Safeguarding Policy

Protecting Adults at Risk of Harm and Child Protection

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is:

• to protect people from harm, particularly adults who are at risk and children and young people who engage with any part of our service.
• to provide staff and volunteers, as well as adults, children and young people with the code of conduct that guides our approach to safeguarding.

Scope

This policy applies to anyone involved in the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), including trustees, committee members, staff, and volunteers.

What is Safeguarding?

’Safeguarding means protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding children, young people and adults is a collective responsibility.’ (NHS England, 2025).

Safeguarding is taking action to put policies and processes in place which protect us and those we come in to contact with from the risk of harm, abuse, or neglect. It is also knowing what to do when harm, abuse or neglect is disclosed to us or recognised by us. Where we recognise a concern, it is about taking timely, proportionate, person-centred actions.

‘Whatever action is needed, we all have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable people. It is better to report a safeguarding concern than not. Even if it turns out not to be a safeguarding issue. Your actions could save somebody’s life so don’t wait.’ (HM Courts and Tribunal Service, 2024).

Policy Statements

At the MCF we:

• Believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.
• Are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for our work.
• Are committed to an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.
• Aim to recognise and report harm experienced anywhere we see it in the course of our work.
• Are committed to taking action that is prompt, proportionate, inclusive and respectful of the voice of the person involved.

What we will do

The MCF will demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding children and adults by:

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and at least one deputy.
• Ensuring there is clear accountability for the safety and welfare of all children and adults.
• Following safe recruitment practises and assessing the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Writing and updating safeguarding documents including a Code of Conduct and reporting form.
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure that staff and volunteers follow the safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Maintaining access to relevant legal and professional advice.

The Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The MCF is committed to developing and maintaining its capability and capacity to implement this policy and be responsive to need. The role of the DSL is to oversee and ensure that the Safeguarding Policy is implemented by ensuring they:

• Are trained to an appropriate level for their role
• Provide effective supervision for the designated safeguarding team through regular meetings, training and support sessions, planned and incidental as needs arise
• Are a positive role model for safeguarding practice.
• Support people to raise concerns appropriately and within the agreed timescales.
• Keep confidential, relevant, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns ensuring they are maintained and securely stored in line with MCF Data Protection and Retention Policies.
• Work with the Human Resources team to confirm that safe recruitment processes are in place and reviewed to assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Where appropriate, work with other agencies to support the safety and wellbeing of our stakeholders.
• Participate in continuing professional development keeping up to date with national developments relating to preventing abuse and the welfare of children and adults.
• Provide safeguarding reports as required by the MCF Board of Trustees.
• Review the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, whenever there are changes in relevant legislation or guidance.
• Provides a safeguarding perspective to reviews of related policies
• Ensures there is a suitable designated safeguarding team in place to provide capacity and service cover.

Staff and Volunteer Roles

Staff and volunteers will:

• Ensure they are familiar with this Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Be trained and updated as appropriate for their role.
• Know how to make a referral to the appropriate people and/or statutory or emergency services when required.
• Perform risk assessments as required for themselves and others when planning to conduct activities that are part of MCF support and services.
• Seek advice if risks are identified
• Act on feedback given relating to their safeguarding practise, response and knowledge.

Designated Safeguarding Team and Contact Details

The team is available during Office hours only, Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm by email: safeguarding@mcf.org.uk or by calling our freephone enquiries line 0800 035 60 90. Select option one to speak to the Enquiry Team.

If there is an emergency or an immediate risk of significant harm, then contact the emergency services.

What to do if you suspect someone is being abused

If you are concerned that an adult, child or young person is suffering harm, has suffered harm, or is likely to suffer harm from another person, then you have a responsibility to report your concerns immediately. At the point of disclosure, or when concerned, ask yourself:

Further information and guidance is available in the ‘Additional safeguarding guidance and training document’.

Recording and managing confidential information

The MCF endorses the principle that the welfare of the individual overrides any obligations of confidentiality we may hold to others. If information is shared or discussed it will be:

• Relevant and accurate.
• Shared only with those professionals, agencies or organisations that have a role in safeguarding the child and/or adult.

Our Privacy Policy sets out how we adhere to data protection regulations and can be read in full on our website. A link is included within the appendices at the end of this document.

Managing allegations against a member of staff

If a serious event, whether actual or alleged, takes place which involves the MCF then it is the duty of the Trustees to inform the Charity Commission. If anyone is concerned the MCF not managing safeguarding concerns appropriately, they can refer directly to the police or social care services.

Any staff reporting concerns, or complaints through formal whistleblowing channels will be protected by the MCF Whistleblowing Policy.

The MCF will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to staff and volunteers found in breach of this policy.

Disseminating/Reviewing Policy and Code of Conduct

This policy is reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Board of Trustees.

Other relevant policies and documents

This Safeguarding Policy, including the Code of Conduct sits alongside other policies adopted by the MCF including those written by the Human Resources Department, Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company.

This policy is available online and as a hard copy by emailing a request to admin@mcf.org.uk with your full name and postal address.

Approved by MCF Trustee Board

Last reviewed / updated: December 2025

Next review / update due: December 2026

Appendix A

Relevant policies and procedures

• Allocation of Masonic Support Cases
• Bullying and Harassment Policy
• Disciplinary Procedure
• Health and Safety Policy
• Lone Working Policy
• Photography Consent Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Visiting Volunteer Problem Solving Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy