Black Country Consortium Ltd
Statement of Intent

Black Country Consortium Ltd (BCC Ltd) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, both physical and emotional, of every child and adult, who participates in activities either directly organised by BCC Ltd or through a third party working collaboratively with us.

This Policy sets out a clear and consistent framework for paid and unpaid staff and 3rd parties working on behalf of BCC Ltd who are delivering this commitment, in line with safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance

It will be achieved by:

• Promoting and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children and adults with all BCC Ltd team members and those third party organisations who work directly on our behalf with children and adults at risk.
  
  
• Adopting safe recruitment procedures for paid and non-paid team members that help deter, reject or identify people who might pose a risk or inappropriate influence to children or adults at risk.
  
  
• Ensuring that all existing and new team members understand their roles and responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, to be alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and refer concerns to the appropriate person using the agreed procedures.Ensuring that the organisations that work on our behalf ensure that through their operations, policies and procedures, they commit to protecting children or adults from harm.
  
  
• Ensuring all children, young people, adults, parents and carers are informed of the policy and procedures as fully as possible by making it available via the BCC Ltd website, BCC Contracting procedures and engagement activities.
  
  
• Ensuring the Safeguarding Policy and its application is overseen through corporate governance arrangements including the Board of Directors, Active Black Country Board and Audit Committee.

The designated lead for safeguarding at Black Country Consortium will take all concerns and allegations of abuse seriously whether against Black Country Consortium Ltd staff and volunteers, or our contractors and third party deliverers.

Parents, carers, children, young people, adults at risk and any other adults associated with the Black Country Consortium Ltd through our work either directly or indirectly will have access to our policies and procedures to ensure any safeguarding concern can be referred to the relevant authorities.

The designated lead for safeguarding at the Black Country Consortium will escalate these by referring to the Local Authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and the relevant independent Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for social care for children (DO for allegations against staff and volunteers. In emergencies, this obligation may extend to contacting the Police.

The safeguarding policy and supporting procedures will be widely promoted and mandatory for all team members at Black Country Consortium Ltd.  Failure to comply with the safeguarding policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and dismissal/exclusion from the organisation may be the result.