Safeguarding

Statement of policy

KMC London is committed to organising and carrying out its activities in a way that safeguards and promotes the welfare of everyone who comes into contact with the Charity, particularly children and adults at risk. The Object of the Charity is to promote the Buddhist Faith, and a fundamental commitment of followers of the Buddhist Faith is not to harm others.

The policy applies to all Directors, managers, sponsored staff and volunteers of the Charity, and to all members of the residential community. All are required to accept and personally abide by the policy and procedures.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

All children and adults at risk have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity. A child is any person under 18. An adult at risk is any person aged 18 or over who needs community care services (by reason of mental health, disability, sensory impairment, age or illness) and who cannot take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or serious exploitation.

Raising a concern

Safeguarding concerns about a child or adult at risk should be raised with the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), or in their absence the Deputy DSO. If the concern implicates the DSO, raise it with the Deputy DSO; if it implicates both, contact the relevant local Adult’s or Children’s Social Care office.

Record a clear, precise, factual account of your observations on the same day. The DSO or Deputy will check the concern and decide whether to refer it to Social Care.

Current DSO and Deputy names, and Social Care contact details, are in the full policy held at the centre. For an urgent concern outside the centre, contact the police (999) or your local authority safeguarding team.