Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding Policy
Policy Review Date: March 2026
Next Review Date: March 2027
1. Policy Statement
Fusion of Hearts CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people who may come into contact with our organisation.
We recognise our responsibility to ensure that all individuals engaging with our services feel safe, respected, and supported.
Fusion of Hearts CIC primarily supports parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)through guidance, peer support, advocacy, and signposting to appropriate services.
Although our services are directed towards adults, children may attend community activities, workshops, or events organised by Fusion of Hearts CIC alongside their parents or carers. For this reason, safeguarding remains a priority within all activities delivered by the organisation.
2. Children Attending Activities
Some Fusion of Hearts CIC events, workshops, or activities may involve children attending alongside their parents or carers.
Parents and carers remain responsible for supervising their children at all times during these activities unless otherwise clearly stated by the organisation.
Fusion of Hearts CIC staff and volunteers do not provide childcare services.
However, the organisation recognises its responsibility to ensure that activities take place in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment and that any safeguarding concerns relating to a child or vulnerable person are taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.
3. Commitment to SEND Families
Fusion of Hearts CIC works closely with families who have children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
We recognise that children and young people with additional needs may be more vulnerable and we are committed to ensuring their safety, wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion within all organisational activities.
4. Safeguarding Lead
The designated Safeguarding Lead for Fusion of Hearts CIC is:
Makaya Chibuye
Founder & Safeguarding Lead
The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:
- receiving safeguarding concerns
- ensuring concerns are recorded appropriately
- seeking advice from safeguarding professionals where necessary
- making referrals to relevant safeguarding services where required
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.
5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise through:
- a direct disclosure
- observation of concerning behaviour
- changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing
- concerns raised by another person
Abuse may take many forms including:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
- neglect
- exploitation
All concerns must be taken seriously.
6. What To Do If You Have a Safeguarding Concern
If a safeguarding concern arises, staff and volunteers should:
- Stay calm and listen carefully.
- Do not promise confidentiality.
- Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
- Record the information as soon as possible using the individual’s own words where possible.
- Report the concern immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
If a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services by calling 999.
7. Recording Concerns
Any safeguarding concern should be recorded as soon as possible and shared with the Safeguarding Lead.
Records should include:
- the date and time of the concern
- the name of the person raising the concern
- what was said or observed
- any actions taken
Accurate record keeping helps ensure safeguarding concerns are handled appropriately.
8. Confidentiality
Fusion of Hearts CIC respects the confidentiality of families and individuals who engage with our services.
Information shared with the organisation will remain confidential unless:
- there is a safeguarding concern
- information must be shared to protect a child or vulnerable person
- disclosure is required by law
9. Safeguarding Training
Fusion of Hearts CIC is committed to ensuring that staff and volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities.
Team members may be required to complete basic safeguarding training to help them recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
10. Professional Conduct
All staff, volunteers, and representatives of Fusion of Hearts CIC must act professionally and responsibly when engaging with families or representing the organisation.
Team members must:
- respect appropriate boundaries
- communicate respectfully
- act in the best interests of children and families
- follow organisational policies and procedures
11. Local Safeguarding Contacts (London Borough of Enfield)
If safeguarding concerns require referral to local authorities, the following services may be contacted.
Children’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
📞020 8379 5555
Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm)
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)
📞020 8379 1000
📧childrensmash@enfield.gov.uk
NSPCC Helpline
📞0808 800 5000
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
12. Policy Review
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date and reflects best safeguarding practices.