In Mothers’ Union, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment, protecting the dignity and rights of every person. Safeguarding is at the heart of all we do. We believe that every person has the right to be protected from harm, and we take seriously our duty to ensure that all who engage in our work feel safe, valued and heard.
The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Newcastle follows Safeguarding guidelines as laid down by the Mothers’ Union Britain and Ireland. The Safeguarding Policy provides clear, uncomplicated guidance so that all those involved in the work of Mothers’ Union:
- Have an understanding of what safeguarding means
- Are able to recognise a safeguarding concern
- Know what to do if there is concern about someone who may be at risk of harm
Accompanying the policy is a set of Appendices including flowcharts, risk assessment forms, a code of conduct and referral forms.
The Mothers’ Union Britain Safeguarding Policy documents for Britain and Ireland can be found at:
https://www.mothersunion.org/safeguarding/
What do I do if I have a safeguarding concern?
If you have a safeguarding concern, please bring it to the attention of your Designated Safeguarding Lead. This person acts as a single point of contact in Newcastle to offer advice, record, report and refer safeguarding concerns and to support staff/volunteers if/when such issues arise. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is not a safeguarding expert but is a conduit for sharing information with the Mothers’ Union Safeguarding & Procedures Lead for Britain and Ireland.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Newcastle Mothers’ Union is Leahan Garratt and she can be contacted by email: safeguarding@munewcastle.org.uk
The Safeguarding Concern/Incident Referral Form See Hereshould be completed and sent to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and copied to the Safeguarding & Procedures Lead for Britain & Ireland: safeguarding@mothersunion.org
Where can I get training?
Basic Awareness Training is helpful for all Mothers’ Union members to complete and good practice is to complete this every 3 years. This training is available online here https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ If you have difficulty accessing this, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead who may be able to help.
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility”