Safeguarding & Whistleblowing Policy

SSS Competence, Wellbeing & Skills CIC is committed to the highest standards of safety, integrity, and accountability. This policy sets out how we safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults in all aspects of our work, and how concerns can be raised through protected whistleblowing channels.

This policy applies to:

• Directors and employees of the CIC. 
• Volunteers, contractors, and delivery partners. 
• Any individual or organisation engaged in CIC-supported projects or services. 

This policy is written in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Care Act 2014, the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance, and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

• Prevention of harm: We take all reasonable steps to prevent abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the communities we serve. 
• Safe environments: All activities, programmes, and partnerships are risk-assessed to prioritise wellbeing. 
• Clear reporting: Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 
• Training and awareness: All staff, directors, and volunteers will receive safeguarding guidance proportionate to their role. 
• Confidentiality and dignity: Information will be handled sensitively, shared only on a need-to-know basis, and in accordance with data protection law.

• Right to raise concerns: Any person connected with our CIC may raise concerns about misconduct, malpractice, breaches of law, or breaches of policy. 
• Protection from reprisal: No one will suffer disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith under this policy. 
• Confidential channels: Concerns can be raised in confidence with the Board of Directors or the designated officer. 
• Fair investigation: All concerns will be investigated promptly, impartially, and without bias. 
• Escalation routes: If appropriate, matters may be referred to statutory authorities, regulators, or external safeguarding agencies.

• Right to raise concerns: Any person connected with our CIC may raise concerns about misconduct, malpractice, breaches of law, or breaches of policy. 
• Protection from reprisal: No one will suffer disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith under this policy. 
• Confidential channels: Concerns can be raised in confidence with the Board of Directors or the designated officer. 
• Board of Directors: Holds overall accountability for safeguarding and whistleblowing arrangements. 
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Responsible for receiving, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns. 
• All staff, volunteers, and partners: Required to remain vigilant, follow this policy, and report concerns without delay.

All safeguarding and whistleblowing records will be kept securely and in line with UK GDPR. Information will be shared only when necessary to protect individuals or meet legal and regulatory duties. 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, regulation, or best practice changes. Updates will be approved by the Board of Directors and published on our website.