Safeguarding Policy

The purpose and scope of this safeguarding policy

Our World Collective collects and re-distributes donations to charitable partners. We offer drop-off points and collections to allow members of the public to make their donations, as well as opportunities for members of the public to purchase essential items to support asylum seekers via our charity partners. Our volunteers co-ordinate these donations, checking, sorting and packing items before transportation to the charities we support. 

The purpose of this policy statement is: 

• to protect from harm children and young people whom come into contact with Our World Collective. This includes the children of adults whom contact our collective.  
• to provide volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection and protection of adults at risk. 

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Our World Collective.

Legal framework 

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. 

We believe that: 

• Children, young people and adults should never experience abuse of any kind. 
• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all individuals to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.
• Everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation has an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. 
• Some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues. 

Our World Collective does not work directly with children, young people or adults and contact with the general public is restricted to the collection, or drop-off of donations, from or by members of the general public. However, if any members of the collective are concerned about any issues or observations, these will be discussed with the Lead Safeguarding Officer who will seek advice from appropriate safeguarding partners such as the local authority. 

All discussions between the volunteers and the lead safeguarding officer will be documented and recorded by the Lead Safeguarding Officer, as well as any follow up action taken. 

The Lead Safeguarding Officer for Our World Collective is Sarah Edwards.  She is a qualified, registered and practicing Social Worker within the UK. 

This policy was last updated on 31/10/2020 and has been written in good faith.