Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment to Safety

At Beloved Berachah CIC, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the women we support are our highest priorities. We believe that everyone has the right to live a life free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Because our work frequently involves supporting vulnerable adults affected by trauma, addiction, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges, we recognise our legal and moral duty to promote welfare and safeguard all individuals who engage with our services.

2. Core Principles

Our safeguarding approach is governed by the principles outlined in the Care Act 2014 and UK best practices:

• Empowerment: We support and encourage women to make their own informed decisions and give informed consent.
• Prevention: We take proactive steps to identify risks and prevent harm before it occurs.
• Proportionality: We take the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection: We provide support and representation for those in greatest need.
• Partnership: We work collaboratively with local communities, professionals, and statutory agencies to prevent, detect, and report abuse.
• Accountability: We ensure absolute transparency and accountability in all our safeguarding practices.

3. Zero Tolerance Approach

Beloved Berachah CIC operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse, including but not limited to:

• Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.
• Domestic abuse and coercive control.
• Sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Financial or material abuse.
• Discriminatory or spiritual abuse.

4. Safe Recruitment and Training

To ensure a safe environment, Beloved Berachah CIC commits to robust recruitment and operational practices:

• All staff, trustees, and active volunteers must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to engaging with vulnerable individuals.
• Mandatory, up-to-date safeguarding training is required for anyone representing the CIC.
• Clear codes of conduct are enforced during all workshops, events, and drop-in sessions.

5. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We respect the confidentiality of the women we support. Information shared with us will remain confidential, except in circumstances where:

• An individual is deemed to be at serious risk of harm to themselves or others.
• A child or vulnerable adult is identified as being at risk.
• We are legally compelled to disclose information by a statutory or law enforcement agency.

In such cases, information will be shared securely and proportionately with the appropriate authorities (such as local adult social care safeguarding teams or the police) in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

6. Reporting a Concern

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have a concern about the welfare of a participant, a member of our team, or an incident that occurred at a Beloved Berachah event, you must report it.

• Non-Emergencies: Please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately by emailing beloved@berachah.org.uk or via our Contact page. All concerns will be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated promptly.
• Emergencies: If you suspect immediate danger, do not wait. Call 999 to alert the police or ambulance service.