Safeguarding Children
Safeguarding children – the actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm – is everyone’s responsibility. Every organisation that has contact with children and families has a role to play, and responsibilities to fulfil.
Early Help – Providing early help is more effective in safeguarding children and young people than reacting later. Early help is a way of building resilience within families, preventing or reducing the risk of problems escalating and ensuring that additional needs of children and their families are responded to at the earliest stage.
METRO GAVS can provide support and information to assist organisations to develop effective and up to date Safeguarding practices. We also work closely with the Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board (GSCB) on a range of Safeguarding issues including training and voluntary sector representation.
See below for a range of Safeguarding resources. If you would like to contact METRO METRO GAVS to discuss any specific Safeguarding issue please e-mail Roy Gopaul or call 020 8305 5000.
Here is the GAVS Model Safeguarding Children Policy For the VCS_ Revised Nov 2017 upon which METRO GAVS is recommending you base your safeguarding children’s policy
Please note: there is a lot of information on this page, including Resources and Guidance; DBS checks (formerly known as CRB checks); Safeguarding Training; Specific Safeguarding Issues (such as bullying, domestic violence etc.); What to do if you are concerned about a child; and the DO (Designated Officer). Please scroll down to find the information you are looking for.
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What to do if you are Concerned about a Child
If a child is in immediate danger, you should always call the Police on 999.
Anyone who is concerned about a child’s safety or well-being can contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), Woolwich Centre, First Floor, 35 Wellington Street, London, SE18 6HQ
Consultation line for workers: 020 8921 2267
Telephone number for referrals: 020 8921 3172
Referrals or other communications via secure e-mail: initial.response@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or faxed to 020 8921 3180.
Referrals outside office hours are handled by the Out of Hours Social Worker who can be contacted on 020 8854 8888.
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DBS Checks (Formerly CRB Checks)
Disclosure and Barring Service – The primary role of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is to help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. The DBS was established in 2012 and merges the functions previously carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
DBS checks for eligible volunteers are free of charge. See here for more information on DBS checks.
However, checks need to be done through an umbrella body. Most will charge an administration fee.
Here are some organisations that provide DBS checks:-
Disclosure Services – administration fee from £5.00 + VAT per application
CRBonline – admin free starts at £6.50, reducing with bulk checks
DBS Services – £10 admin fee
You can search for more umbrella bodies here.
Reporting allegations of abuse/disclosure implicating staff or volunteer
If you have a concern involving an allegation against staff or volunteer, you must also report the matter to Quality Improvement Leaders (RBG Children’s Services) on telephone number 0208 921 3930.
If appropriate you may be requested to complete a referral form and this should then be sent by email to childrens-LADO@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
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For advice and guidance, and help with completing an Early Help Assessment
The Early Help duty line is 0208 921 4590 and is available 1-4 pm daily with answerphone facility available at other times.
Email enquiries can be made on early-help-refer@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
For advice on concerns about gangs and gang related crime:
Bernie Bristow
Group Leader-Targeted Youth Support, Prevention and Diversion
Youth Offending Service
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Landline: 020 8921 4733
Mob: 07970 239 278
Email: bernie.bristow@royalgreeniwch.gov.uk
For advice radicalisation and terrorist activity:
Adam Browne
PREVENT Coordinator
Safer Communities Team
Community Services
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Landline: 020 8921 8324
Mobile: 07791 701 077
Email: adam.brown@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Safeguarding Resources, Model Policy and Guidance
METRO GAVS has developed a model safeguarding children’s policy which covers all the key areas for organisations working with children and young people. We recommend that you use this policy as the basis for any your organisation’s safeguarding policies
The Safe Network is managed by the NSPCC and was created to provide safeguarding advice and support to Voluntary and Community Organisations. Their website has a range of excellent information and organisations can also sign up for a FREE pack full of resources.
The Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board has a website with a range of information for professionals covering a wide range of information about Safeguarding.
Working Together – guidance from the Department of Education, sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and how practitioners should conduct the assessment of children. An updated version includes specific guidance aimed at Voluntary, Community and Faith Organisations.
The London Safeguarding Children Board has news, updates and resources relating to safeguarding across London.
The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) – Provides professional advice and support in all areas of safeguarding children throughout the UK. Their services are used not only by churches and groups across the denominational spectrum, but increasingly by other faiths as well.
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Safeguarding Training
The Greenwich Children Safeguarding Board – Provide training for professionals working in Greenwich, and any members of local Voluntary and Community Organisations (staff or volunteers) can attend these courses for FREE. Their Basic Induction is recommended as a first step for all staff, and Working Together is a good idea for managers of services and/or Safeguarding Leads, they also provide a refresher course. See their website for up to date details on their training. They also have links to their FREE Online Safeguarding Training.
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Specific Safeguarding Issues
See below for a list of organisations that provide specific advice and support on a range of issues relating to Safeguarding:
Domestic Violence
Victim Support
Her Centre
Greenwich Domestic Advice and Abuse Service
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Forward
Forced Marriage
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Karma Nirvana
Online/Esafety
CEOP
Private Fostering
Greenwich Council
Sexual Abuse
Rape Crisis
The Havens
Mosac
NSPCC have a free and confidential helpline 0808 800 5000, as well as other useful resources.