1. Policy Statement
Men's Circle is committed to creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all participants, volunteers, facilitators, staff and partners.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk who may come into contact with our services.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff, facilitators, volunteers and trustees are expected to uphold this policy and act whenever concerns arise.
Men's Circle operates on the principle that every individual has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination and harm.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Trustees and board members
- Employees and contractors
- Facilitators and volunteers
- Community leaders
- Participants attending Men's Circle activities
- Online and in-person activities
3. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by:
- Care Act 2014
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018
- GDPR
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
Pasco Ashton
Executive Director
Men's Circle
The DSL is responsible for:
- Receiving safeguarding concerns
- Maintaining safeguarding records
- Liaising with statutory agencies
- Supporting facilitators and volunteers
- Ensuring safeguarding training is maintained
- Reviewing safeguarding incidents
In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be escalated to a Board Director.
5. Safeguarding Principles
Men's Circle will:
- Listen and take concerns seriously
- Act promptly and proportionately
- Place safety above confidentiality where necessary
- Work collaboratively with statutory services
- Maintain accurate records
- Promote inclusion and equality
- Support staff and volunteers through supervision
6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns may include:
Adults at Risk
- Self-neglect
- Financial abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Coercive control
- Domestic abuse
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance misuse
- Exploitation
Children
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Exposure to domestic abuse
- Unsafe home environments
7. Responding to Concerns
If a concern is disclosed:
Step 1
Listen calmly.
Do not promise confidentiality.
Take concerns seriously.
Step 2
Clarify facts without investigating.
Avoid leading questions.
Step 3
Record:
- Date
- Time
- Facts disclosed
- Actions taken
Step 4
Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.
Step 5
The DSL will determine whether escalation is required.
8. Suicide and Self-Harm Protocol
Where an individual discloses suicidal thoughts:
Immediate Response
Remain calm.
Listen without judgement.
Ask direct questions regarding immediate safety.
Escalation
Immediately notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Where there is immediate risk:
Where support is urgent but non-emergency:
- NHS 111 Mental Health Crisis Service
- GP
- Local Mental Health Services
Follow-Up
Document concerns.
Create a safety plan where appropriate.
Ensure follow-up contact is arranged.
Review through supervision.
9. Domestic Abuse
Where domestic abuse is disclosed:
The facilitator will:
- Listen and provide support
- Assess immediate risk
- Consult the DSL
- Signpost to specialist services
- Escalate where children or vulnerable adults are at risk
10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Information will normally remain confidential.
However, confidentiality may be breached where:
- There is risk of serious harm
- A child is at risk
- An adult at risk is in danger
- Criminal activity is involved
Information sharing will follow GDPR and safeguarding guidance.
11. Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns must be:
- Recorded promptly
- Stored securely
- Shared only on a need-to-know basis
Records will be retained according to legal requirements.
12. Recruitment and Training
Men's Circle will:
- Conduct appropriate DBS checks where required
- Provide safeguarding induction
- Deliver safeguarding refresher training
- Deliver suicide prevention awareness training
- Provide monthly supervision
13. Online Safeguarding
Additional safeguards apply to:
- Online circles
- WhatsApp groups
- Video meetings
- Social media communities
Facilitators will monitor online environments and escalate concerns in line with this policy.
14. Escalation and Signposting Directory
Emergency
NHS Urgent Mental Health Support
111 (Option 2 where available)
Samaritans
Shout Crisis Text Service
Text SHOUT to 85258
NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services
Local NHS referral pathway
GP Services
Participant's registered GP
Child Safeguarding
Local Authority Children's Services
Adult Safeguarding
Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
Domestic Abuse
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Men's Mental Health
ANDYSMANCLUB
Suicide Prevention
PAPYRUS (under 35s)
Local Sheffield Services
- Sheffield Suicide Support and Prevention
- Sheffield NHS Perinatal Mental Health Team
- Family Hubs
- Jessop Wing Maternity Services
15. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board and following any significant safeguarding incident.