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Safeguarding Policy

 

 

Version: 3.0
Effective Date: 18 February 2026
Next Review Date: 17 February 2027

Document Owner: CEO & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Approved By: Board of Directors

​Review Frequency: Annually

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1. Policy Statement​

SVH Inc. CIC is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and protection of all individuals who engage with our organisation. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation and inappropriate treatment.

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We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment across our services, events, training, workshops, community activities and partnerships.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, associates, participants, service users and anyone acting on behalf of SVH Inc. CIC.​

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3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Valentina Hynes has been appointed as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for SVH Inc. CIC.

 

Contact:

Valentina Hynes
CEO & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Email: valentina@svhinc.co.uk

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The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:

  • Ensuring compliance with this policy.

  • Providing advice, support and guidance on safeguarding matters.

  • Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns.

  • Maintaining safeguarding records.

  • Liaising with external agencies where appropriate.

  • Promoting safeguarding awareness and good practice.

  • Reviewing and updating safeguarding procedures.

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4. Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to protect individuals’ physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and to prevent harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation or discrimination.

 

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

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  • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Financial exploitation

  • Domestic abuse

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Online harm

  • Exploitation

  • Bullying or harassment

  • Any situation where an individual’s welfare may be at risk

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5. Identifying Safeguarding Concerns

SVH Inc. CIC is committed to identifying safeguarding concerns promptly and responding appropriately.

 

Anyone associated with the organisation who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern is encouraged to report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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No concern is considered too small to report where an individual’s welfare or safety may be at risk.

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6. Reporting Procedure

  • If an individual has a safeguarding concern, they should:

  1. Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  2. Provide all relevant information available, including names, dates and factual details.

  3. Avoid investigating the matter themselves or making assumptions.

  4. Maintain confidentiality and avoid discussing the matter unnecessarily.

 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

  • Record the information received.

  • Assess the level of risk.

  • Determine the appropriate course of action.

  • Seek advice or refer the matter to external agencies where necessary.

  • Maintain appropriate records of actions taken.

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7. Immediate Risk

If an individual is in immediate danger, requires urgent medical attention or a crime is suspected, emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 999 before following internal reporting procedures.​

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The safety and welfare of the individual involved will always take priority.

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8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

SVH Inc. CIC will respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely, proportionate and appropriate manner.

 

Actions may include:

  • Providing support to the individual concerned.

  • Implementing protective measures.

  • Consulting with safeguarding professionals.

  • Referring concerns to local authorities, police or other appropriate agencies.

  • Reviewing organisational practices where necessary.

 

The welfare of the individual involved will remain the primary consideration throughout the process.

 

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

 

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information needs to be shared to protect an individual from harm, comply with legal obligations or support an appropriate safeguarding response.

 

Any information shared will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

10. Record Keeping

SVH Inc. CIC will maintain secure records of safeguarding concerns, actions taken and referrals made.

 

Records will be retained securely and only accessed by authorised individuals where necessary.

 

11. Training and Awareness

SVH Inc. CIC is committed to promoting safeguarding awareness throughout the organisation.

 

Relevant personnel will be supported to understand safeguarding responsibilities, recognise concerns and know how to report issues appropriately.

 

12. Review and Monitoring

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Board of Directors are responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy.

 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation, organisational activities or best practice guidance.

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Conclusion:

SVH Inc. CIC is dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all individuals associated with our organisation. This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and provides clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns. Valentina Hynes, as the designated Safeguarding Lead, is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring its effectiveness.

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Signed: 

Valentina Hynes
CEO: SVH Inc. CIC


Date: 18/02/2026

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