Safeguarding Policy.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors and partner organisations working with or on behalf of South Asian Heritage Trust. It covers all activities, events and programmes delivered by or in association with the Trust, including those where vulnerable individuals — including children, young people and adults at risk — may be present.

While SAHT does not work directly or exclusively with vulnerable groups, we recognise that our events and community-facing programmes are open to the public and that individuals who are vulnerable may attend. This policy ensures we are prepared to act appropriately in all circumstances.

The Chief Officer is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for South Asian Heritage Trust. The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and managing all safeguarding concerns and referrals
• Ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to concerns
• Liaising with statutory agencies including the police and social services where required
• Maintaining records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken
• Ensuring this policy is reviewed regularly and kept up to date
• Promoting a safeguarding culture across the Trust

South Asian Heritage Trust is committed to ensuring that all trustees, staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.

• Safeguarding training is offered to all volunteers and staff as part of their induction
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead maintains up to date training in safeguarding practice
• Trustees receive safeguarding awareness as part of their governance responsibilities
• Refresher training is offered regularly and when this policy is updated

A safeguarding concern may arise in a number of ways, including through direct disclosure, observation of behaviour or physical signs, or through information shared by a third party. Anyone associated with the Trust who has a safeguarding concern should not investigate it themselves, but should report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead promptly.

Safeguarding concerns may relate to:

• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation or coercion
• Radicalisation or extremism
• Any other situation in which a person's safety or wellbeing may be at risk

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. Reports should include as much detail as possible, including dates, times, what was observed or disclosed, and the names of those involved.

Where there is an immediate risk to a person's safety, the appropriate emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 999. The Designated Safeguarding Lead should then be informed as soon as practicable.

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures and actions taken will be recorded confidentially and retained securely in accordance with our Data Protection and GDPR policy.

South Asian Heritage Trust is committed to safer recruitment practices. Where a role involves working closely with children or vulnerable adults, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required prior to the commencement of that role. References will be sought for all paid appointments.

Where SAHT works with partner organisations to deliver events or programmes, we expect all partners to have in place appropriate safeguarding policies of their own and to adhere to the standards set out in this policy. Partner organisations will be made aware of this policy as part of any formal collaboration agreement.

All safeguarding matters will be handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with our Data Protection policy and applicable law. Confidentiality does not mean secrecy — the safety and wellbeing of the individual will always take precedence.