Safeguarding Children Policy

We provide housing to many families across the North East, and some children living in or visiting our homes may be vulnerable or at risk.

Our responsibility is to help keep every child safe from abuse, neglect, and harm. If anyone — a tenant, staff member, neighbour, or visitor — raises a concern about a child’s safety, we will take it seriously. This applies to any child who lives in, visits, or spends time in our buildings, schemes, or offices. We follow the law that protects children, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and we work closely with local authorities, social workers, schools, health professionals, and the police.

Abuse can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect. Our aim is always to protect children, support families, and make sure children grow up in safe and secure homes. To help prevent harm, we provide regular safeguarding training for staff and give tenants clear information about how to recognise and report concerns.

If we have a safeguarding concern, we have clear steps to follow. All staff have a duty to report concerns immediately — this includes any suspicions, evidence, or disclosures. Staff are trained to spot signs of abuse and respond quickly, and our trained safeguarding leads will make sure the right action is taken.

Tenants can speak to any member of staff if they are worried about a child, and concerns will always be taken seriously.