Safeguarding Policy

FI will take all safeguarding concerns including suspicions and allegations of exploitation, harm or abuse seriously and will report concerns promptly, in accordance with the Policy.

• FI will ensure that processes are in place to check the suitability of staff and volunteers whose duties and responsibilities involve regular contact with those we work with – international students
• FI will ensure that appropriate suitability checks are carried out in relation to staff and volunteers including checks where appropriate. Details of these processes and checks are included in the recruitment process both for staff and volunteers
• Safeguarding referrals to the relevant statutory authority will be made on the basis of identified and considered risk
• All staff with safeguarding concerns will consider what support may be offered to them both from within FI (e.g. member care) and externally (e.g. signposting to the GP or mental health services or to the police if it is a criminal offence)

Training

FI seeks to have a culture that demonstrates good awareness of safeguarding. All staff and volunteers will receive training and guidance in safeguarding. This policy and the procedures will be accessible to all. Related guidance for volunteers is included in the volunteer’s recruitment guide.

All our staff receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training and resources will be made available, with the use of materials from thirtyone:eight, local experts and in-house refresher training.

Safeguarding Code of Conduct

FI is committed to providing a safe environment for the work that we do, in all our events and activities. Our code of conduct is aimed at seeking to implement the safeguarding principles and to help us demonstrate these values and beliefs. These principles should be upheld by us as a core of our mission and values as an organisation. We therefore expect that everyone who works for FI will read and comply with these recommendations. The recommendations are:

• Be familiar with this policy and the associated procedures and comply with them at all times 
• Plan activities and events in areas where others are present and if it helps, at a time when other activities are occurring
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times 
• All effort should be taken to ensure other adults are aware of when and where you are spending time with international students
• Contribute to maintaining a safe working environment. It is best to work in a group setting and not to be alone for long periods of time with one person
• Seek regular accountability and supervision in all your relationships. Arrange to be accountable to others as regards your interaction with international students
• Give due respect to cultural differences
• Use appropriate language and beware of your body language. Avoid using inappropriate language or allow others to use it without challenging it.
• Be alert to challenge inappropriate behaviour, including peer-to-peer behaviours. Abusive behaviour such as bullying (including cyber-bullying), ridiculing or aggression must not be allowed to go unchallenged 
• Raise concerns with your supervisor if you notice any issues about the attitude or actions of staff and volunteers in relation to this Code of Conduct 
• Inform the Safeguarding Coordinator of all safeguarding concerns without delay 
• It is advisable not to engage in any physical ‘adult’ relationship with a person to whom you are in a position of trust, even if they give their consent 

What is abuse?

Given the risk of abuse to children and vulnerable adults, all employees are to be alert to and aware at all times of the possibility of abuse towards children or beneficiaries (International Students).

Abuse may be a single incident or something that occurs over a long period of time. It can take many forms including, but not limited to:

• financial or material abuse
• physical abuse
• mental abuse
• neglect and failures to act
• sexual abuse
• threats of abuse or harm
• controlling or intimidating conduct
• self-neglect
• domestic abuse
• poor practices within an organisation providing care
• modern slavery

The abuse may come from employees, volunteers, personal assistants, service users, relatives, neighbours, social workers, providers of support services etc.

Cultural Sensitivity

FI aims to work in ways which are culturally sensitive and respect the diverse nature of the international students we work for. We recognise that there are many ways of taking care of and protecting children and adults, and we will seek to safeguard them in ways which are culturally sensitive and appropriate to the context.

We believe that everyone matters, and that culture must never be used as a reason or excuse to abuse children or adults. We acknowledge that protecting children and adults within the legal framework required of FI as a UK based organisation, and as articulated in this Policy, while being culturally sensitive can be a difficult balancing act, as understandings of what is harmful may differ. The Safeguarding Coordinators should be consulted for further guidance as necessary.