Safeguarding Statement

Off the Fence is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults with care and support needs and ensuring their well-being.

We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent harm or abuse in all their recognised forms.

We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults and children and will ensure all our policies and procedures reflect this. We believe all those who use our services should enjoy and have access to all the activities relevant to their needs.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with children and adults with care and support needs.  

We believe every child and adult should be valued, safe and happy.  We want to make sure that all those we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.

We are committed to:

• Following statutory and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults

• Implementing the requirements of all relevant legislation.

• Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake this work.

• Ensuring that we keep up to date with national and local developments in safeguarding.

• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers agree to abide by our safeguarding policy, procedures and guidelines

• Supporting people working in our organisation or using our services who are affected by abuse.

We recognise:

• Children’s Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child.  Adult Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.

• Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We review this statement and our policy annually.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Next review: February 2027

If you have any concerns for a child or adult relating to Off the Fence services, then speak to one of our Safeguarding Leads via safeguarding@offthefence.org.uk.

• Sarah White - Safeguarding Lead

• Janet Shelley - Safeguarding Trustee

To view our full Safeguarding Policy, please contact safeguarding@offthefence.org.uk.

Safeguarding Support – Key Contact Information