Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Here at DWFRS we have a “zero tolerance” approach to all forms of abuse or neglect. The effective Safeguarding of both our communities and staff within Dorset and Wiltshire is an integral part of our organisation.
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm and abuse. We are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults, recognising that the protection and safety of vulnerable individuals is paramount.
We recognise the significant role we can play in partnership with other agencies and have developed effective partnerships to support risk reduction services to those identified as vulnerable and at risk from exploitation and abuse. We have appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place to provide the public with the reassurances and confidence they have every right to expect.
We represent on Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Wiltshire and Swindon safeguarding boards and partnerships. These boards improve practice which protect and safeguard adults and children in vulnerable circumstances across both counties, developing ways of working to improve the ability to support Dorset and Wiltshire residents across the community to live a life free from abuse, harm and neglect.
When considering the needs of individuals we use the 6 safeguarding principles: –
Empowerment, Prevention, Protection, Proportionality, Partnership and Accountability. By adopting these six principles of safeguarding, we can ensure we try our best to protect the vulnerable from abuse.
We:
- Work in line with the National Safeguarding Fire Standard and National Fire Chiefs Council Guidance.
- Have a Designated Safeguarding Lead as a professional advisor who provides support internally and to our partner agencies in response to incidents and safeguarding concerns.
- Have procedures and guidance in place to safeguard and promote the safety of all.
- Have robust safeguarding reporting procedures, ensuring all safeguarding matters are dealt with promptly so that an appropriate and proportionate safeguarding response can be made to protect the individual at risk.
- Use safer recruitment practices for individuals whom the organisation will permit to work regularly with adults at risk and children, including policies on when to obtain a criminal record check
- Use accredited trainers to educate train and support all of our staff to understand their responsibilities
- Work with other services, partners and stakeholders to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk of harm, including safeguarding when the concerns are outside the scope and capabilities of our Service.
The Safeguarding Team, can be contacted at [email protected]
Link to our partners’ websites
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Safeguarding Adult Board
Dorset Local Safeguarding Adult Board
Safeguarding Partnership Swindon
Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable People Partnership