Safeguarding

We provide housing services to a wide range of individuals throughout the North East of England and we recognise that we will come into contact with vulnerable children while delivering services to our customers.

Our Safeguarding Children Policy has been produced to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Through the implementation of the policy its purpose is to protect children from abuse (with regard to the relevant legislation and issues of consent) and to support the abused child and their families.

We believe:

• Everyone has the right to live his or her life free from fear, violence or harm
• All children have the right to be protected from harm or abuse
• Acting in a way that supports the rights of the individual
• Treating all children and their families positively regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, gender reassignment or religion
• Promoting the safety and welfare of children – this is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing children’s health or development;  ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and  undertaking that role so as to enable children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully

We provide housing services to a wide range of individuals throughout the North East of England and we recognise that some of our clients will be more vulnerable to risks than others.

Our Safeguarding Adults Policy has been produced to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of adults at risk. Through the implementation of the policy its purpose is to protect service users from abuse (with regard to the relevant legislation and issues of consent) and to support the abused person and their relatives.

We believe in the following:

•  Everyone has the right to live his or her life free from fear, violence or harm
•  All adults have the right to be protected from harm or abuse
• Everyone has the right to an independent lifestyle and the right to make choices, some of which may involve a degree of risk
• Actively promoting the empowerment and well being of adults at risk through the services we provide
• Acting in a way that supports the rights of the individual
• Recognising people who are unable to take their own decisions and/or protect themselves, their assets and bodily integrity, e.g. financial, physical or sexual abuse
• Recognising that the right to self determination can involve risk
• Promoting the safety of adults at risk of abuse
• Respecting the rights of the alleged perpetrator

Abuse can happen to anyone and may happen once or over a long period of time.

Abuse can include:

• Domestic Abuse – for example, controlling, threatening or violent behaviour from a partner, ex-partner or family member
• Emotional Abuse – for example, being intimidated, humiliated, isolated or constantly criticised
• Physical Abuse – for example, hitting, pushing, restraining or causing physical harm
• Sexual Abuse – for example, any sexual activity that you do not consent to or feel pressured into
• Financial Abuse – for example, controlling someone’s money, benefits or access to financial resources

Neglect – for example, not receiving the care, support or basic needs needed to stay safe and well

Discriminatory Abuse – for example, being targeted because of disability, race, religion, sexuality, gender identity or another protected characteristic

Exploitation or Modern Slavery – for example, being controlled, forced or exploited for work, money or criminal activity

Sometimes people are unsure whether what they are experiencing is abuse. If something does not feel right, you can speak to us or another support service listed later in this leaflet.

Bernicia has a specialist team of staff trained to respond to concerns about abuse, neglect or significant harm involving adults or children connected to our services or communities.

Our role is to:

• Listen to concerns
• Identify potential safeguarding risks
• Take appropriate action where abuse or neglect may be occurring
• Work with relevant agencies where required
• Support access to specialist services where appropriate

Safeguarding concerns can be raised by:

• Customers
• Family members
• Carers
• Neighbours
• Bernicia colleagues
• Partner agencies
• Members of the public

We will treat concerns sensitively and respectfully.

However, if we believe an adult or child may be at risk of serious harm, we may need to share that information with relevant agencies to keep people safe.

You do not need proof before reporting a concern.

Not sure whether to report something?

You do not need to be certain abuse or neglect is happening before speaking to us. If something feels unsafe or concerning it is okay to ask for advice.

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of an adult or child you can:

• Speak with your Housing Officer
• Contact our customer contact team on 0344 800 3800
• Email contact@bernicia.com
• Visit one of our offices
• Speak to a member of staff in person

You can contact us if:

• You are experiencing abuse or neglect
• You are worried about someone else
• You feel unsafe in your home or community
• You need to report a safeguarding concern

If speaking on the phone feels difficult, you can also contact us online or speak to a member of staff in person.

What happens after a concern is reported?

A trained member of staff will review the concern and decide what action may be needed.

This may include:

• Speaking with the person involved
• Raising concerns with the Local Authority where appropriate
• Working with other agencies
• Taking housing-related action where appropriate

In an emergency

Call 999 if;

• Someone is in immediate danger
• A crime is taking place
• Urgent medical help is needed

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

Men’s Advice Line

0808 201 0327

Childline

0800 1111

Galop LGBT+ Helpline

0800 999 5428

Adult or Children Services

Contact your local council’s safeguarding team.