Safeguarding

As an organisation, Demelza is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of those children, young people and their families for whom it cares, or with whom employees and volunteers may come into contact, and to identify and take appropriate action in cases of suspected abuse. 

Safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment and significant harm.  
• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development.  
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.  
• Acting to enable all children to have the best outcomes. 

(Source: Working Together to Safeguard Children, HM Government, 2023)

All employees and volunteers are recruited in accordance with Demelza’s safe recruitment policy (including disclosure and barring service policy).

All employees and volunteers have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children, young people and adults by being responsible for quality, efficiency and effectiveness of their work. They must read and understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, and be aware of their safeguarding duties, recognise all forms of abuse and neglect and follow procedure in reporting concerns promptly.

Demelza makes sure that all employees, volunteers and trustees are equipped to embed safeguarding within their day to day professional practice. The principles and practices of safeguarding are given a high priority.