Hindu Samaj Swindon Centre (HSS)
Effective Date: 1st July 2025
1. Policy Statement
Hindu Samaj Swindon Centre (HSS) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who participate in our activities or visit our centre. We believe that everyone, regardless of age, ability, gender, religion, race, or background, has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and neglect.
This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and the procedures we will follow to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All children (under 18) and adults at risk attending our events or using our services
- All staff (if applicable), volunteers, trustees, committee members, and visitors
- All activities, services, and events delivered by or on behalf of HSS
3. Key Principles
- The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount
- All individuals have a right to protection from abuse or harm
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly
- We are committed to safe recruitment, supervision, and training of those in roles of responsibility
4. Definitions
- Child: Anyone under the age of 18
- Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who may need additional support due to age, illness, disability, or mental health and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation
5. Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect or self-neglect
- Financial abuse
- Discriminatory abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Online abuse
- Spiritual or cultural abuse
6. Safeguarding Responsibilities
a) Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
HSS will appoint a named Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for:
- Receiving and acting on safeguarding concerns
- Keeping secure records
- Liaising with local authorities and safeguarding boards
- Ensuring all staff and volunteers are aware of safeguarding responsibilities
Dilesh Hadani – Telephone Number 07955 794400
b) Volunteers and Staff Responsibilities
All volunteers and staff must:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL immediately
- Never put themselves or others at risk
- Follow the HSS Code of Conduct
7. Safe Practices
We will:
- Carry out appropriate DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for those working with children or vulnerable adults
- Provide training and safeguarding guidance for staff and volunteers
- Ensure safe supervision ratios during children and youth activities
- Gain appropriate consent for participation in youth events
- Ensure physical spaces are safe and suitable
8. Responding to Concerns
If a safeguarding concern is raised, we will:
- Listen carefully and take it seriously
- Record the concern accurately and promptly
- Report the matter to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Refer to external agencies (e.g., social care, police) where necessary
- Maintain confidentiality and only share information on a need-to-know basis
In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
9. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be dealt with sensitively. Personal information will ony be shared where necessary for protection or legal reasons, in line with data protection regulations.
10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, guidance, or circumstances within HSS.
Contact Details:
📍 Hindu Samaj Swindon Centre Wyvern House, Swindon, SN1 1QN
Email: info@hindusamajswindon.co.uk
