Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment

M’Mbondo Manchester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in our activities.

We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected from harm.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all trustees, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the organisation.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

Trustees
Volunteers
Event facilitators
Partner organisations working with us
Anyone representing M’Mbondo Manchester

3. Who This Policy Protects

This policy protects:

Children and young people (under 18)
Vulnerable adults
Individuals experiencing disadvantage or reduced capacity
Anyone participating in our activities

4. Our Safeguarding Principles
We will:

Provide safe and inclusive environments
Treat everyone with dignity and respect
Take all concerns and disclosures seriously
Act promptly and appropriately on safeguarding concerns
Maintain confidentiality where appropriate
Follow relevant UK safeguarding guidance

5. Responsibilities

Trustees are responsible for:
Ensuring safeguarding procedures are in place
Reviewing this policy regularly
Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns

Volunteers must:
Behave appropriately at all times
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
Follow this policy and related procedures

6. Reporting a Concern

If someone has concerns about a child or vulnerable adult:

Report immediately to a trustee.
If a person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999).
Concerns will be recorded and handled appropriately.
The organisation will cooperate with statutory authorities where required.

7. Confidentiality
Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required.