Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

Sight Loss Ministries Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Date of last review: 27 October 2026

Policy owner: Trustees

Date of next review: 27 October 2027, or sooner if required

Introduction

Sight Loss Ministries (SLM) is committed to protecting the safety, rights and dignity of adults who use its services and to responding properly if a concern about a child arises in connection with its activities. This policy sets out SLM’s safeguarding commitments, responsibilities and reporting procedures. It is written for trustees, missionaries and volunteers acting on behalf of SLM.

SLM provides services to adults aged 18 and over and does not provide services directly to children. The policy therefore gives detailed procedures for adult safeguarding and a proportionate procedure for child-related concerns. A concern about a child must be referred through the child safeguarding route in this policy and must not be handled under the adult procedure alone.

Part 1 Safeguarding Policy

1 Purpose and scope

SLM recognises that some adults may be at increased risk of harm because of their personal characteristics and/or life circumstances. SLM will take reasonable steps to prevent harm, recognise concerns, respond appropriately and work with relevant statutory agencies where necessary.

The objectives of this policy are to:

    • promote the prevention of abuse, exploitation and neglect;

    • protect adults from harm and respond appropriately to concerns about children;

    • provide clear and proportionate procedures for raising, recording and responding to concerns;

    • ensure trustees and workers understand their safeguarding responsibilities;

    • respect the rights, wishes, wellbeing, independence and choices of adults;

    • ensure concerns are referred to statutory agencies where appropriate; and

    • support SLM’s implementation of Northern Ireland safeguarding policy and procedures.

1.1 Who and what the policy covers

SLM provides services to adults aged 18 and over and does not provide services directly to children or young people under 18. A child may nevertheless come into contact with SLM, or a concern about a child’s safety or welfare may arise in connection with SLM’s activities. This policy explains what to do in that situation.

This policy applies to all trustees, missionaries and volunteers when acting on behalf of SLM. In this policy, “worker” means a missionary or volunteer. References to “trustees and workers” include all three groups unless a section states otherwise.

The policy applies to SLM activities and workers based in Northern Ireland. Trustees must review its scope if SLM begins activities elsewhere or engages people working outside Northern Ireland, so the relevant local safeguarding arrangements are also addressed.

2 Definitions

2.1 Adult at risk of harm

An adult at risk of harm is a person aged 18 or over whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their personal characteristics and/or life circumstances.

Personal characteristics may include, but are not limited to, age, disability, special educational needs, illness, mental or physical frailty, or impairment of or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain. Life circumstances may include, but are not limited to, isolation, socio-economic factors and environmental living conditions.

Being an adult at risk of harm does not mean that a person lacks capacity or is unable to make their own decisions.

2.2 Adult in need of protection

An adult in need of protection is a person aged 18 or over whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their personal characteristics and/or life circumstances, and who:

    • is unable to protect their own wellbeing, property, assets, rights or other interests; and

    • is being harmed, or is likely to be harmed, by the action or inaction of another person or persons.

Whether a person meets this definition requires appropriate professional judgement on a case-by-case basis. SLM trustees and workers must report concerns rather than attempt to make a formal professional determination themselves.

2.3 Abuse of adults

Abuse may be a single or repeated act, or a failure to take appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust and which causes harm or distress or violates human or civil rights. Abuse may be direct or indirect and may occur in person or online.

Abuse may include:

    • physical abuse;

    • sexual violence and abuse;

    • psychological or emotional abuse;

    • financial or material abuse;

    • institutional or organisational abuse;

    • neglect and acts of omission; and

    • exploitation.

2.4 Other adult safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may also involve domestic violence and abuse, human trafficking or modern slavery, hate crime, coercive or controlling behaviour, self-neglect, or other circumstances requiring safeguarding advice or intervention. The appropriate response depends on the individual circumstances.

2.5 Child safeguarding concern

A child is a person under 18. A concern may relate to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or another circumstance affecting a child’s safety or welfare. Examples and indicators are set out in Appendix E. The examples are not exhaustive and are not proof that abuse has occurred. A trustee or worker should report a concern even if unsure how to categorise it.

3 Responsibilities

3.1 Adult Safeguarding Champion

SLM has an Adult Safeguarding Champion (ASC) and a Deputy ASC. The ASC provides leadership and oversight in relation to adult safeguarding and is responsible for implementing this policy. The Deputy ASC provides cover when the ASC is unavailable and acts where the ASC has a conflict of interest.

The ASC and Deputy ASC will receive appropriate training and maintain their safeguarding knowledge through refresher training and continuing learning. The ASC is also the initial internal contact for child safeguarding concerns under section 7, unless the concern involves the ASC or another conflict makes that route inappropriate.

3.2 Trustees and workers

All trustees and workers must:

    • recognise possible signs of abuse, exploitation or neglect;

    • take safeguarding concerns seriously;

    • respond appropriately to disclosures;

    • report concerns promptly under this policy;

    • record information accurately and factually;

    • maintain appropriate confidentiality and share information where there is a proper safeguarding reason;

    • avoid investigating allegations themselves;

    • cooperate with the ASC and relevant statutory agencies; and

    • follow this policy and its procedures.

3.3 Adult Safeguarding Champion responsibilities

The ASC will:

    • provide advice and support to trustees and workers;

    • ensure this policy is implemented;

    • advise on safeguarding training needs;

    • receive and consider safeguarding concerns;

    • support those who raise concerns;

    • consider whether concerns require referral to the HSC Trust and/or PSNI;

    • make or facilitate appropriate referrals;

    • liaise with the HSC Trust, PSNI and other agencies as appropriate;

    • maintain accurate safeguarding records;

    • monitor reported concerns and identify patterns;

    • ensure appropriate safeguarding reporting is undertaken; and

    • contribute to the annual safeguarding review.

The ASC does not undertake statutory adult protection investigations.

3.4 Trustees

The trustees will:

    • provide safeguarding governance and oversight;

    • approve and review this policy;

    • ensure safeguarding arrangements remain proportionate to SLM’s activities and risks;

    • ensure appropriate training and support are available to the ASC and Deputy ASC;

    • review safeguarding patterns and organisational learning;

    • review SLM’s safeguarding position at least annually; and

    • ensure agreed improvements are implemented.

A trustee or worker who has a conflict of interest in a concern must not manage that concern; it should be passed to an unconflicted trustee or the relevant statutory agency.

A conflict of interest includes any close personal, family or financial relationship with the person raising the concern, the person it concerns, or the person it affects, and in such cases the concern must be handled by an unconflicted person.

4 Adult safeguarding principles

SLM adopts the five Northern Ireland adult safeguarding principles.

Rights-based

Adults have the right to be safe and secure, to freedom from harm and coercion, to equality of treatment, to protection of the law, to privacy and confidentiality, and to freedom from discrimination.

Empowering

Adults should be supported to make informed choices, participate in decisions affecting their lives, maintain independence, manage reasonable risks, and exercise choice and control.

Person-centred

Safeguarding responses should take account of the adult’s views, wishes, feelings, circumstances, communication needs and desired outcomes.

Consent-driven

The adult’s wishes and consent should normally be central to safeguarding decisions. Information should be provided in a way that enables the adult to make an informed choice. Information may be shared without consent where there is a lawful and proportionate safeguarding or other legal basis, for example to prevent serious harm, address coercion, protect another person, or report suspected crime. The ASC should seek advice from the HSC Trust where uncertain. Reasons for any decision to share information without consent must be recorded.

Collaborative

Safeguarding requires appropriate partnership working. SLM will cooperate with the relevant HSC Trust, PSNI and other agencies where required.

5 Safer recruitment and training

SLM will use appropriate safer recruitment arrangements for trustees and workers. Depending on the role, these may include role descriptions, application procedures, interviews, references, appropriate AccessNI checks, safeguarding induction, training and ongoing supervision.

5.1 AccessNI checks

The level of AccessNI check required depends on the nature of the role and legal eligibility for that check. Where a role involves regulated activity with adults or children, SLM will use the appropriate check and barred-list arrangements where legally required. A check must not be requested where the role is not eligible for it.

An AccessNI check does not replace safer recruitment, safeguarding training, supervision or ongoing management. AccessNI and disclosure information will be handled securely and confidentially, in accordance with relevant requirements.

5.2 Barring

SLM will comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, as amended, and related current guidance concerning regulated activity and barring. A person who is barred from regulated activity must not undertake the regulated activity from which they are barred.

Where SLM removes, or would have removed, a trustee or worker from regulated activity because the person harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult, SLM will consider whether the statutory conditions for referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are met and will make any referral required by law. This includes relevant circumstances where the person leaves before formal removal or dismissal. SLM will seek appropriate advice where uncertain.

5.3 Training

Trustees and workers will receive safeguarding information appropriate to their role. This will include recognising possible abuse, exploitation and neglect; responding to a disclosure; recording and reporting concerns; confidentiality and information sharing; understanding the role of the ASC; and understanding the limits of their role.

Anyone who may receive a concern about a child must also know the child safeguarding route in section 7. The ASC and Deputy ASC will receive additional training appropriate to their responsibilities.

6 Professional boundaries

Trustees and workers must treat people who use SLM services with respect and maintain boundaries that protect their safety, dignity and independence. SLM recognises that genuine friendships can develop through befriending and other contact. A friendship is not, by itself, inappropriate. Trustees and workers should be open about changes in the relationship or support being provided, and seek advice from the Adult Safeguarding Champion if they are unsure whether a change creates a safeguarding concern or conflict with their role.

They must not:

    • exploit their position of trust;

    • misuse personal information;

    • use their position for personal, financial or sexual gain;

    • pressure or manipulate someone, or keep safeguarding concerns secret; or

    • take on responsibilities outside their agreed role where this could create a safeguarding risk, without first discussing them with the Adult Safeguarding Champion and agreeing appropriate safeguards.

7 Safeguarding children and young people

SLM does not provide services directly to children or young people under 18. However, a child may come into contact with SLM or a concern about a child’s safety or welfare may arise in connection with SLM’s activities. This section applies to all such concerns.

7.1 Raising a concern

A trustee or worker who has a concern about a child must:

    • take the concern seriously and consider whether the child may be in immediate danger;

    • listen calmly if the child speaks about what is happening, avoid leading questions and not promise secrecy;

    • make a factual record as soon as practicable, using the child’s own words where possible; and

    • report the concern promptly to the ASC or Deputy ASC, unless that person is involved or there is another conflict of interest.

The ASC or Deputy ASC should contact the relevant HSC Trust Children’s Gateway Service for advice or referral. A concern must not be delayed while the trustee or worker tries to establish whether abuse has occurred. A worker may contact the statutory service directly if an urgent referral is needed or an internal contact is unavailable.

If the child is in immediate danger, contact the PSNI on 999 and the relevant HSC Trust. Outside normal working hours, contact the Regional Emergency Social Work Service (RESWS). Current child safeguarding contacts are set out in Appendix D and must be checked during the annual policy review.

7.2 Allegations about a trustee or worker

A concern or allegation about a trustee or worker must be reported promptly to an unconflicted trustee and the relevant statutory agency. If the concern involves the Chair or several trustees, contact the appropriate statutory agency directly and seek advice about the appropriate independent governance route. Immediate protective steps may be considered, but must not interfere with or prejudice a statutory or police investigation.

7.3 SLM must not investigate

Trustees and workers must not investigate a child safeguarding concern, interview an alleged perpetrator, repeatedly question the child, seek to establish the truth of the allegation, or gather evidence for a criminal investigation. They should preserve relevant records and cooperate with statutory agencies.

8 Policy review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner if legislation or safeguarding guidance changes; an incident identifies a need for revision; SLM’s activities or risks change; safeguarding training identifies a significant gap; or relevant Northern Ireland procedures are amended.

Part 2 Safeguarding Procedures for Adults

1 Recognising a safeguarding concern

A concern may arise because an adult discloses abuse; another person reports a concern; a trustee or worker witnesses something concerning; there are unexplained injuries; a person’s behaviour or demeanour causes concern; there are concerns about financial exploitation; a trustee or worker behaves inappropriately; information is received from a family member, carer or another organisation; or an online safeguarding concern is identified.

All concerns must be taken seriously. A trustee or worker does not have to establish that abuse has occurred before reporting a concern.

2 Responding to an adult disclosure

If an adult discloses abuse, trustees and workers should:

    • stay calm and listen attentively;

    • acknowledge what has been said and take the concern seriously;

    • reassure the person that they have done the right thing by telling someone;

    • explain that information may need to be shared to safeguard them or another person;

    • explain what is likely to happen next;

    • consider the person’s immediate safety and seek emergency assistance where necessary;

    • consider whether a crime may have occurred;

    • record the concern as soon as reasonably practicable using SLM’s Safeguarding Adults Record Form; and

    • report it to the ASC or Deputy ASC without delay.

The record should be clear and factual and capture the adult’s own words as accurately as possible. If the form is not immediately available, make a written record of the information and complete the form as soon as practicable. Completing the form does not replace promptly reporting the concern.

They must not stop the person from disclosing, promise secrecy, press for unnecessary details, repeatedly ask them to tell the story, gossip about the disclosure, share information without a legitimate need, contact or confront the alleged perpetrator, investigate the allegation, or delay reporting.

3 Immediate danger

SLM is not an emergency service. If there is immediate danger to life or an immediate serious risk of harm:

    • call 999 where emergency police or medical assistance is required;

    • ensure the adult is as safe as reasonably possible; and

    • inform the ASC as soon as practicable.

If a crime is suspected or alleged, the PSNI should be contacted as appropriate.

4 Recording the concern

The person receiving the concern should complete SLM’s Safeguarding Adults Record Form as soon as reasonably practicable. The record should be clear and factual and capture the adult’s own words as accurately as possible. It should include the date and time; who was present; what was seen, heard or disclosed; relevant observations; immediate action taken; who the concern was reported to; and the date and time of the report. If the form is not immediately available, make a written record containing this information and transfer it to the form as soon as practicable.

Records must distinguish between fact, information reported by another person and opinion. The trustee or worker must not try to establish the truth of an allegation through questioning or investigation.

5 Reporting to the ASC

Email the completed Safeguarding Adults Record Form promptly to the ASC using the contact details in Appendix B. If the ASC is unavailable, email it to the Deputy ASC. If the concern relates to the ASC, report it to the Deputy ASC. If the concern relates to both, report it to an unconflicted trustee and/or the relevant statutory agency. If a concern is first reported verbally, do not wait to complete or send the form before taking any urgent safeguarding action. If neither safeguarding contact can be reached promptly, or the risk requires immediate external action, contact the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Service directly; call 999 in an emergency. Record the referral and inform an unconflicted trustee when safe to do so.

The absence of the ASC or Deputy ASC must not prevent an urgent safeguarding referral where action is required.

6 ASC response when an adult concern is received

The ASC will consider the information provided, immediate safety, the adult’s wishes and desired outcomes, consent and any concerns about coercion or capacity. The ASC will consider whether advice should be sought from the HSC Trust, whether referral to the HSC Trust and/or PSNI is required, make or facilitate the appropriate referral, record the decision and reasons, and maintain appropriate liaison with the statutory agency.

The ASC may clarify basic information but must not conduct an investigation.

7 Referral to the HSC Trust

Where there is a safeguarding concern requiring statutory assessment, the concern should be referred to the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Service using the current contact arrangements in Appendix C. The ASC should make or facilitate the referral promptly. A trustee or worker must contact the HSC Trust directly if urgent action is needed or the ASC and Deputy ASC cannot be reached promptly; internal reporting must not delay an external referral. The HSC Trust will determine the appropriate statutory response. Where the threshold for adult protection is met, the HSC Trust will progress the matter through the adult protection process.

Where uncertain about whether a concern requires referral, the ASC should seek advice from the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Service.

8 When a crime is suspected

Where a criminal offence is alleged or suspected, the PSNI should be contacted. Emergency police assistance should be requested where necessary. Care should be taken not to disturb potential evidence. SLM trustees and workers must not investigate the alleged offence. Where appropriate, the HSC Trust should also be contacted.

9 Consent and information sharing

The adult’s consent should normally be sought before information is shared. The adult should be given information in a way they can understand about what has been reported, what information may be shared, with whom it may be shared, why it may need to be shared, and what is likely to happen next.

If the adult does not want a referral, the ASC should consider whether the adult can make this decision, whether they have received sufficient information, whether they are being coerced or unduly influenced, whether another person may also be at risk, whether the alleged perpetrator is a trustee or worker, whether a crime is suspected or alleged, and whether there is another lawful and proportionate basis for sharing information.

If in doubt, the ASC should seek advice from the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Service. Any decision to share information without consent must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, and recorded together with the reasons. Trustees and workers must not assume that consent is always required before sharing information to protect someone from harm.

10 Capacity

A person’s capacity must not be assumed to be absent because of disability, sight loss, age, illness, communication difficulties or dependence on support. Capacity relates to the particular decision being made.

If there is concern that an adult may be unable to make a safeguarding decision, or may be under pressure to refuse consent, the ASC should seek appropriate professional advice. Trustees and workers must not attempt to make a formal professional capacity assessment themselves.

11 Alternative safeguarding responses

Not every safeguarding concern will require an adult protection investigation. Where the statutory threshold is not met, an appropriate response may include monitoring, support, advice, advocacy, complaints procedures, care or support review, risk management, referral to another service, action under appropriate organisational procedures, action concerning a trustee or worker, or no further action where appropriate.

The response should be proportionate and take account of the adult’s wishes and circumstances. Any decision not to make a referral must be recorded together with the reasons and any action taken.

12 SLM does not investigate safeguarding allegations

No SLM trustee or worker must interview an alleged perpetrator; confront an alleged perpetrator; interview witnesses to establish the truth of an allegation; gather evidence for a criminal investigation; conduct an adult protection investigation; or make promises about the outcome of a safeguarding referral.

Where statutory investigation is required, SLM will cooperate with the HSC Trust and/or PSNI. The ASC will act as the organisational liaison point and ensure relevant records and people are accessible to the investigating agency.

13 Concerns about a trustee or worker

Concerns about a trustee or worker must be recorded using the Safeguarding Adults Record Form and reported promptly to the ASC. If the concern involves the ASC, send the form to the Deputy ASC. If it involves both, report it to an unconflicted trustee and/or statutory agency. Immediate protective measures may be considered where necessary.

Any internal disciplinary or organisational process about a trustee or worker’s conduct (separate from the safeguarding allegation itself) must not interfere with or prejudice a statutory safeguarding or criminal investigation. Where appropriate, advice should be obtained from the relevant statutory agency before beginning an internal process.

Where a trustee or worker has been removed from regulated activity, or would have been removed had they not left, because of relevant safeguarding concerns, SLM will consider and make any referral to the DBS required by law.

14 Confidentiality and information sharing

Safeguarding information must be treated as confidential and shared only with people who have a legitimate need to receive it. This may include the ASC, Deputy ASC, appropriate trustees, the HSC Trust, PSNI, other statutory agencies, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland where required, or another organisation where there is an appropriate lawful safeguarding reason.

Only information relevant to the safeguarding purpose should be shared. Significant information-sharing decisions should be recorded. Safeguarding information must be handled in accordance with applicable data protection law and SLM’s records arrangements.

15 Safeguarding records

The ASC will maintain an appropriate safeguarding record. Records should include concerns received, decisions made and their reasons, referrals, actions taken, relevant outcomes, safeguarding training and organisational learning.

Records containing personal or sensitive information must be stored securely, with access limited to those who need it. They are kept only for as long as necessary for safeguarding, legal or regulatory purposes, in line with SLM’s Privacy Policy, and are then securely deleted or destroyed. Records must not be destroyed while they may be needed for an ongoing safeguarding, regulatory or criminal process. The trustees will consider retention as part of the annual policy review.

Trustees should normally receive anonymised information or a case reference unless identifiable information is genuinely required for their safeguarding responsibilities.

16 Monitoring and annual safeguarding review

The ASC will monitor safeguarding activity and prepare an annual Adult Safeguarding Position Report or equivalent in accordance with current Northern Ireland arrangements. The report should include, as applicable, referrals made to HSC Trusts; concerns where the decision was not to refer; relevant untoward events; safeguarding training completed and planned; and actions required to maintain effective safeguarding arrangements.

The trustees will scrutinise the report annually, including whether the child safeguarding procedure has been communicated and remains appropriate to SLM’s activities.

17 Serious incidents

Where a safeguarding incident may be serious, the trustees and ASC will act promptly to protect people, refer concerns to the appropriate statutory agencies, preserve relevant records, and assess whether the incident meets the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s serious incident reporting criteria. Trustees must report any incident that meets those criteria, including allegations, in accordance with current CCNI guidance and explain how SLM is managing it.

Trustees must consider whether any other legal or regulatory reporting duties apply. Decisions, reports and actions taken must be recorded. Reporting to one authority does not remove the need to consider whether another authority must also be notified.

18 Support for trustees and workers

Safeguarding concerns can be distressing. The ASC should provide appropriate support to a trustee or worker who raises a concern. The trustees should provide appropriate support to the ASC or Deputy ASC where they are involved in a safeguarding matter. Support must not compromise confidentiality or the integrity of the safeguarding process.

Appendices

Appendix A Possible indicators of adult abuse

The following may indicate that an adult is experiencing abuse, exploitation or neglect. They are indicators rather than proof of abuse.

Physical: unexplained injuries or bruising; injuries inconsistent with explanations; repeated unexplained accidents; inappropriate restraint; or unexplained deterioration in health.

Sexual: unexplained changes in behaviour; distress around a particular person; sexualised behaviour or language unusual for the person; disclosure of sexual activity without consent; or unexplained injuries.

Psychological or emotional: fearfulness, anxiety, withdrawal, loss of confidence, unusual distress, intimidation or coercion, or controlling behaviour by another person.

Financial: unexplained financial difficulties or transactions; unexplained loss of possessions; pressure concerning money or property; inappropriate control of finances; or concerns about wills or inheritance.

Neglect or acts of omission: unmet health or social care needs; inadequate nutrition, heating or clothing; deterioration in wellbeing; failure to respond to known risks; or repeated avoidable emergencies.

Institutional or organisational: poor or unsafe practices; lack of dignity or privacy; excessive restriction; inappropriate routines; inadequate supervision; failure to respond to concerns; or poor safeguarding arrangements.

Exploitation: coercion, trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, financial exploitation, or misuse of power or control.

Appendix B Safeguarding contacts and responsibilities

Report safeguarding concerns to the Adult Safeguarding Champion first. If the Champion is unavailable, or the concern relates to the Champion, report it to the Deputy Adult Safeguarding Champion.

Adult Safeguarding Champion: Leonard Campbell

Telephone: 075166 36741

Email: info@sightlossministries.org 

Deputy Adult Safeguarding Champion: Ian Wilson

Telephone: 02891 463124

Email: jiw52@hotmail.com

Further safeguarding contacts

If the Deputy is unavailable, or the concern relates to the Deputy, including a concern involving both safeguarding roles, report it to the Chair of Trustees or another trustee responsible for safeguarding oversight, using the contact details below. 

Chair of Trustees: Eric Wilkinson

Telephone: 07929 240088

Email: WILKINSONER@aol.com

Trustee: Gareth Smyth

Telephone: 07787 371667

Email: garethsmyth67@hotmail.co.uk 

Do not delay an urgent referral while trying to reach these contacts. Contact the relevant statutory agency directly, or call 999 in an emergency.

Appendix C HSC Trust adult safeguarding contacts

Where an adult safeguarding concern requires referral to a Health and Social Care Trust, contact the relevant Adult Protection Service. Contact details are taken from the official HSCNI page: https://online.hscni.net/access-health-social-care/ 

    • Belfast Trust: 028 95041744

    • Northern Trust: 028 9441 3659

    • Western Trust: 028 71611366 / 028 82835960

    • South Eastern Trust: 028 92501227

    • Southern Trust: 028 3756 4423

An Emergency Social Work Service for adults or children can be contacted in the evenings, weekends or during public holidays using: 028 9504 9999.

Immediate danger: Call PSNI on 999.  Where a criminal offence is suspected or alleged, contact the PSNI as appropriate on 101. These details must be checked during each annual review because service arrangements and telephone numbers may change.

Appendix D Child safeguarding contacts

For a concern about a child, contact the relevant HSC Trust Children’s Gateway Service. Contact details are taken from the official HSCNI page: 

https://online.hscni.net/access-health-social-care/ 

    • Belfast Trust: 028 9050 7000

    • Northern Trust: 0300 1234333

    • Western Trust: 028 7131 4090

    • South Eastern Trust: 0300 1000300

    • Southern Trust: 0800 7837745

An Emergency Social Work Service for adults or children can be contacted in the evenings, weekends or during public holidays using: 028 9504 9999.

Immediate danger: Call PSNI on 999. Where a criminal offence is suspected or alleged, contact the PSNI as appropriate on 101. Check these numbers against the live Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland and HSCNI contact pages at each annual review and whenever a referral is made. A trustee or worker may contact the relevant Gateway Service for advice if unsure whether a concern should be referred.

Appendix E Recognising concerns about a child

Child safeguarding concerns may involve physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Exploitation may include child sexual exploitation, child criminal exploitation, trafficking or modern slavery, grooming, coercion and online harm. A child may be harmed by an adult or another child, and concerns may arise in person or online.

Possible indicators include unexplained injuries; a child appearing frightened of a particular person; significant or unexplained changes in behaviour; signs of neglect; disclosures or indications of sexual harm; coercion or threats; unexplained gifts, money or possessions; or online contact that causes concern. These are examples only. A child may be at risk even when none of these signs is visible, and a sign by itself does not prove abuse.

Trustees and workers do not need to identify the type of abuse or establish that it has occurred. They must report a concern using section 7.

Appendix F Key legislation and guidance

SLM will have regard to the following, as applicable:

    • Children: Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995; “Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland”; and current SBNI procedures.

    • Adults: “Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership” and the current Northern Ireland Adult Safeguarding Operational Procedures.

    • Safer recruitment: Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, as amended, and current AccessNI/DBS guidance.

    • Information and records: Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

    • Charity practice: Charity Commission for Northern Ireland safeguarding and serious incident guidance; Volunteer Now safeguarding standards.