Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy for Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation

Last Updated: FEB 2025

Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable or at risk. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of the people we support, whether they are clients, volunteers, staff, or participants in our programs and activities.

1. Introduction

Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation is dedicated to providing mental health support and wellbeing services in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. We understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to creating a culture that prioritizes the protection of vulnerable individuals and prevents abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This policy is designed to provide guidance for all staff, volunteers, and associates working within Rxbuild to ensure that we meet the highest standards of care and safeguarding.

2. Scope of the Policy

This Safeguarding Policy applies to:

- All staff, volunteers, and board members of Rxbuild.
- Anyone involved in providing services or activities under the name of Rxbuild, including contractors and partners.
- All individuals using our services, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

3. Definitions

- Safeguarding refers to the proactive measures taken to promote the welfare of individuals, prevent harm, and protect individuals from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Vulnerable Adults are individuals aged 18 or older who may be at risk of abuse or exploitation due to their physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or other factors.
- Children and Young People are individuals under the age of 18 who may require safeguarding and protection.

### 4. **Our Commitment to Safeguarding**

At Rxbuild Mental Health and Wellbeing Foundation, we are committed to:

- Creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals using our services.
- Ensuring all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are trained and aware of safeguarding procedures and policies.
- Ensuring that safeguarding is embedded in the design and delivery of all programs and services.
- Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns or disclosures of abuse or neglect.
- Promoting a culture of transparency, where everyone feels able to report concerns without fear of retaliation or discrimination.

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities

- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):  
The DSL is responsible for overseeing the safeguarding policies and procedures within Rxbuild. The DSL is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and will ensure that all concerns are addressed appropriately.

- Staff and Volunteers:  
All staff and volunteers have a duty to act in accordance with the safeguarding policies and report any concerns about potential abuse, neglect, or risk to the DSL. They must undergo safeguarding training and demonstrate awareness of the signs of abuse.

- Board Members:  
The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring the organization complies with safeguarding regulations and has the necessary resources to protect individuals from harm.

6. Types of Abuse

We recognize the following types of abuse that may occur:

- Physical Abuse: Any intentional use of force that causes harm, injury, or risk to an individual.
- Sexual Abuse: Any form of non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Any form of behavior that harms an individual’s emotional well-being or self-esteem.
- Neglect: The failure to provide adequate care, attention, or protection that is necessary for an individual’s health and well-being.
- Financial Abuse: The illegal or unauthorized use of an individual’s financial resources.
- Discriminatory Abuse: Abuse based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, or other characteristics.

7. Recognizing Abuse and Signs of Harm

All staff, volunteers, and board members must be able to identify the signs of abuse or neglect, which may include:

- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks.
- Withdrawal, depression, or anxiety.
- Fear of a particular individual or setting.
- Sudden changes in behavior or appearance.
- Inappropriate sexualized behavior.
- Reluctance to speak or disclose information.
- Signs of poor hygiene or malnutrition.
- Sudden financial difficulties or signs of exploitation.

If any of these signs are observed, or if any concerns arise, they must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

8. Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about the welfare of an individual, you should:

1. Report Immediately: Share your concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or, if the DSL is unavailable, with another senior member of staff.
2. Record the Concern: Make a clear, factual record of the concern or observation. This should include dates, times, and any actions taken.
3. Maintain Confidentiality: Do not share your concerns with others unless required by law or necessary to protect the individual.

If the matter is urgent or there is an immediate risk of harm, please contact the relevant local authorities (e.g., police, social services).

9. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

When a safeguarding concern is raised, the following steps will be taken:

1. Immediate Response: The DSL will take immediate steps to ensure the safety and protection of the individual concerned.
2. Investigation: The concern will be investigated promptly and confidentially, ensuring the welfare of the individual is the primary concern.
3. Referral to Authorities: If necessary, the issue will be referred to the relevant statutory agencies (e.g., local authorities, police).
4. Support for Affected Individuals: We will provide appropriate support for the individual involved, including counseling or referral to external support services if necessary.

10. Recruitment and Training

We are committed to safer recruitment practices and will:

- Ensure all new staff and volunteers undergo a criminal background check (e.g., DBS check) as appropriate for their role.
- Provide regular safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers to ensure they understand their responsibilities and are able to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Ensure ongoing monitoring and support for staff and volunteers working with vulnerable individuals.

11. Confidentiality

We respect the confidentiality of all individuals who use our services. However, safeguarding takes precedence over confidentiality in situations where there is a risk of harm to a vulnerable individual. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal requirements.

12. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains in line with current legislation and best practice. We are committed to continuously improving our safeguarding procedures and the welfare of all individuals who engage with our services.

13. Contact Details

For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Rob@Rxbuild.co

Alternatively, you can contact: Rob@Rxbuild.co

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to us.