Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of everything we do at Rainbows. We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of babies, children and young people, adults with care and support needs, families, visitors, staff and volunteers.
Our approach to safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Rainbows. Our staff, volunteers, trustees and senior leaders all have a part to play in recognising concerns and helping keep people safe.
Our approach is underpinned by the six safeguarding principles: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership and Accountability. These help us make sure people are listened to, involved in decisions and supported in a way that is right for them.
Our policies, procedures and training are regularly reviewed to reflect current legislation, national guidance and local safeguarding arrangements, helping us respond effectively to safeguarding concerns and emerging risks.
Safe recruitment and training
We follow safer recruitment principles for our staff, volunteers and trustees. This includes appropriate pre-employment checks, references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Our staff, volunteers and trustees receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role and responsibilities, with access to safeguarding advice and supervision when they need it. This helps give our people the knowledge and confidence to identify, respond to and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately.
All our clinical staff have access to the NHS Safeguarding app, allowing easy and quick access to all the processes and procedures of local authorities throughout the East Midlands, and can escalate any concerns.
If you have a safeguarding concern
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults with care and support needs remains paramount in all aspects of our work.
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of someone who is receiving care or support from Rainbows, visiting our shops, volunteering or taking part in a Rainbows activity, please tell us. We will listen to your concern, take it seriously and respond appropriately and sensitively
If you are at Rainbows, speak to a member of staff and ask for the Shift Coordinator, a Family Support Worker or Safeguarding Lead. Rainbows provides care and support 24 hours a day, so there will always be someone available to listen.
If you are not at Rainbows, call 01509 638 000 during office hours and ask to speak to a Senior Nurse or Safeguarding Lead for safeguarding advice.
If someone is in immediate danger
If you believe someone is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed, call 999.
If there is no immediate danger but you are concerned that a child, young person or adult may be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse or harm, you can contact the relevant local authority safeguarding service. You can also speak to a health, education or social care professional, or a social worker already supporting the individual or family.