Safeguarding

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What does ‘Safeguarding’ mean?

Safeguarding is the term used to describe measures one must take to protecting people who may be in vulnerable circumstances and it is each individuals key responsibility when offering help.

The NSS is committed to promoting good practice in relation to working with and preventing the abuse of children and vulnerable adults. To help us do this effectively we have implemented Protection and Safety policies which are designed to protect participants in all our projects. The NSS is committed to fostering communities that have the utmost respect for the safety of both children and vulnerable adults.

The NSS has referenced Government guidance on ‘safeguarding’ heeded advice from appropriate bodies policy and risk assessed the help categories the app facilities which are:

• Delivery,
• Collection,
• Attented transportation, and
• Online chat.

Each help type has been risk assessed and risk assessments are reviewed as guidance changes and/or a number of inappropriate referrals are received. Help requests take into consideration individuals differing requirements and helpers can also see the status of those ‘in need’ should they be ‘self-isolating’ or ‘sick’. NSS helpers receive guidance on Covid-19 and appropriate role-based guidance and information for the help category a request falls under.

The NSS Improvement Team has reviewed processes and acts as a channel for escalating concerns and holds the final decision on expulsion of a community member, howsoever a matter of concern is reported.

There are a range of mitigating actions in place to ensure the safety of those ‘in need’ and ‘helpers’, including but not limited to:

• Two factor authentication so that users cannot sign up without the control or ownership of a phone or device,
• Identify checks for all users,
• Photograph upload for helpers to assist in building trust,
• Driving licence submission for those offering ‘transportation’ help,
• Help requests for ‘transportation’ only show to those who have provided their driving licence.
• DBS check certificate numbers and policy documents are requested,
• When making help requests the person ‘in need’ can tick the option [ ] only alert DBS certified helpers
• An NSS Improvement Team to investigate any concerns and work in conjunction with Social Services, the Police and/or NSPCC,
• Advice is given to those making help requests, e.g., on Covid-19 and not to accept a help request for someone who has not uploaded a real photo,
• Personal details such as phone numbers and emails are withheld by the NSS and shared by users at their own risk,
• To protect those at risk, relatives can book or request help on behalf of others in order to independently satisfy themselves
• The app provides identification for volunteers, shows the task they are undertaking,
• The app asks those helped to rate ‘helpers’ to build trust ratings.
• Those making ‘help requests’ get to see previous HELP RATINGS awarded as a guide
• NSS members are not allowed to take volunteering ‘off-line’ by providing their own telephone numbers.
• At the absolute discretion of the NSS a breach of the NSS ethics and practices will lead to instant removal.

Child Protection Policy Statement

NSS is committed to creating introductions: parent to parent, adult to adult. We do not provide spaces or places for children to meet or supervision of activities. It is for parents and carers to meet, vet and check out any and all arrangements involving children and never to leave children or young people in the care of others without having taken personal responsibility to form relationships over time to build mutual trust. The NSS does not endorse any particular community members and advises that parents should always seek the help of Registered childminders and childcare providers who can be found on the Ofsted Register.

Mental Health Policy Statement

All ‘helpers’ have a duty to be sensitive to the mental capacity of the person they are helping and to understand the individual’s capacity to interact or make decisions and therefore have a duty to make sensitive judgements. Any abuse is always wrong, and as ‘helpers’ can be perceived to be in a position of power or authority and such position must never be abused.

Complaints may be referred to ‘Adult social services’ to investigate within a framework based on the Care Act/Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act guidance, or where suspected to be a criminal offense will be referred to the Police.

Those wanting to offer help are referred to the Government guidance “Safeguarding policy: protecting vulnerable adults https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-policy-protecting-vulnerable-adults