Safeguarding Policy

Purpose and Scope

DorPIP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of infants and their parents through safe, ethical, and trauma‑informed practice. This policy outlines the organisation’s responsibilities, procedures, and expectations for identifying, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns. 

This policy applies to all DorPIP activities, including therapeutic work, home visiting, group work, digital communication, and any interaction involving infants and their parents. 

Legal and Statutory Framework

This policy is informed by: 

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) 

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004 

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) 

  • Information Sharing Advice for Practitioners (2018) 

  • NICE Guidance: Child Maltreatment (CG89) 

  • Pan‑Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures 

  • GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018 

Definitions

Infant: A child aged 0–2 years. 

Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment, ensuring safe care, and enabling best outcomes. 

Significant Harm: Threshold for statutory intervention under the Children Act. 

Early Help: Support provided to families at emerging levels of need. 

LADO: Local Authority Designated Officer for allegations against adults working with children. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 

Claire Heaney  

Email: claire@dorpip.org.uk / Safeguarding@dorpip.org.uk 

Responsible for: 

  • receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns 

  • decision‑making and threshold assessment 

  • maintaining safeguarding records 

  • ensuring staff training and supervision 

Deputy DSL 

Viv Allen

Supports the DSL and acts in their absence. 

Safeguarding Principles

DorPIP adheres to the following principles: 

  • Best Interests of the Child: Paramount consideration in all decisions. 

  • Respect and Dignity: Cultural sensitivity and non‑judgemental practice. 

  • Prevention: Creating safe environments and reducing risk. 

  • Empowerment: Supporting parents to participate in decisions. 

  • Confidentiality: Sharing information only when lawful and necessary. 

  • Open Communication: Encouraging staff to raise concerns promptly. 

 

Safeguarding Procedure

Immediate Risk 

If an infant or parent is at immediate risk: 

  1. Call 999 

  2. Contact the relevant Local Authority

  3. Inform the DSL as soon as safe to do so 

Information Sharing and Confidentiality

DorPIP follows statutory guidance on information sharing. 

Information will be shared: 

  • only with those who need to know 

  • when necessary to protect an infant or parent 

  • with consent where appropriate 

  • without consent where risk of harm or crime applies 

All decisions must be recorded, including lawful basis. 

Review and Monitoring

DorPIP will: 

  • review safeguarding procedures annually 

  • analyse safeguarding data for learning 

  • update policies in line with statutory changes 

  • ensure continuous improvement 

 Reviewed by DSL: Claire Heaney – September 2026 

 Next Review Date: September 2027 

This policy is reviewed annually.