SAFEguarding policy

​1. Safeguarding Statement

Wells Soup C.I.C.  is an independent charity committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone who attends its activities.

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Wells Soup C.I.C.  believes that every person has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. We are committed to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all people who come into contact with the charity and to treating every individual with dignity, respect, and compassion.

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Although Wells Soup C.I.C. is not part of Wells Cathedral or the Church of England, Wells Soup C.I.C. operates within Cathedral premises and will work cooperatively with the Cathedral Safeguarding Team where safeguarding concerns arise on Cathedral property.

Wells Soup C.I.C. recognises that adults may be at increased risk of abuse because of age, disability, illness, mental health needs, homelessness, social isolation, or other personal circumstances. Children may also attend Wells Soup C.I.C. events when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.

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Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

 

 

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

• Prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

• Ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised and responded to appropriately.

• Provide clear reporting procedures.

• Promote a culture of care, respect, and accountability.

• Support volunteers and trustees in understanding their safeguarding responsibilities.

 

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Directors

• Volunteers

• Event organisers

• Contractors working on behalf of Wells Soup C.I.C.  

• Guests and visitors attending Wells Soup C.I.C. activities

 

4. Safeguarding Leadership

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Jill Edmonds
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Email: safeguarding@wellscathedral.org.uk

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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

The Revd Rosey Lunn
Priest Vicar, Wells Cathedral

Email: pastoralcare@wellscathedral.org.uk

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Chair of Directors

Judith O'Hagan
Email: hello@wells-soup.org.uk

 

5. Directors Responsibilities

The Directors are ultimately responsible for safeguarding within Wells Soup C.I.C.

 

Directors will:

• Promote a culture of safeguarding.

• Ensure safeguarding policies are reviewed annually.

• Support the DSL and Deputy DSL.

• Ensure concerns are managed appropriately.

• Monitor safeguarding risks.

• Ensure volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities.

• Learn from safeguarding incidents and near misses.

• Ensure safeguarding remains a standing governance item.

 

 

6. Safer Recruitment and Training

Wells Soup C.I.C. will:

• Recruit volunteers safely.

• Provide safeguarding information during induction.

• Undertake DBS checks where a role is legally eligible.

• Ensure volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

• Provide safeguarding awareness appropriate to volunteer roles.

• Review training requirements regularly.

 

7. Code of Conduct

All volunteers and Directors will:

• Treat people with dignity and respect.

• Maintain appropriate boundaries.

• Promote a safe environment.

• Listen carefully to concerns.

• Report concerns promptly.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Follow safeguarding procedures.

 

They must not:

• Promise confidentiality where safeguarding concerns exist.

• Investigate safeguarding concerns themselves.

• Ignore disclosures.

• Bully, harass, or discriminate.

• Abuse a position of trust.

• Place themselves or others at unnecessary risk.

 

8. Types of Abuse

Volunteers should be aware of:

The organisation recognises that abuse can take many forms and may affect children, young people, and adults at risk. Staff and volunteers should be familiar with the signs and indicators of abuse and know how to respond and report concerns in accordance with this policy.

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Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves deliberately causing physical harm through actions such as hitting, shaking, kicking, burning, poisoning, restraint, or other forms of violence. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/physical-abuse/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/

 

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse involves persistent behaviour that damages a person's emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence, or mental health. It may include humiliation, intimidation, threats, coercion, harassment, isolation, or controlling behaviour. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/emotional-abuse/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity that a person has not consented to or lacks the capacity to consent to. This includes sexual assault, rape, inappropriate touching, sexual exploitation, exposure to sexual content, and grooming for sexual purposes.

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/child-sexual-abuse/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/

 

Neglect and Acts of Omission

Neglect occurs when a person's basic physical, emotional, educational, medical, or care needs are not met, resulting in harm or risk of harm. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/neglect/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/

 

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse includes incidents or patterns of controlling, coercive, threatening, violent, or abusive behaviour between family members, partners, or former partners. It can have a significant impact on both adults and children. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/

 

Financial or Material Abuse

Financial abuse involves the improper use, theft, fraud, exploitation, or control of a person's money, property, assets, benefits, or financial affairs.

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-criminal-exploitation/

 

Adults:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/abuse-and-neglect-adults-at-risk/
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

 

Grooming

Grooming is a process whereby an individual builds trust and a relationship with a child, young person, or adult at risk in order to manipulate, exploit, abuse, or harm them. Grooming may take place online or face-to-face.

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/types-of-abuse/grooming/

 

Professional Guidance:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/grooming

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and County Lines

Criminal exploitation occurs when a child or vulnerable person is manipulated or coerced into criminal activity for another person's benefit. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-criminal-exploitation/

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse where a child is manipulated or coerced into sexual activity.

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation/

 

Online Abuse

Online abuse can occur through social media, websites, gaming platforms, messaging apps, email, or other digital technologies. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Modern slavery includes slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking involving children or adults who are exploited for another person's gain. 

 

Children:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-trafficking/

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Discriminatory Abuse

Discriminatory abuse involves unfair treatment, harassment, bullying, victimisation, or exclusion based on characteristics such as age, disability, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Organisational or Institutional Abuse

Organisational abuse occurs when the culture, practices, or processes of an organisation result in poor care, harm, neglect, or denial of rights. 

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Self-Neglect

Self-neglect refers to behaviour that places an adult's health, safety, or wellbeing at risk through failure or inability to care for personal needs, health, hygiene, living conditions, or day-to-day activities. Self-neglect is recognised as an adult safeguarding concern under the Care Act 2014. 

 

Adults:
https://www.scie.org.uk/self-neglect/
https://www.scie.org.uk/safeguarding/adults/introduction/types-and-indicators-of-abuse/

 

Radicalisation and Extremism

Radicalisation is the process through which a person may be influenced to adopt extremist views which may lead to harm to themselves or others.

 

Children and Adults:
https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/counter-extremism

 

9. Responding to a Disclosure

If someone discloses abuse:

 

Do

• Stay calm.

• Listen carefully.

• Take the person seriously.

• Reassure them they have done the right thing.

• Record information accurately.

• Report concerns promptly.

 

Do Not

• Promise secrecy.

• Ask leading questions.

• Investigate.

• Contact the alleged perpetrator.

• Share information unnecessarily.

 

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Emergency Situations

If someone is in immediate danger:

Call 999 immediately

Inform the DSA as soon as possible afterwards.

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Non-Emergency Concerns

Concerns should be reported to:

 

Jill Edmonds
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Email: safeguarding@wellscathedral.org.uk

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The Revd Rosey Lunn
Priest Vicar, Wells Cathedral

Email: pastoralcare@wellscathedral.org.uk

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If concerns relate to the DSA.

Judith O'Hagan
Email: hello@wells-soup.org.uk

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​Where concerns arise on Cathedral premises, Wells Soup C.I.C.  will cooperate fully with Wells Cathedral safeguarding procedures.

 

11. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Safeguarding concerns will:

• Be recorded promptly.

• Be stored securely.

• Be shared only on a need-to-know basis.

• Be managed in accordance with data protection requirements.

 

No volunteer should guarantee complete confidentiality where safeguarding concerns exist.

 

12. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Wells Soup C.I.C. values diversity and inclusion and is committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly and with dignity regardless of:

• Age

• Disability

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy or maternity

 

13. Whistleblowing

Wells Soup C.I.C. encourages volunteers and Directors to raise concerns regarding:

• Poor practice

• Unsafe behaviour

• Safeguarding failures

• Misconduct

 

No individual will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

 

14. Working with Wells Cathedral

Wells Soup C.I.C. is an independent C.I.C. responsible for its own safeguarding arrangements.

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As activities take place within Cathedral premises, Wells Soup C.I.C. will:

• Comply with reasonable safeguarding requirements of the Cathedral.

• Cooperate with Cathedral safeguarding staff.

• Share safeguarding information appropriately where required.

• Work alongside Cathedral personnel to ensure participants remain safe.

 

15. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the directors and the DSA or sooner if:

• Legislation changes.

• Guidance changes.

• Significant incidents occur.

• New activities are introduced.

 

Approval

Approved by the directors of Wells Soup C.I.C. August 2026.

Review Date: August 2027