Corporate Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding People in Carmarthenshire | Updated November 2023

Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All employees should be alert to the possibility of abuse. An individual may become concerned about the safety or wellbeing of an individual in a number of ways:

  • The person may tell you.
  • The person may say something that worries you.
  • A third party may voice concerns.
  • You may see something – an incident or an injury or other sign.

Staff, volunteers and contractors can be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Council, as they go about their day-to-day jobs, because safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Examples of these are:

  • Housing Officers – several reviews into children and adults being harmed have identified the importance of Housing Officers, who have a unique insight into the lives of families and can spot signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • Waste Management – refuse collectors go to the same houses and communities every week and can notice when a child might be suffering or at risk of abuse
  • Parks and Gardens – staff or contractors can be alert to places where children and young people congregate, and identify concerning behaviours that might indicate some form of abuse or exploitation is occurring
  • Environmental Health – in the course of their day-to-day work inspecting premises, officers can consider safeguarding issues they may come across, in licensed premises, hotels or people’s homes.

Any person responsible for, or working with, children or adults at risk in any capacity, whether paid or unpaid, has a duty of care towards them both legally and contractually and as a responsible moral citizen. This includes a duty to behave in a manner that does not threaten, harm, or put people at risk of harm from others.

All parts of the workforce have a responsibility to conduct themselves in their private lives in a manner that does not compromise their position in the workplace or call into question their suitability to work with children or adults at risk. This is explicit in the Wales Safeguarding Procedures (section 5)

The duty to report is a legal requirement and failure to report appropriately will be considered a serious matter.

It is not the responsibility of any one individual to determine whether or not abuse has taken place or if an individual is at risk of harm; however, they do have a responsibility to act if they have any concerns.

Protecting children and adults is not just the role of Councils, it requires effective multi agency working and the cooperation of the wider community and partner agencies, to develop and implement co-ordinated activity, using local evidence and information, appropriately shared. Councils have a unique local and community leadership and advocacy role, working alongside the community, police and other public bodies, to ensure that children, young people and adults remain safe in the places where they live and meet. Abuse should not be perceived as occurring solely in the family home. Risk and harm outside the family home also needs to be understood and responded to, to enable the creation of safe spaces for the people of Carmarthenshire.