policy for Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Introduction
All staff working with the Sheffield Maternity Cooperative (SMC) have a role in protecting vulnerable adults and children from potential or actual harm. SMC staff are often privileged enough to have significant contact with families and may therefore identify situations where families require support outside of the scope of the services of the SMC. All staff must be aware of local and national safeguarding procedures, and of their own duties in relation to these.
Staff requirements
All staff who come into contact with families in a professional, supportive, or advisory role must have provided the SMC with an enhanced DBS check. Offenses identified on the DBS check do not necessarily exclude a staff member from working with the SMC, but must be reviewed by the board of directors.
Named Midwife for Safeguarding
The current named midwife for safeguarding is Hannah Thompson RM. It is this professional’s role to oversee policy development, training of staff, and coordinate a response to any safeguarding concerns raised by families, SMC staff, or external agencies.
Training
All staff who come into contact with families to give professional support or advice (excluding peer-to-peer support between families) must have completed training on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults to Level 3. If a staff member cannot demonstrate that they have up-to-date training from an external provider, they will be required to complete training either run by or approved by the SMC. Staff who feel they require additional training must identify this need to the Named Midwife for Safeguarding, who will provide additional support.
Information sharing
In general, the personal information of SMC service users and cooperative members will be protected as per the SMC Privacy Policy. In exceptional circumstances, where potential or actual harm to or abuse of a child or vulnerable adult is identified, relevant information will be shared with external agencies such as Barnardo’s, GPs, local maternity services, or social services. The SMC would prefer this information sharing to be consensual and open so that we may continue to support the affected family as they seek additional care. However, staff must recognise their duty to share information appropriately even in cases where consent is not given if there is a statutory requirement to do so.
Scope of practice for SMC staff
It is not intended that the work of SMC staff replace the work of local maternity services or social services. If actual or potential harm to a child or vulnerable adult is identified, SMC staff should share all relevant information with services, and focus on supporting the affected family or individual according to the ethos of the SMC.
Conclusion
This policy has been written to support and advise SMC staff, but acts only as an overview. Further information and support can be sought from the Named Midwife for Safeguarding, or from any member of the board of directors.