Safeguarding everyone involved in the City of Sanctuary movement is essential, most especially volunteers and people seeking sanctuary who may be particularly vulnerable or at risk of exploitation because of their insecure immigration status and fear of detention and deportation. We advise that you take expert advice on safeguarding matters as appropriate to your context. See below for organisations that can support you with this.
As a minimum we recommend the following:
- All groups to have a safeguarding policy in place (see guidance below) which suits the type of activities/services you deliver (and takes into consideration anyone involved or who may come into contact with the group).
- Ensure the policy explains why some volunteers and people seeking sanctuary might be particularly vulnerable.
- Appoint a safeguarding lead and deputy who have received training in safeguarding/protection of vulnerable adults (leads should have a minimum of a basic DBS check and two references).
- Explain the policy to all volunteers and ensure they know that any concerns will be dealt with in accordance with the policy.
- Explain the policy to people seeking sanctuary involved in CoS activities and services and ensure they know and feel confident that any concerns will be dealt with in accordance with the policy.
- All volunteers and people seeking sanctuary involved in group activities should know who the safeguarding leads are and have their contact details. (A business card with a safeguarding lead contact which is given to everyone is a useful idea). The name and contact details of the safeguarding lead should also be displayed on your website so that is it is available to members of the public.
- The management committee/steering group/trustee board etc should all be aware of the policy and their responsibilities.
Within City of Sanctuary, we acknowledge that many people we welcome have experienced significant adversity and displacement – both in their countries of origin, during their journey to safety, and while navigating a complex asylum system.
People seeking sanctuary may be building new social connections, adapting to UK customs, or developing their English language skills. These circumstances can create situations where individuals may be more vulnerable to exploitation or may find it challenging to assert their boundaries.
This is why it is particularly important to create accessible safeguarding information and establish trusted relationships to ensure everyone understands their rights, recognises concerning situations, and are able connect with groups safeguarding leads if something doesn’t feel right.
Policy Guidance
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section and any policies provided here are intended for guidance only. They are not a substitute for professional advice and we cannot accept any responsibility for loss occasioned as a result of any person acting or refraining from acting upon it. City of Sanctuary affiliated groups must make sure their policy is relevant for their specific content.
All City of Sanctuary groups must have a Safeguarding policy with a named lead whose contact details have been provided to City of Sanctuary UK and are clearly visible on any group website.
Examples
Whilst we are happy to share examples from other groups, it is essential that all groups ensure their policy is relevant to their own contexts and activities. Please contact the above organisations or your local Voluntary Action organisation / service for this.
Safeguarding policy – example 1
Safeguarding policy – example 2
City of Sanctuary Safeguarding Policy
Seek Advice
Find Your Nearest Safeguarding Adults Board – Ann Craft Trust
Safeguarding Children Partnership/Board Links England
DBS Guidance
Video: Presentation and Q&A Session on Safeguarding and DBS Checks, 20 October 2020
List of Regional Safeguarding Outreach Officers and further government advice can be found on the DBS website.