Safeguarding Policy

All Mandem Meetup Team members including but not limited to staff (including those employed on a temporary or casual basis, contractors and associates), volunteers and trustees have a responsibility to read and comply with this policy and to ensure they understand their responsibility towards the safeguarding and protection of adult men at risk of harm.

All Mandem Meetup Team members that intend to, or may be put in the position of, working with adult men at risk of harm should ensure that they understand the implications of this policy before commencing any service delivery, event, or other activity.

While it is impossible to ensure that a child, young person or adult at risk of harm would never come to any harm, the adoption of this policy and associated guidance aims to facilitate the management of the risk associated with the duty to protect such individuals.

Mandem Meetup recognises its statutory and moral responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people who engage with its services directly or indirectly.

Although Mandem Meetup's core offer is adult-focused, the organisation:

• Delivers youth programmes
• Works in schools, community spaces and prisons
• May receive disclosures about children from adult service users

Mandem Meetup is committed to ensuring that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children are listened to, respected and believed
• Safeguarding concerns are acted upon immediately and appropriately

1. Purpose and Aim of the Policy

Mandem Meetup aims to ensure that it maintains the highest possible standards to meet its social, moral and legal responsibilities to protect and safeguard the welfare of any children, young people and adults at risk of harm, who are directly or indirectly in contact with Mandem Meetup.

The purpose of this policy is to define detailed guidelines and instructions that support our commitment to protecting vulnerable people. This policy states what Mandem Meetup will do to keep vulnerable people safe and respond to any concerns.

Mandem Meetup provides safe and confidential spaces for men to talk, free from advice and judgement.

Mandem Meetup regards the meetups as the only recognised space for members to support each other; Mandem Meetup does not offer any 1:1 support at any time.

Due to the nature of the charity's work, it is to be expected that vulnerable children and adults will come into contact with the service from time to time. It is therefore essential that a clear set of guidelines are in place to safeguard members, volunteers and staff when dealing with vulnerable children and adults before, during and after a Meetup.

2. Review Frequency

This policy should be reviewed every 24 months by the Board of Trustees.

3. Individuals Responsible

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has responsibility for supporting the implementation of this policy and escalating any issues, supporting staff and volunteers with safeguarding concerns, and reviewing and reporting safeguarding concerns to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is available for consultation and advice regarding all safeguarding matters and is the point of contact for any staff member, volunteer or trustee who has a safeguarding concern.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jamie Dennis — jamie@mandemmeetup.org

Executive Safeguarding Lead

The Executive Safeguarding Lead (ESL) has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented across the organisation effectively.

Executive Safeguarding Lead: Jamie Dennis — jamie@mandemmeetup.org

Trustee Safeguarding Lead

The Trustee Safeguarding Lead has responsibility for supporting the Board of Trustees to ensure safeguarding is managed in accordance with relevant legislation.

Trustee Safeguarding Lead: Billie Andrews — billieandrews@icloud.com

4. Definitions

Safeguarding: "Safeguarding is the action taken to protect an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, as set out in the Care Act 2014, and to promote wellbeing, dignity and autonomy."

Safeguarding children means:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing impairment of children's health or development
• Ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Vulnerable Adult: Person over 18 who may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or exploitation in line with the Care Act 2014.

Children & Young People: A child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18, in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

5. Safe Practice

• All members are required to register with Mandem Meetup before attending Meetups
• Mandem Meetup works on the basis of having a minimum of 1 facilitator and a maximum of 15 members per meetup
• A register is taken before any meetup opens and closes
• All facilitators complete a post-Meetup debrief after the closing of every Meetup
• Everyone responsible for safeguarding is made aware of this policy
• Everyone responsible for safeguarding is provided details for the charity's whistleblowing email
• All Meetups will open and close with the lead facilitator reminding members of the shared responsibilities to uphold a safe space
• Appropriate risk assessments are carried out to ensure vulnerable adults are safe when accessing the Mandem Meetup service

When delivering services involving children or young people, Mandem Meetup will ensure:

• A minimum of two DBS-checked facilitators are present at all sessions
• Appropriate adult-to-young-person ratios are maintained, based on age, needs and risk assessment
• No 1:1 unsupervised sessions take place unless formally risk-assessed and agreed in advance
• Clear session boundaries, expectations and codes of conduct are explained at the start
• Registers are taken at the start and end of every session
• Risk assessments specific to young people are completed and reviewed regularly

Physical contact is avoided unless it is necessary for safety, and it is appropriate, proportionate and explained.

6. Types of Abuse

It is everyone's responsibility to look out for abuse within Mandem Meetup. Abuse can be defined as any behaviour towards a person that deliberately or unknowingly causes them harm or endangers their life or violates their rights.

Physical — Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, inappropriate use of restraint, burning/scalding, cutting/wounding.

Sexual — Including any sexual acts to which the person at risk has not consented or is not able to consent to, or is undertaken in the context of exploitative relationships (e.g. Child Sexual Exploitation, forced marriage, inappropriate access to images depicting acts from the span of sexual behaviour).

Psychological/Emotional — Being repeatedly made to feel unhappy, humiliated, afraid or devalued by others, threats of harm or abandonment, isolation or withdrawal from support networks, withdrawal of affection, love and care and supporting a child's proper emotional development.

Financial or material — Stealing from or denying access to money or possessions, fraud, exploitation, coercion into lending money, misuse or misappropriation of property.

Neglect and acts of omission — Ignoring medical or physical care needs, access to social care or education, withholding the necessities of life, medication, nutrition, food and heating.

Discriminatory abuse — Usually motivated by discriminatory and oppressive attitudes towards race, gender, cultural background, religion, physical and/or sensory impairment, sexual orientation and age.

Domestic violence — All forms of abuse can be experienced in a family setting by a partner, family member, or with someone with whom there is a relationship.

Institutional abuse — Mistreatment of people brought about by poor or inadequate care or support, or systematic poor practice that affects the whole care setting. It occurs when the individual's wishes and needs are sacrificed for the smooth running of a group, service or organisation.

Organisational abuse — Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting, or in relation to care provided in one's own home. This may range from one-off incidents to on-going ill-treatment.

Modern slavery — Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) — A form of sexual abuse in which a child or young person is manipulated, coerced or deceived into sexual activity in exchange for something they need or want, or for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator. This can include abuse through technology, online platforms and social media.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), including County Lines — Where a child or young person is exploited, coerced or controlled into committing criminal activity such as drug distribution, theft or violence. County lines refers to organised criminal networks that use children to transport drugs or money across areas.

Radicalisation and Extremism — The process by which a child or young person is influenced or groomed to support extremist ideologies, causes or groups.

Online Abuse and Grooming — The use of digital platforms, social media, gaming or messaging services to exploit, manipulate or harm a child or young person.

Neglect and Emotional Abuse (Children and Young People) — Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs, which may result in serious impairment of their health, development or wellbeing.

7. Safe Recruitment and Supervision

All trustees, staff, lead facilitators and volunteers in direct contact with vulnerable adults, children or young people will complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check or an Update Service check and receive relevant safeguarding training prior to delivery.

8. Training & Support

Mandem Meetup provides support and training on safeguarding to all team members. Team members can seek support and guidance from their line manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Safeguarding training is mandatory for all team members and requires regular updating.

All facilitators will undergo a period of shadowing and supporting a Meetup under close supervision before taking up the position of lead facilitator.

All lead facilitators are given free access to clinical supervision on a quarterly basis run by a professional psychotherapist.

9. Procedure for Handling Disclosures Revealed by DBS Checks

All DBS checks are handled by the support team and processed by a professional DBS third-party partner.

Mandem Meetup will not automatically bar applicants from a position within the charity because of a criminal record (in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). The charity keeps an open mind and considers the nature of the crime, circumstances and role before making any decision.

The safeguard officer will be informed of any disclosures that directly impact the individual's ability to carry out the role within the charity.

If necessary, any discussion about the disclosure will be carried out through open and measured discussion relating solely to the subject of any offence that might be relevant to the position.

If the applicant disputes the information contained within the DBS Check, then the matter can be resolved before making the decision to confirm the provisional offer. The applicant should contact the DBS Disputes Department immediately upon receipt to resolve such matters.

Should the individual in question have failed to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position then Mandem Meetup may withdraw the offer of position with immediate effect.

10. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

Mandem Meetup expects all team members to maintain confidentiality at all times in line with the Confidentiality Policy.

Information may be shared with relevant authorities if an adult or child is deemed at immediate risk of harm. "Sharing the right information, at the right time, with the right people can make all the difference to preventing harm."

11.1 Six Principles of Adult Safeguarding

Every situation is unique. Mandem Meetup, where possible, will strive to ensure all safeguarding concerns are handled using the 6 principles set out by the Care Act that underpin the safeguarding of adults.

Empowerment — People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.

Prevention — It is better to take action before harm occurs.

Proportionality — The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.

Protection — Support and representation for those in greatest need.

Partnership — Services offer local solutions through working closely with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.

Accountability — Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

11.2 Core Principles of Child Safeguarding

1. The Child's Welfare Is Paramount — The safety and wellbeing of the child must always come first.

2. Early Help and Prevention — Safeguarding is most effective when concerns are identified and addressed early.

3. Listening to the Child — Children and young people must be listened to, taken seriously and believed.

4. Safeguarding Is Everyone's Responsibility — All staff, volunteers, trustees and partners have a duty to identify concerns and take action.

5. Proportionate and Timely Action — Responses should be appropriate to the level of risk and taken without delay.

6. Partnership Working — Safeguarding children requires effective collaboration between organisations, professionals, families and communities.

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing — Information should be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection law; concerns about a child's safety always override confidentiality where there is risk of harm.

8. Accountability and Transparency — Organisations must have clear safeguarding structures, named leads and robust procedures.

12. What to Do if You Have a Safeguarding Concern

Concerns for the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk of harm could arise in a variety of ways and in a range of different settings. It is essential to act quickly and professionally in all cases of suspected abuse.

Any allegation by a child, young person or adult at risk of harm against a member of staff, volunteer or trustee of Mandem Meetup should be reported immediately to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Lead or, if this is not possible, then the Trustee Safeguarding Lead should be informed.

Responding to a Safeguarding Disclosure From a Child or Young Person

Where concerns relate to a child or young person, safeguarding procedures will follow local children's safeguarding partnership guidance, and referrals will be made to Children's Social Care.

If a child or young person discloses abuse or harm, facilitators must:

• Stay calm and listen
• Reassure the child they have done the right thing
• Not promise confidentiality
• Avoid leading questions
• Record the disclosure factually and promptly

The concern must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately, and referred to Children's Social Care or the Police if there is immediate risk.

13. Raising a Safeguarding Concern

• Gather information
• Determine the adult's wishes and preferred outcome (and, if required, their mental capacity to make an informed decision)
• Determine if a crime has occurred and whether it needs to be reported — dial 101 unless there is an immediate risk, in which case dial 999
• Preserve forensic evidence (if any)
• Raise the concern with the safeguard officer within 24 hours
• The concern is documented electronically on a secure online portal within 24 hours
• If the level of concern warrants external intervention, the Safeguard Officer will inform the local adult Safeguarding Board
• Provide support or feedback for the person identifying the safeguarding concern

14. Local Safeguarding Boards

Mandem Meetup operates a national service. Where a concern needs to be raised, Mandem Meetup will consult the relevant local safeguarding board. The relevant local safeguarding boards are:

Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board — 0121 303 1234 — ACAP@birmingham.gov.uk — bsab.org

Manchester Safeguarding Board — 0161 234 5001 — mcsreply@manchester.gov.uk

Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) — 0161 770 7777 — adult.mash@oldham.gov.uk

Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board — 0121 569 2266 — safeguarding_adults@sandwell.gov.uk — sandwellsab.org.uk

Salford Adult Safeguarding Board — 0161 212 6176 — SSAB@salford.gov.uk

Tameside Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board (TASPB) — 0161 922 4888 — AdultsSafeguardingHub@tameside.gov.uk

Walsall Safeguarding Adults Board — 0300 555 2922 — safeguardingadults@walsall.gov.uk

Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adults Board — 01902 550 477 — WST@wolverhampton.gov.uk — wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk

Local Children's Safeguarding Partnerships

Mandem Meetup recognises its responsibility to safeguard children and young people in line with the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Where a concern relating to a child is identified, the organisation will contact the relevant local Children's Social Care service or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

Birmingham Children's Safeguarding Partnership — 0121 303 1888 — mash@birmingham.gov.uk

Manchester Children's Safeguarding Partnership — 0161 234 5001 — contact.manchester@manchester.gov.uk

Oldham Children's Safeguarding Partnership — 0161 770 7777 — mash@oldham.gov.uk

Sandwell Children's Safeguarding Partnership — 0121 569 3100 — mash_children@sandwell.gov.uk

Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership — 0161 603 4500 — worriedaboutachild@salford.gov.uk

Tameside Safeguarding Children Partnership — 0161 342 4101 — childrensservices@tameside.gov.uk

Walsall Safeguarding Children Partnership — 0300 555 2866 — mash@walsall.gov.uk

Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Partnership — 01902 555 392 — mash@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Emergency Situations

If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, Mandem Meetup staff must contact the Police by dialling 999.

Version 4.0 — Reviewed and updated by Jamie Dennis, 12.1.26. Trustee review due by January 2028.