Basingstoke and District Young Carers (BDYC)  takes safeguarding very seriously. Our safeguarding policy and procedures are reviewed by trustees annually. Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s or child’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. We are committed to practices that protect from harm regardless of a person’s age, gender, disability, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or any other characteristic as covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Our suite of safeguarding policies, taken together with the Hampshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Policies and Dept. of Education- Keeping Children Safe during Community Activities, after school clubs and tuition, represents commitment in working together to safeguard children and adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of employees, board members and volunteers in relation to developing their own awareness and skills as well as the policies and procedures that must be followed.

The Care Act 2014 establishes that safeguarding is everybody’s business. BDYC recognises that we all play a key role in preventing, detecting, reporting, and responding to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Our policies cover responsibility towards our young people, their families, employees, and volunteers. We work within the framework of UK law and guidance in relation to safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults that covers eleven types of abuse through the legislation and guidance frameworks.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, or to receive a copy of our policy and procedures, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Colette Bibby, at Safeguarding@BDYC.org.uk. Alternatively, you can reach our Chair of Trustees at office@BDYC.org.uk. For urgent safeguarding concerns, you can contact Hampshire County Council’s out-of-hours service on 0300 555 1373. If you believe a crime has occurred, call Hampshire Police Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45, or if a child or young person is at serious risk of harm, please call 999.

To download a copy of our Safeguarding Policy, click here.