Goshen Haven Legal

The information provided here is for Goshen Haven users who have questions about our terms, policies, and compliance.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Organization: Goshen Haven Foundation

Effective Date: March 20, 2026

Review Date: March 20, 2027 (Annual review required)

1. Policy Statement

The Goshen Haven Foundation believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

The purpose of this policy is:

  • To protect children and young people who receive Goshen Haven Foundation’s services.
  • To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

2. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children in the UK, including:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2024/2026)
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

3. Roles and Responsibilities

To ensure the safety of our beneficiaries, the following roles are established:

RoleResponsibility
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) The main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. They lead on referrals to social care.
Deputy DSL Supports the DSL and acts in their absence.
Trustees Ensure the foundation is compliant with Charity Commission safeguarding duties.
All Staff/Volunteers Responsible for recognizing signs of abuse and reporting them immediately to the DSL.

4. Safer Recruitment

Goshen Haven Foundation is committed to “Safer Recruitment” to deter unsuitable people from working with children. This includes:

  • DBS Checks: All staff and volunteers in regulated activity must have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • References: A minimum of two professional references.
  • Interviews: Face-to-face interviews including safeguarding-specific questions.

5. Recognizing and Responding to Abuse

Staff must be alert to the four main categories of abuse: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Neglect. We also recognize specific risks such as FGM, Grooming, Online Harm, and Radicalization.

Reporting Procedure:

  1. Observe/Disclose: A staff member hears a disclosure or observes signs of harm.
  2. Record: Write a factual account (the “Voice of the Child”) using the foundation’s standard Incident Report Form.
  3. Report: Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately (within 1 hour).
  4. Refer: The DSL will decide whether to refer the matter to Local Authority Children’s Social Care or the Police (999 in emergencies).

6. Online Safety & Social Media

Goshen Haven Foundation recognizes that the digital world can pose risks.

  • Staff must never communicate with child beneficiaries via personal social media.
  • Official foundation platforms must be moderated.
  • Children will be taught how to stay safe online during foundation activities.

7. Code of Conduct for Staff

  • Do: Treat all children with respect; work in an open environment (avoiding unobserved 1-on-1s where possible); maintain professional boundaries.
  • Don’t: Use offensive language; develop personal relationships with children; use personal phones to take photos of children.

8. Important Contact Information

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact our Data Protection Lead:

Email: [Insert Email]
Address: [Insert Office Address]

If you are unhappy with how we use your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.