Policies, Safeguarding & Confidentiality
Policies, Safeguarding & Confidentiality
Project West is committed to safeguarding, professionalism, confidentiality and the welfare of children. The following information outlines our key public commitments and policies.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
Project West is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and professionally managed environment where children are respected, protected and supported.
Every service is delivered with the welfare of the child as the primary consideration.
Confidentiality
Project West treats personal information with sensitivity and respect.
Information shared with us is managed confidentially and in accordance with our legal, professional and safeguarding responsibilities.
Sharing Information
Although confidentiality is respected, there are occasions when Project West has a legal or professional duty to share information.
This may include situations where there are safeguarding concerns, concerns about the welfare of a child, or where disclosure is required by law or by a Court.
Raising a Safeguarding Concern
Project West is responsible for responding to safeguarding concerns that arise during, or in connection with, a Project West service.
Where a safeguarding concern is observed, disclosed or otherwise identified during a Family Time session, pre-visit meeting or other Project West service, the concern will be recorded and managed in accordance with Project West's safeguarding procedures.
This may include making a referral to Children's Social Care or contacting the Police where appropriate.
Project West is not a general reporting service for concerns, suspicions or allegations that arise outside its involvement with a family.
Where a parent, family member or other individual has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child that do not arise from a Project West service, they should contact the appropriate statutory agency directly.
What to do if you have a safeguarding concern
Immediate danger: Call 999.
If there is no immediate danger, concerns about possible abuse or neglect should be reported to Children's Social Care in the local authority where the child lives.
Where the child's address or local authority is not known, the person raising the concern should contact their own local authority, the NSPCC or the Police for advice.
Concerns relating to disagreements between parents, disputed allegations or matters already before the Family Court should be raised through the appropriate legal or professional channels and should not be submitted through the Project West general enquiry form.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Project West is committed to treating every child, family and professional with dignity, fairness and respect.
We welcome families from all backgrounds and are committed to providing services that are inclusive and responsive to individual needs.
Accessibility
If you require information in an alternative format or have specific access, communication or support needs, please let us know.
We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
Records and Data Protection
Project West retains and manages records in accordance with applicable legislation, contractual requirements and organisational policies.
Personal information is handled responsibly and securely.
Professional Standards
Our team is committed to professionalism, impartiality, safeguarding and continuous improvement.
We work collaboratively with families and professionals while ensuring that the welfare of children remains central to every service we provide.
Related Policies and Information
Copies of the following documents are available below or on request.
Contact us about our policies
If you have a question about any of our policies, or would like to request a copy, please get in touch.