Safeguarding Policy

What is safeguarding? 

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of people (especially children and vulnerable adults) and protect them from harm. 

Policy aims and objectives 

While Sight Research UK’s staff and trustees do not work routinely with children or vulnerable adults, this policy and associated guidelines aim to help us to protect such individuals in the course of our fundraising, supporter engagement activities, and grant making.

Scope 

This policy applies to anyone working for us in any capacity, i.e. employed, charity trustees or other volunteers, or sessional. 

Trustees, employees, volunteers and relevant sub-contractors are given a copy of this policy and must deal with any concerns reported to them by contacting the charity’s Chief Executive.

Safety

The safety of our supporters, volunteers and staff is paramount and we are committed to providing a safe environment within which to work. Our health and safety policy is reviewed annually by the Trustees and made available to all staff and volunteers.

When planning in-person events at which vulnerable adults (those with a visual impairment, who are elderly or frail, or who have another disability) are likely to be present, due consideration is given to the age and ability of participants. Risk assessments are carried out and documented as part of the planning process for in-person events.

Staff and volunteers should not offer to transport a child or vulnerable  adult anywhere (e.g. to and from an event) unless accompanied by a further person or as part of a formal, authorised arrangement.

On no account should any employee, worker or volunteer have any physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult unless this is to prevent accident or injury to themselves or anyone else (e.g. to prevent a fall), or in the case of medical assistance being needed (e.g. to administer  first aid).

To protect both themselves and our business, trustees, staff and volunteers should avoid the  following:

• being alone with children or vulnerable adults out of public view
• any unnecessary physical contact
• taking a child or vulnerable adult alone in a vehicle on journeys, however short unless circumstances make it impossible to comply, taking a child or vulnerable adult to the toilet unless either (a) another adult is present or (b) another adult is aware (this may   include a parent).
• letting allegations made by anyone go unacknowledged, unresolved or not acted upon.

Safeguarding and Fundraising

Sight Research UK neither solicits nor accepts donations from anyone who we know or think may not be competent to make their own decisions. If a donation has already been made, and at the time of donating, the individual lacked capacity (and SRUK receives evidence of this), the donation will be returned.

We comply with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice, including fundraising that involves children.

Our fundraising material is accessible, clear and ethical, including not placing any undue pressure on individuals to donate.

We protect people’s personal data in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as it applies in the UK, tailored by the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and our Board of Trustees reviews our Data Protection and Privacy Notice annually.

We obtain permission to display all personal stories and images on our website and social media accounts, including from parents when applicable.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Members of the public who have concerns about safeguarding issues relating to SRUK’s activities, or who suspect abuse, should contact a member of our team on 0117 325 775 , who will inform the Chief Executive.

If you would like to see a full copy of our Safeguarding Policy, please download below.

This Safeguarding Policy was reviewed in January 2024 and approved by the charity's Board of Trustees in February 2024.

If you have any questions about our Safeguarding Policy  please contact us:

• By email at hello@sightresearchuk.org
• In writing to The Chief Executive, Sight Research UK, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW.