Safeguarding policies

CROW Recycling Adult safeguarding policy – scroll down for child safeguarding policy

CROW Recycling is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people who use our services are safe from abuse and other harm and that working practices minimise the risk of abuse and harm. All Staff and Volunteers of CROW Recycling

and visitors have a duty to identify abuse and report it.

Crow Recycling provides work placements and volunteering opportunities to vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults (see separate child safeguarding policy) school visits for primary and secondary aged pupils, both mainstream and special needs. Crow also runs a Scrapstore. Customers include families with children and vulnerable adults.

Crow Recycling is committed to safe recruitment. Applicants are screened and shortlisted by at least two people. They are interviewed by at least two people, one of whom is a trustee. Gaps in CVs and careers changes ae noted and candidates are asked to explain them. Two references are collected and DBS checks made where appropriate for the role. Full details are in the Crow Recycling recruitment policy.

Crow Recycling staff and volunteers whose roles require safeguarding training complete training when they join and refreshers every three years.

See also Crow Recycling Adult Safeguarding procedures, Crow Recycling Recruitment Policy and Crow Recycling Diversity and Inclusion Policy and the Crow Recycling Whistleblowing policy.

Crow Recycling designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. Our designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. He can be contacted via the Crow office 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk.

The whistleblowing office is office manager Lucy Lynch on 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk. See the Crow Recycling whistle blowing policy for full details.

Coventry’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub is on 02476788555 for non emergency queries.

To speak to a Coventry social worker out of hours ring 024 7683 2222.

To contact Coventry City Council’s Adult Social Care Direct with concerns about a vulnerable adult ring 024 7683 3003 or email ascdirect@coventry.gov.uk. In an emergency, dial 999.

Definition

Vulnerable adults are people who are over 18 years of age and are getting or may need help and services to live in the community. Vulnerable adults may be unable to take care of themselves and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by other people. This may include:

People with mental health problems

People with physical or learning difficulties

People with sight or hearing impairment or loss

Abuse can take place in any relationship, formal or informal any setting, day centre, public or private, and can be perpetuated by anyone and may consist of single or repeated acts.

Abusers may be:

Health or social care worker

Professional worker

Volunteer worker

Service user

Relative

Friend

Types of abuse may be:

Physical

Domestic

Sexual

Emotional or psychological

Financial or material

Discriminatory

Organisational or institutional

Neglect

Physical abuse

Assault, hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, hair-pulling, biting, pushing

Rough handling

Scalding and burning

Physical punishments

Inappropriate or unlawful use of restraint

Making someone purposefully uncomfortable (e.g. opening a window and removing blankets)

Involuntary isolation or confinement

Misuse of medication (e.g. over-sedation)

Forcible feeding or withholding food

Unauthorised restraint, restricting movement (e.g. tying someone to a chair)

Signs of physical abuse

No explanation for injuries or inconsistency with the account of what happened

Injuries are inconsistent with the person’s lifestyle

Bruising, cuts, welts, burns and/or marks on the body or loss of hair in clumps

Frequent injuries

Unexplained falls

Subdued or changed behaviour in the presence of a particular person

Failure to seek medical treatment or frequent changes of GP

Domestic violence or abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can be characterised by any of the indicators of abuse outlined in this briefing relating to:

psychological

physical

sexual

financial

emotional.

Signs of domestic violence or abuse

Low self-esteem

Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not

Physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones

Verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others

Fear of outside intervention

Damage to home or property

Isolation – not seeing friends and family

Limited access to money

Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. It also includes so called ‘honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Coercive or controlling behaviour is a core part of domestic violence. Coercive behaviour can include:

acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation

harming, punishing, or frightening the person

isolating the person from sources of support

exploitation of resources or money

preventing the person from escaping abuse

regulating everyday behaviour.

Sexual abuse

Rape, attempted rape or sexual assault

Inappropriate touching anywhere

Non- consensual masturbation of either or both persons

Non- consensual sexual penetration or attempted penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth

Any sexual activity that the person lacks the capacity to consent to

Inappropriate looking, sexual teasing or innuendo or sexual harassment

Sexual photography or forced use of pornography or witnessing of sexual acts

Indecent exposure

Signs of sexual abuse

Bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck

Torn, stained or bloody underclothing

Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area

Unusual difficulty in walking or sitting

Foreign bodies in genital or rectal openings

Infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases

Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse

The uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude

Incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis

Self-harming

Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance

Excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships

Fear of receiving help with personal care

Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

Psychological and emotional abuse

Enforced social isolation – preventing someone accessing services, educational and social opportunities and seeing friends

Removing mobility or communication aids or intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need assistance

Preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs

Preventing the expression of choice and opinion

Failure to respect privacy

Preventing stimulation, meaningful occupation or activities

Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse

Addressing a person in a patronising or infantilising way

Threats of harm or abandonment

Cyber bullying

Signs of psychological or emotional abuse

An air of silence when a particular person is present

Withdrawal or change in the psychological state of the person

Insomnia

Low self-esteem

Uncooperative and aggressive behaviour

A change of appetite, weight loss/gain

Signs of distress: tearfulness, anger

Apparent false claims, by someone involved with the person, to attract unnecessary treatment

Financial or material abuse

Theft of money or possessions

Fraud, scamming

Preventing a person from accessing their own money, benefits or assets

Employees taking a loan from a person using the service

Undue pressure, duress, threat or undue influence put on the person in connection with loans, wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions

Arranging less care than is needed to save money to maximise inheritance

Denying assistance to manage/monitor financial affairs

Denying assistance to access benefits

Misuse of personal allowance in a care home

Misuse of benefits or direct payments in a family home

Someone moving into a person’s home and living rent free without agreement or under duress

False representation, using another person’s bank account, cards or documents

Exploitation of a person’s money or assets, e.g. unauthorised use of a car

Misuse of a power of attorney, deputy, appointeeship or other legal authority

Rogue trading – e.g. unnecessary or overpriced property repairs and failure to carry out agreed repairs or poor workmanship

Signs of financial or material abuse

Missing personal possessions

Unexplained lack of money or inability to maintain lifestyle

Unexplained withdrawal of funds from accounts

Power of attorney or lasting power of attorney (LPA) being obtained after the person has ceased to have mental capacity

Failure to register an LPA after the person has ceased to have mental capacity to manage their finances, so that it appears that they are continuing to do so

The person allocated to manage financial affairs is evasive or uncooperative

The family or others show unusual interest in the assets of the person

Signs of financial hardship in cases where the person’s financial affairs are being managed by a court appointed deputy, attorney or LPA

Recent changes in deeds or title to property

Rent arrears and eviction notices

A lack of clear financial accounts held by a care home or service

Failure to provide receipts for shopping or other financial transactions carried out on behalf of the person

Disparity between the person’s living conditions and their financial resources, e.g. insufficient food in the house

Unnecessary property repairs

Human trafficking

Forced labour

Domestic servitude

Sexual exploitation, such as escort work, prostitution and pornography

Debt bondage – being forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to

Signs of modern slavery

Signs of physical or emotional abuse

Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn

Isolation from the community, seeming under the control or influence of others

Living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation and or living and working at the same address

Lack of personal effects or identification documents

Always wearing the same clothes

Avoidance of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers

Fear of law enforcers

Discriminatory abuse

Unequal treatment based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation. These are all classed as protected characteristics.

Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks or inappropriate use of language related to a protected characteristic

Denying access to communication aids, not allowing access to an interpreter, signer or lip-reader

Harassment or deliberate exclusion on the grounds of a protected characteristic

Denying basic rights to healthcare, education, employment and criminal justice relating to a protected characteristic

Substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic

Signs of discriminatory abuse

The person appears withdrawn and isolated

Expressions of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety

The support on offer does not take account of the person’s individual needs in terms of a protected characteristic

Organisational or institutional abuse

Discouraging visits or the involvement of relatives or friends

Run-down or overcrowded establishment

Authoritarian management or rigid regimes

Lack of leadership and supervision

Insufficient staff or high turnover resulting in poor quality care

Abusive and disrespectful attitudes towards people using the service

Inappropriate use of restraints

Lack of respect for dignity and privacy

Failure to manage residents with abusive behaviour

Not providing adequate food and drink, or assistance with eating

Not offering choice or promoting independence

Misuse of medication

Failure to provide care with dentures, spectacles or hearing aids

Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs

Failure to respond to abuse appropriately

Interference with personal correspondence or communication

Failure to respond to complaints

Signs of organisational or institutional abuse

Lack of flexibility and choice for people using the service

Inadequate staffing levels

People being hungry or dehydrated

Poor standards of care

Lack of personal clothing and possessions and communal use of personal items

Lack of adequate procedures

Poor record-keeping and missing documents

Absence of visitors

Few social, recreational and educational activities

Public discussion of personal matters

Unnecessary exposure during bathing or using the toilet

Absence of individual care plans

Lack of management overview and support

Neglect and acts of omission

Failure to provide or allow access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, stimulation and activity, personal or medical care

Providing care in a way that the person dislikes

Failure to administer medication as prescribed

Refusal of access to visitors

Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs

Not taking account of educational, social and recreational needs

Ignoring or isolating the person

Preventing the person from making their own decisions

Preventing access to glasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc.

Failure to ensure privacy and dignity

Signs of neglect and acts of omission

Poor environment – dirty or unhygienic

Poor physical condition and/or personal hygiene

Pressure sores or ulcers

Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss

Untreated injuries and medical problems

Inconsistent or reluctant contact with medical and social care organisations

Accumulation of untaken medication

Uncharacteristic failure to engage in social interaction

Inappropriate or inadequate clothing

Self-neglect

Lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety

Neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings

Failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs

Inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs

Signs of self-neglect

Very poor personal hygiene

Unkempt appearance

Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter

Malnutrition and/or dehydration

Living in squalid or unsanitary conditions

Neglecting household maintenance

Hoarding

Collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions

Non-compliance with health or care services

Inability or unwillingness to take medication or treat illness or injury

Rights & Responsibilities

Responsibilities of CROW Recycling staff, volunteers and trustees:

To ensure volunteers are aware of vulnerable adult’s need for protection

To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected

To support and where possible secure the safety of individuals and ensure that all referrals to services have full information in relation to identified risk and vulnerability

To Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check staff and volunteers that have access to or work with Vulnerable Adults

To include safeguarding responsibilities in the induction process

To complete safeguarding training courses regularly

To be familiar with the vulnerable adult protection policy

To take appropriate action in line with the policy of CROW Recycling

To declare any existing or subsequent convictions.

To create an environment which doesn’t support bullying

Support for those who report abuse

All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they are staff, volunteers, service users, carers or members of the general public should be reassured that:

They will be taken seriously

Their comments will usually be treated confidentially, but their concerns may be shared with the appropriate authorities if they or others are at significant risk

The Vulnerable Adult has the right:

To be made aware of this policy

To have alleged incidents recognised and taken seriously

To receive fair and respectful treatment throughout

To be involved in any process as appropriate

To receive information about the outcome

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice regularly.

Our designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. Our designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. He can be contacted via the Crow office 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk.

Adopted on February 21 2017

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch November 2019

Reviewed by Crow trustees December 2020

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch and Bill Smith April 2021

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch June 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch May 2023

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch June 2024

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch March 2025

Updated September 2025 by Lucy Lynch

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch December.2025

Due for review December 2026

Signed Lucy Lynch

Crow Recycling Child Safeguarding Policy

INTRODUCTION

Crow Recycling provides work placements and volunteering opportunities to vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults (see separate adult safeguarding policy) school visits for primary and secondary aged pupils, both mainstream and special needs. Crow also runs a Scrapstore. Customers include families with children and vulnerable adults.

Crow Recycling staff and volunteers whose roles require safeguarding training complete training when they join and refreshers every three years.

We believe that children should never experience abuse of any kind and that we have a responsibility to promote their welfare.

Other relevant documents are Crow Recycling Safeguarding Children procedure, Crow Recycling Recruitment Policy and Crow Recycling Diversity and Inclusion Policy and the Crow Recycling Whistleblowing policy.

Our designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. He can be contacted via the Crow office 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk.

The whistleblowing office is office manager Lucy Lynch on 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk. See the Crow Recycling whistle blowing policy for full details.

Coventry’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub for non emergency calls is on 02476788555.

To contact an out of hours social worker in Coventry ring 024 7683 2222

In an emergency ring the police on 999.

VULNERABLE CHILDREN

We recognise that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.

We also recognise that some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues. We recognise that extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

ABUSERS MAY BE:

Adults

Other children

The abuse can be a one off action or over a period of time

TYPES OF ABUSE

Types of abuse could include but are not limited to

Neglect

Physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Sexual exploitation

Bullying and cyber bullying

Trafficking

Criminal exploitation

Domestic abuse

Grooming

Female genital mutilation

Possible indicators of physical abuse

Injuries caused by accidents are not uncommon in children, becoming less common as the child develops and grows. This means that recognising the signs of physical abuse in children can be especially difficult and leave practitioners unsure of what may be abusive.

Typically accidental injuries

Accidental injuries typically involve bony prominences – the bones that are close to the surface and so more likely to become injured through falls, slips and trips. This can include:

forehead

knees

elbows

palms of hands

nose

The injuries will match the account given by the child and parent/carer and be in-keeping with the child’s level of development and activity.

Typically abusive injuries

Abusive injuries, however, tend to involve softer tissue and be in areas that are harder to damage through slips, trips, falls and other accidents. This may include:

upper arm

forearm (defensive injuries)

chest and abdomen

thighs or genitals

facial injuries (cheeks, black eyes, mouth)

ears, side of face or neck and top of shoulders (‘triangle of safety’)

back and side of trunk.

Abusive injuries may be seen on both sides of the body and match other patterns of activity. They may not match the explanation given by the child or parent/carer and there may also be signs that injuries are being untreated, or at least a delay in seeking treatment.

Sexual abuse

Types of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse may take place either in person or online or offline. It may be perpetrated by family or non-family members, males or females, older adults or by other young people.

Forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, which may or may not involve violence

Penetrative acts

Non-penetrative acts (kissing, masturbation, rubbing or inappropriate touching)

Sexual photography or forced use of pornography or witnessing of sexual acts

Non-contact (looking at or producing pornography or sexual images, watching sexual activities, grooming in preparation for abuse)

Possible indicators of sexual abuse

Bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck

Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area

Difficulty in walking or sitting

Sudden change in behaviour or school performance

Displays of affection that are sexual or not age-appropriate

Use of sexually explicit language that is not age-appropriate

Alluding to having a secret that cannot be revealed

Bedwetting or incontinence

Reluctance to undress around others (e.g. for PE lessons)

Infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases

Unexplained gifts or money

Self-harming

Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance

Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

Psychological or emotional abuse

Types of emotional abuse

Some level of emotional abuse is present in all types of abuse or neglect, though it may also appear alone. It is the persistent mistreatment of a child that has a severe and negative impact on their emotional development. Emotional abuse may also be perpetrated by other young people through serious bullying and cyber-bullying.

Overprotection – preventing someone accessing educational and social opportunities and seeing friends

Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse

Conveying feeling of worthlessness, inadequacy or that a child is unloved

Threats of harm or abandonment

Placing inappropriate expectations on children

Witnessing or hearing the abuse or ill-treatment of others (including domestic violence)

Possible indicators of emotional abuse

Concerning interactions between parents or carers and the child (e.g. overly critical or lack of affection)

Lack of self-confidence or self-esteem

Sudden speech disorders

Self-harm or eating disorders

Lack of empathy shown to others (including cruelty to animals)

Drug, alcohol or other substance misuse

Change of appetite, weight loss/gain

Signs of distress: tearfulness, anger

Neglect

Types of neglect

Neglect is found to be a factor in 60 per cent of child deaths that are investigated through Serious Case Reviews. However, even though it is often suspected by those who work with children, it is under-reported. Neglect is a persistent failure to meet basic needs (physical or emotional) and it leads to serious harm to the health or development of a child.

Failing to provide adequate shelter, clothing or food

Failing to protect a child from harm or danger

Failing to ensure that a child is supervised appropriately

Failing to access medical care or treatment for a child when it is needed.

Possible indicators of neglect

Excessive hunger

Inadequate or insufficient clothing

Poor personal or dental hygiene

Untreated medical issues

Changes in weight or being excessively under or overweight

Low self-esteem, attachment issues, depression or self-harm

Poor relationships with peers

Self-soothing behaviours that may not be age-appropriate (e.g. rocking, hair-twisting, thumb-sucking)

Changes to school performance or attendance

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CROW TRUSTEES, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

To value, listen to and respect children

To appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead

To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected either via the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or directly to the appropriate authorities

To support and where possible secure the safety of individuals and ensure that all referrals to services have full information in relation to identified risk and vulnerability

To Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check staff and volunteers who work with children

To complete safeguarding training courses

To include safeguarding responsibilities in the induction process

To be familiar with the child safeguarding policy

To take appropriate action in line with the policy of CROW Recycling

To declare any existing or subsequent convictions.

To create an anti bullying environment and deal swiftly with any bullying that happens

SUPPORT FOR THOSE REPORTING ABUSE

All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they are staff, volunteers, service users, carers or members of the general public should be reassured that they will be taken seriously.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice regularly.

Our designated safeguarding lead is Bill Smith, chairman of trustees. He can be contacted via the Crow office 02476552444 info@crowrecycling.co.uk.

Child safeguarding policy written by Lucy Lynch June 2022. Reviewed by Lucy Lynch May 2023. Reviewed by Lucy Lynch June 2024

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch March 2025

Updated by Lucy Lynch September 2025.

Reviewed by Lucy Lynch December 2025

Due for review December 2026

Signed Lucy Lynch