Maintain clear procedures for reporting concerns, recording information securely, and liaising with statutory agencies.

  • Handle complaints and allegations fairly and promptly.

  • Follow data-protection law when sharing or storing safeguarding information.

  • Promote online and social media safety across all digital communications and campaigns.

  • Apply proportionate health and safety measures to create safe physical and online environments.

  • Review safeguarding practice annually to ensure continuous improvement.

6. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

We uphold confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR and Human Rights Act 1998. Information will not be shared without consent unless it is a necessary and proportionate measure to safeguard an individual. We seek consent to ensure person-centred safeguarding, but may share information without consent if required for someone’s protection. Safeguarding may involve signposting to support services or sharing appropriate information with consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, partners and volunteers. All staff and volunteers must report safeguarding concerns immediately. Early action can save lives.

7. Designated Safeguarding Leads

Nominated safeguarding lead: Anna Firth, info@healthgap.co.uk

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
For advice or to report concerns outside Health Gap:

NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
Local Authority Safeguarding Team (City MASH):  0115 876 4800
Adult Safeguarding Board Contact: Adult Social Care (Nottingham City): 0115 8763330

8. Implementation and Accountability

  • The Chief Executive / Directors have overall governance responsibility for safeguarding.

  • The Safeguarding Lead oversees all day-to-day implementation, training, reporting, and liaison with external agencies.

  • Every member of staff and volunteer shares responsibility for upholding this policy.

  • Breaches may result in disciplinary action and, where applicable, referral to external authorities.

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are:

  • changes in legislation or organisational structure

  • a safeguarding incident or near-miss

  • feedback from external safeguarding audits or partners.

Quick Reference for Staff & Volunteers

If you have a safeguarding concern:

  1. Record what you have seen, heard or been told. Include dates, names, details.

  2. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy.

  3. Do not promise confidentiality. Explain that you must share concerns to keep people safe.

  4. Seek support if you are distressed or uncertain what to do.