Safeguarding

We provide housing services to a wide range of individuals throughout the North East of England and we recognise that we will come into contact with vulnerable children while delivering services to our customers.

Our Safeguarding Children Policy has been produced to safeguard and promote the
welfare of children. Through the implementation of the policy its purpose is to protect children from abuse (with regard to the relevant legislation and issues of consent) and to support the abused child and their families.

We believe:

• Everyone has the right to live his or her life free from fear, violence or harm
• All children have the right to be protected from harm or abuse.
• Acting in a way that supports the rights of the individual
• Treating all children and their families positively regardlessof gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, gender reassignment or religion.
• Promoting the safety and welfare of children – this is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing children’s health or development;  ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision osafe and effective care; and  undertaking that role so as to enable children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully

We provide housing services to a wide range of individuals throughout the North East of England and we recognise that some of our clients will be more vulnerable to risks than others.

Our Safeguarding Adults Policy has been produced to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of adults at risk. Through the implementation of the policy its purpose is to
protect service users from abuse (with regard to the relevant legislation and issues of consent) and to support the abused person and their relatives.

We believe in the following:

•  Everyone has the right to live his or her life free from fear, violence or harm.
•  All adults have the right to be protected from harm or abuse.
• Everyone has the right to an independent lifestyle and the right to make choices, some of which may involve a degree of risk.
• Actively promoting the empowerment and well being of adults at risk through the services we provide.
• Acting in a way that supports the rights of the individual.
• Recognising people who are unable to take their own decisions and/or protect themselves, their assets and bodily integrity, e.g. financial, physical or sexual abuse.
• Recognising that the right to self determination can involve risk.
• Promoting the safety of adults at risk of abuse
• Respecting the rights of the alleged perpetrator.