CRY Safeguarding Statement

CRY acknowledges the rights of children and adults to be protected from abuse, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs. CRY considers that the welfare of children and at risk adults is paramount and will follow legislation, statutory guidance and recognised good practice in order to protect vulnerable people that use CRY’s services or who interact with CRY in any way.

CRY will seek to raise awareness amongst its employees and trustees, such that there is an informed vigilance about the dangers of abuse. With regards to CRY’s own activities, safeguarding includes preventing harm to children and at risk adults arising from the conduct of CRY staff or other personnel associated with CRY; and / or preventing harm arising from the design and implementation of CRY’s programmes and activities. However, CRY also encourages employees and trustees to identify and report any safeguarding concerns in any contexts (i.e. whether directly related to CRY or otherwise).

CRY implements, maintains and regularly reviews a safeguarding policy, which is designed to prevent and be alert to abuse. Although CRY recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved in the organisation, certain CRY employees are nominated to form a Safeguarding Team. This team have specific responsibilities with regards to safeguarding.

All safeguarding concerns or allegations should be addressed as soon as possible with CRY’s Safeguarding Team. In the unlikely event that no members of the Safeguarding Team can be contacted promptly, any safeguarding concerns can be raised with CRY’s Chief Executive or Office Manager.

Prompt action is often vital in safeguarding issues – where possible, concerns should be raised with the Safeguarding Team (or other nominated person in their absence) quickly and in person – that is, face-to-face or on the phone. If this is not possible for any reason, an email should be sent to the Safeguarding Team, marked as urgent.

The CRY Safeguarding Team can be contacted by calling the CRY office on 01737 363222 or by emailing safeguarding@c-r-y.org.uk.

CRY will organise its activities in such a way as to promote a safe environment and minimise the risk of harm to children and at risk adults. CRY follows safe recruitment processes for the selection and appointment of all employees. CRY is committed to providing support, supervision, resources and training – as appropriate – to all roles within the organisation.

All concerns and allegations of abuse will be responded to appropriately, including referring to the statutory authorities if necessary. CRY will cooperate with the statutory authorities in any investigation, will follow multi-agency decisions and will maintain appropriate confidentiality during any investigations.  CRY will refer any safeguarding concerns pertaining to the conduct of CRY employees or trustees to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

A copy of CRY’s full Safeguarding Policy can be requested by calling the CRY office on 01737 363222 or by emailing safeguarding@c-r-y.org.uk.