Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 21 June 2025

1. Policy Statement

Filipinos in Care is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone who interacts with our organisation. We believe all people — regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, or immigration status — have the right to be safe from harm, exploitation, and abuse.

Although we do not provide regulated care services, we recognise that some individuals we support or engage with may be considered vulnerable and may face safeguarding risks. We take our responsibilities seriously and will act on any concerns brought to our attention.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy sets out how we:

Identify safeguarding concerns and types of harm
Handle and report safeguarding disclosures
Respond to allegations or concerns about staff, volunteers, or trustees
Promote a culture of safety and trust

It applies to all trustees, volunteers, freelance facilitators, guest speakers, programme participants, and staff.

3. Definitions

Safeguarding

The process of protecting people from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and promoting their wellbeing and dignity.

Vulnerable Adult

A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to age, illness, disability, social isolation, mental health, or their situation (e.g. dependency on an employer or sponsor).

Types of Harm

Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, restraint
Emotional abuse – threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour
Sexual abuse – unwanted sexual activity, harassment
Neglect – withholding basic needs or care
Discriminatory abuse – racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia
Financial abuse – theft, coercion, misuse of funds
Organisational abuse – poor practice in settings where people should be supported

4. Our Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:

Name: Jay Trondillo
Email: jay@filipinosincare.org.uk
Phone: [Insert phone number or alternative contact]
Deputy DSL: Xyza Macutay-Malloch at xam@filipinosincare.org.uk

They are responsible for handling all safeguarding concerns and ensuring this policy is reviewed annually.

5. How to Raise a Concern

If you are concerned about someone’s safety, or if someone discloses abuse to you:

Stay calm and listen – do not promise confidentiality
Reassure the person – take them seriously
Record what was said – use the person’s own words
Report it immediately to the DSL or deputy
Do not investigate or confront the alleged abuser

We will take every report seriously and respond in line with this policy. Concerns may be escalated to statutory services (e.g. local authority safeguarding teams or police) if there is a serious risk.

6. Safer Engagement and Prevention

To prevent harm and promote a safe culture, we:

Vet and reference-check all trustees, facilitators, and volunteers involved in direct programme delivery if a member of the vulnerable group is involved in our events/programmes, if relevant
Carry out DBS checks where relevant
Provide safeguarding briefings to all event or programme leads
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all communication, including digital or virtual settings
Have a Code of Conduct for trustees, staff, and volunteers

7. Responding to Allegations or Concerns

If a safeguarding concern is raised about a person representing Filipinos in Care, we will:

Suspend the individual from their role (where necessary) pending investigation
Inform the Charity Commission and/or DBS if serious misconduct is confirmed
Fully cooperate with police or safeguarding authorities
Document all decisions and actions

We also have a separate Whistleblowing Policy to support anyone raising concerns confidentially.

8. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

All safeguarding records are:

Kept securely in a password-protected digital folder
Only accessible to the DSL and one authorised trustee
Retained for up to 6 years or as required by law
Shared only with appropriate statutory bodies where required

We handle all safeguarding information in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or sooner if there is a change in safeguarding law or guidance.

Date last reviewed: 21 June 2025
Next review due: June 2026

👇 Contact Us About Safeguarding

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact:
📧 info@filipinosincare.org.uk

In an emergency, contact your local adult safeguarding team or call 999.