Safeguarding Policy

 DorPIP is dedicated to promoting the well-being and healthy development of infants and their parents through therapeutic interventions. Central to our mission is the safety and protection of all participants, particularly vulnerable infants and parents. This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe environment and promoting good practices within our organisation. This policy applies to all members of staff, volunteers, contractors, trustees, and anyone affiliated with DorPIP. It covers all activities, services and interactions involving infants and their parents. 

Principles

 Designated Safeguarding Officer: DorPIP will appoint a trained safeguarding officer responsible for receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns. 

DorPIP’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is Vivian Allen – vivian@dorpip.org.uk 07813 989707

 Best Interest of the Child: The welfare and best interests of the infant will be the paramount consideration in all decisions and actions. 

 Respect and Dignity: All individuals will be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity to their cultural backgrounds, beliefs and individual needs. 

 Open Communication: DorPIP encourages open communication among all stakeholders to address safeguarding concerns promptly and effectively. 

 Prevention: We are committed to preventing harm by promoting a safe environment and robust procedures. 

 Empowerment: Parents will be empowered to actively participate in decisions concerning their infant's care and development. 

Confidentiality: Information regarding safeguarding concerns will be handled confidentially, with disclosures made only to appropriate individuals or authorities as required by law. 

Recruitment and Training

Screening: All member of staff and volunteers involved in direct work with infants and parents will undergo appropriate screening checks in accordance with relevant legislation. 

Training: All relevant individuals will receive comprehensive training on safeguarding policies, procedures and recognising signs of abuse or neglect. 

External Authorities: DorPIP will cooperate fully with external authorities, such as child protective services and law enforcement, when a safeguarding concern requires their involvement. 

Code of Conduct

Boundaries: Members of staff and volunteers will maintain professional boundaries with infants and parents, ensuring interactions are respectful and appropriate. 

No Retaliation: Anyone raising safeguarding concerns will be protected against retaliation or victimisation. 

Supervision: Members of staff and volunteers will receive regular supervision and support to ensure their wellbeing and adherence to safeguarding policies. 

Record Keeping

Accurate and secure records will be maintained for all safeguarding concerns, actions taken and communications related to incidents. 

Safeguarding Procedure

Identification

Any individual who identifies a safeguarding concern regarding the welfare of an infant or parent should follow the procedure outlined below. 

Reporting 

Concerns will be reported using the established reporting procedure, which includes documenting the concern, sharing it with the DSO, and escalating it as necessary. The DorPIP Safeguarding Concern Form can be found in Microsoft Office SharePoint library 

For Immediate Concerns

If the concern involves immediate risk to the safety or wellbeing of an infant or parent, contact emergency services immediately on 999 first, and then contact the relevant Local Authority.Always contact using the telephone number in the first instance.

Dorset County Council Local Authority Contact Information

Dorset Council Child Advice and Duty Service (ChAD) ((Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)

 01305 228558 

childrensadviceanddutyservice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Dorset Council Child Advice and Duty Service *ChAD) out of hours 

01305 221000 

BCP Council Local Authority Contact Information

The Children's First Response Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)(Monday to Thursday 8.30 to 5.15 pm and Fridays 8.30 to 4.45 pm)

 01202 123334 

childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

The Children's First Response Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Out of Hours Team. (5.00pm to 9.00am from Monday to Friday, all day Saturdays and Sundays and all bank holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

 01202 738256 

childrensoohs@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Non-Emergency Concerns

For non-emergency concerns, proceed as follows: 

  • Write down the details of the concern, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved and any relevant information, using the DorPIP Safeguarding Concern Form which can be found in the Policy and Procedures Sharepoint and at the end of this policy. 

  • Contact the DSO as soon as possible to share the concern. If the DSO is unavailable, report the concern to the next available senior staff member. 

  • Limit discussions about the concern to those directly involved in addressing it. Avoid sharing details with individuals who are not part of the safeguarding process. 

Designated Safeguarding Officer's Responsibilities

Receiving Concerns

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, the DSO will: 

  • Acknowledge receipt of the concern. 

  • Gather additional information if necessary. 

  • Decide on an appropriate course of action, which may include conducting an internal investigation, involving external authorities or seeking expert advice. 

Decision Making

The DSO will make decisions based on the severity and nature of the concern, following the principles outlined in the Safeguarding Policy. 

Maintaining Records

The DSO will ensure that accurate and detailed records are maintained regarding the concern, actions taken, communications and outcomes. 

Reporting to Authorities

If the concern involves potential criminal behaviour, significant harm or abuse, the DSO will report it to the relevant external authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement, as required by law. 

Communicating with Stakeholders

The DSO will communicate with relevant stakeholders, including parents and guardians, throughout the process while maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity. 

Investigation and Response

Internal Investigation

If necessary, DorPIP may conduct an internal investigation to gather additional information and assess the concern's validity. This investigation will be carried out discreetly and professionally, involving only individuals directly involved in the process. 

External Authorities

If external authorities are involved, DorPIP will cooperate fully with their inquiries, providing requested information and support. 

Support for Affected Parties

Support for Infants and Parents

DorPIP will ensure that appropriate support is provided to affected infants and parents. This may include referrals to relevant services, counselling or therapeutic interventions. 

Staff and Volunteer Support

Staff and volunteers involved in safeguarding concerns will receive appropriate support, including debriefing and access to counselling services if needed. 

Review and Monitoring

Regular Review

DorPIP will review safeguarding procedures and cases regularly to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices. 

Continuous Improvement

Lessons learned from safeguarding incidents will be used to enhance policies, procedures, and training programs. 

Record Keeping

Maintenance of Records

All safeguarding concerns, actions taken, communications and outcomes will be accurately documented and securely stored. 

Retention

Records will be retained in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies. 

Training and Awareness

Training Program

DorPIP will provide comprehensive training to all staff, volunteers and individuals involved in direct work with infants and parents. This training will cover recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures and adherence to the Safeguarding Policy. 

 Incident Reporting Flowchart 

Identify safeguarding concern

If the concern involves immediate risk to the safety or wellbeing of an infant or parent, contact emergency services and appropriate local authorities immediately: 

  • Emergency Services: 999 

  • BCP - Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for concerns involving children. First response team: 01202 123 334 or childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. out of hours' team: 01202 738 256. DORSET - Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD)

  • Name: Single point of contact for safeguarding concerns Tel: 01305 228866  https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/childrens-advice-and-duty-service-chad 

Document safeguarding concern using DorPIP Safeguarding Report Form

Upon identifying a serious incident, personnel must complete the DorPIP Safeguarding Report Form as soon as reasonably possible, no later than 24 hours after the safeguarding incident is discovered. Information provided in the DorPIP Safeguarding Report Form must be treated with strict confidentiality and in compliance with data protection laws.   

Report safeguarding concern to Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as soon as reasonably possible

DorPIP’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is Vivian Allen – vivian@dorpip.org.uk 07813 989707

Best practice is to send the DSO the completed DorPIP Safeguarding Report Form.

DSO to escalate as necessary

DSO will acknowledge receipt of concern, gather additional information and decide on course of action, reporting to relevant authorities if necessary. 

Reviewed by Board of Trustees: November 2025

Next review date: November 2026

Approved by DSO -