All Mandem Meetup Team members including but not limited to staff (including those employed on a temporary or casual basis, contractors and associates), volunteers and trustees have a responsibility to read and comply with this policy and to ensure they understand their responsibility towards the safeguarding and protection of adult men at risk of harm.
All Mandem Meetup Team members that intend to, or may be put in the position of, working with adult men at risk of harm should ensure that they understand the implications of this policy before commencing any service delivery, event, or other activity.
While it is impossible to ensure that a child, young person or adult at risk of harm would never come to any harm, the adoption of this policy and associated guidance aims to facilitate the management of the risk associated with the duty to protect such individuals.
Mandem Meetup recognises its statutory and moral responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people who engage with its services directly or indirectly.
Although Mandem Meetup’s core offer is adult-focused, the organisation:
- Delivers youth programmes,
- Works in schools, community spaces and prisons, and
- May receive disclosures about children from adult service users.
Mandem Meetup is committed to ensuring that:
- The welfare of the child is paramount
- All children are listened to, respected and believed
- Safeguarding concerns are acted upon immediately and appropriately
1. Purpose and Aim of the Policy
Mandem Meetup aims to ensure that it maintains the highest possible standards to meet its social, moral and legal responsibilities to protect and safeguard the welfare of any children, young people and adults at risk of harm, who are directly or indirectly in contact with Mandem Meetup.
The purpose of this policy is to define detailed guidelines and instructions that support our commitment to protecting vulnerable people. This policy states what Mandem Meetup will do to keep vulnerable people safe and respond to any concerns.
Mandem Meetup provides safe and confidential spaces for men to talk, free from advice and judgement.
Mandem Meetup regards the meetups as the only recognised space for members to support each other; Mandem Meetup does not offer any 1:1 support at any time.
Due to the nature of the charity’s work, it is to be expected that vulnerable children and adults will come into contact with the service from time to time. It is therefore essential that a clear set of guidelines are in place to safeguard members, volunteers and staff when dealing with vulnerable children and adults before, during and after a Meetup.
2. Review Frequency
This policy should be reviewed every 24 months by the Board of Trustees.
3. Individuals Responsible
Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has responsibility for supporting the implementation of this policy and escalating any issues, supporting staff and volunteers with safeguarding concerns, and reviewing and reporting safeguarding concerns to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is available for consultation and advice regarding all safeguarding matters and is the point of contact for any staff member, volunteer or trustee who has a safeguarding concern.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jamie Dennis. jamie@mandemmeetup.org
Executive Safeguarding Lead
The Executive Safeguarding Lead (ESL) has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented across the organisation effectively.
Executive Safeguarding Lead: Jamie Dennis - jamie@mandemmeetup.org
Trustee Safeguarding Lead
The Trustee Safeguarding Lead has responsibility for supporting the Board of Trustees to ensure safeguarding is managed in accordance with relevant legislation.
Trustee Safeguarding Lead: Billie Andrews - billieandrews@icloud.com
4. Definitions
Safeguarding:
“Safeguarding is the action taken to protect an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, as set out in the Care Act 2014, and to promote wellbeing, dignity and autonomy.”
“Safeguarding children means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
- Ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes”
Vulnerable Adult: Person over 18 who may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or exploitation in line with the Care Act 2014.
Children & Young People: A child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18, in line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
5. Safe Practice
When delivering services involving children or young people, Mandem Meetup will ensure:
Physical contact is avoided unless:
6. Types of Abuse
It is everyone's responsibility to look out for Abuse within Mandem Meetup. Abuse can be defined as any behaviour towards a person that deliberately or unknowingly causes them harm or endangers their life or violates their rights.
Physical
Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, inappropriate use of restraint, burning/scalding, cutting/wounding.
Sexual
Including any sexual acts to which the person at risk has not consented or is not able to consent to or is undertaken in the context of exploitative relationships e.g. Child Sexual Exploitation, forced marriage, inappropriate access to images (whether moving or still) depicting acts from the span of sexual behaviour).
Psychological/Emotional
Being repeatedly made to feel unhappy, humiliated, afraid or devalued by others, threats of harm or abandonment, isolation or withdrawal from support networks, withdrawal of affection, love and care and supporting a child’s proper emotional development.
Financial or material
Stealing from or denying access to money or possessions, fraud, exploitation, coercion into lending money, misuse or misappropriation of property.
Neglect and acts of omission
Ignoring medical or physical care needs, access to social care or education, withholding the necessities of life, medication, nutrition, food and heating.
Discriminatory abuse
Usually motivated by discriminatory and oppressive attitudes towards race, gender, culture background, religion, physical and/ or sensory impairment, sexual orientation and age.
Domestic violence
All forms of abuse can be experienced in a family setting by a partner, family member, or with someone with whom there is a relationship.
Institutional abuse
Mistreatment of people brought about by poor or inadequate care or support, or systematic poor practice that affects the whole care setting. It occurs when the individual’s wishes and needs are sacrificed for the smooth running of a group, service or organisation i.e. in supported/sheltered accommodation.
Organisational abuse
Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
Modern slavery
Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
A form of sexual abuse in which a child or young person is manipulated, coerced or deceived into sexual activity in exchange for something they need or want, or for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator. This can include abuse through technology, online platforms and social media, and may occur even if the child does not recognise it as abuse.
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), including County Lines
Where a child or young person is exploited, coerced or controlled into committing criminal activity such as drug distribution, theft or violence. County lines refers to organised criminal networks that use children to transport drugs or money across areas. Children may be groomed through violence, intimidation, debt bondage or perceived friendship and are often at significant risk of harm.
Radicalisation and Extremism
The process by which a child or young person is influenced or groomed to support extremist ideologies, causes or groups. This may involve exposure to extremist views online or in person and can lead to the encouragement of hatred, violence or criminal behaviour. Radicalisation can occur regardless of background and is considered a safeguarding concern.
Online Abuse and Grooming
The use of digital platforms, social media, gaming or messaging services to exploit, manipulate or harm a child or young person. This can include grooming for sexual exploitation, coercion, bullying, harassment, exposure to inappropriate content or encouragement of harmful behaviours. Online abuse may be carried out by peers or adults and often occurs alongside other forms of abuse.
Neglect and Emotional Abuse (Children and Young People)
Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs, which may result in serious impairment of their health, development or wellbeing. Emotional abuse includes consistently making a child feel worthless, unloved or unsafe, exposing them to frightening or inappropriate experiences, or failing to provide appropriate emotional support, boundaries and care.
7. Safe Recruitment and Supervision
All trustees, staff, lead facilitators and volunteers in direct contact with vulnerable adults, children or young people will complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check or an Update Service check and receive relevant safeguarding training prior to delivery.
8. Training & Support
Mandem Meetup provides support and training on safeguarding to all team members. Team members can seek support and guidance from their line manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Safeguarding training is mandatory for all team members and requires regular updating.
All facilitators will undergo a period of shadowing and supporting a Meetup under close supervision before taking up the position of lead facilitator.
All lead facilitators are given free access to clinical supervision on a quarterly basis run by a professional psychotherapist.
9. Procedure for Handling Disclosures Revealed by DBS Checks
All DBS checks are handled by the support team and processed by professional DBS 3rd party partner.
Mandem Meetup will not automatically bar applicants from a position within the charity because of a criminal record (In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). The charity keeps an open mind and considers the nature of the crime, circumstances and role before making any decision.
The safeguard officer will be informed of any disclosures that directly impacts the individual's ability to carry out the role within the charity.
If necessary, any discussion about the disclosure will be carried out through open and measured discussion relating solely to the subject of any offence that might be relevant to the position.
If the applicant disputes the information contained within the DBS Check, then the matter can be resolved before making the decision to confirm the provisional offer. The applicant should contact the DBS Disputes Department immediately upon receipt to resolve such matters.
If the support team picks up any unspent conviction as requested during the DBS process. Should the individual question have failed to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position then the Mandem Meetup may withdraw the offer of position with immediate effect.
10. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Mandem Meetup expects all team members to maintain confidentiality at all times in line with the Confidentiality Policy.
Information may be shared with relevant authorities if an adult or child is deemed at immediate risk of harm. Sharing the right information, at the right time, with the right people can make all the difference to preventing harm.
11.1 Six Principles of Adult Safeguarding
Every situation is unique, Mandem Meetup where possible will strive to ensure all safeguarding concerns are handled using the 6 principles set out by the care act that underpin the safeguarding of adults.
Empowerment
People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent. “I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process and this directly inform what happens.”
Prevention
It is better to take action before harm occurs. “I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is. I know how to recognise the signs, and I know what I can do to seek help.”
Proportionality
The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. “I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest and they will only get involved as much as is necessary.”
Protection
Support and representation for those in greatest need. “I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I am able to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want.”
Partnership
Services offer local solutions through working closely with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse. “I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me.”
Accountability
Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. “I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.”
11.2 Core Principles of Child Safeguarding
Mandem Meetup’s safeguarding practice is guided by the principles that the welfare of the child is paramount; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; children are listened to and believed; action is taken early and proportionately; information is shared appropriately; and safeguarding is best achieved through partnership working.
1. The Child’s Welfare Is Paramount
The safety and wellbeing of the child must always come first. All decisions and actions must prioritise the child’s best interests above organisational, professional or personal considerations.
2. Early Help and Prevention
Safeguarding is most effective when concerns are identified and addressed early. Providing timely support can prevent escalation and reduce the risk of harm.
3. Listening to the Child
Children and young people must be listened to, taken seriously and believed. Their views, feelings and experiences should inform decision-making wherever possible.
4. Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
All staff, volunteers, trustees and partners have a duty to identify concerns, share information appropriately and take action to protect children.
5. Proportionate and Timely Action
Responses to safeguarding concerns should be appropriate to the level of risk and taken without delay. Doing nothing is never an option if a child may be at risk.
6. Partnership Working
Safeguarding children requires effective collaboration between organisations, professionals, families and communities. No single agency can safeguard children alone.
7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Information should be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection law. However, concerns about a child’s safety must always override confidentiality where there is risk of harm.
8. Accountability and Transparency
Organisations must have clear safeguarding structures, named leads and robust procedures. Staff should understand their role and feel confident to raise concerns or challenge poor practice.
12. What to Do if You Have a Safeguarding Concern
Concerns for the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk of harm could arise in a variety of ways and in a range of different settings. For example, an individual may report or display signs of abuse; someone may hint that a child is at risk or that a colleague is an abuser; an individual may witness or hear about abuse of an adult in another organisation. It is essential to act quickly and professionally in all cases of suspected abuse.
Services which are delivered to adults only may still present situations of safeguarding relating to a young person or child, for example, an adult may disclose information relating to a child.
Any allegation by a child, young person or adult at risk of harm against a member of staff, volunteer or trustee of Mandem Meetup should be reported immediately to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Lead or if this is not possible then the Trustee Safeguarding Lead should be informed.
In dealing with any such allegation Mandem Meetup has a duty of care both to the child, young person or adult at risk of harm and to the team member against whom the allegation is made.
Responding to a Safeguarding Disclosure From a Child or Young Person
Where concerns relate to a child or young person, safeguarding procedures will follow local children’s safeguarding partnership guidance, and referrals will be made to Children’s Social Care.
If a child or young person discloses abuse or harm:
Facilitators must:
- Stay calm and listen
- Reassure the child they have done the right thing
- Not promise confidentiality
- Avoid leading questions
- Record the disclosure factually and promptly
The concern must be:
- Reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately
- Referred to Children’s Social Care or the Police if there is immediate risk
13. Raising a Safeguarding Concern
Where concerns relate to a child or young person, safeguarding procedures will follow local children’s safeguarding partnership guidance, and referrals will be made to Children’s Social Care.
Gather information
● Determine adults wishes and preferred outcome
o (If required) Determine the adults mental capacity to make an informed decision
● Determine if a crime has occurred (If so, does it need to be reported?
o (dial 101 unless there is an immediate risk, in which case dial 999)
● Preserve forensic evidence (if any).
● Raise concern with safeguard officer within 24hrs
● Concern is documented electronically on a secure online portal within 24hrs
● If level of concern warrants external intervention (Safeguard Officer will inform local adult Safeguarding Board – See Point 14)
● Provide support or feedback for the person identifying the safeguarding concern.
14. Local Safeguarding Boards
Mandem Meetup operates a national service, for the purpose of this policy where a concern is needed to be raised within this context, Mandem Meetup will consult the relevant local safeguarding board.
It is noted that the charity also offers more localised support and in this case the relevant local safeguarding boards are listed below:
Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board
Telephone: 0121 303 1234
Email: ACAP@birmingham.gov.uk
Website: https://www.bsab.org
Manchester Safeguarding Board
Telephone: 0161 234 5001
Email: mcsreply@manchester.gov.uk
Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB)
Telephone: 0161 770 7777
Email: adult.mash@oldham.gov.uk
Website: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200367/adult_safeguarding
Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board
Telephone: 0121 569 2266
Email: safeguarding_adults@sandwell.gov.uk
Website: https://sandwellsab.org.uk
Salford Adult Safeguarding Board
Telephone: 0161 212 6176
Email: SSAB@salford.gov.uk
Unity House, Salford Civic Centre, Swinton, Manchester M27 5AW
Tameside Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board (TASPB)
Telephone: 0161 922 4888
Email:AdultsSafeguardingHub@tameside.gov.uk
Website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/adultabuse
Walsall Safeguarding Adults Board
Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Email: safeguardingadults@walsall.gov.uk
Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsallsafeguardingpartnership
Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adults Board
Telephone: 01902 550 477
Email: WST@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Website: https://www.wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk
Local Children’s Safeguarding Partnerships
Mandem Meetup recognises its responsibility to safeguard children and young people in line with the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Mandem Meetup operates a national service; where a safeguarding concern relating to a child or young person is identified, the organisation will contact the relevant local Children’s Social Care service or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Where Mandem Meetup delivers more localised services, the relevant children’s safeguarding partnerships are listed below.
Birmingham Children’s Safeguarding Partnership
(Birmingham Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 0121 303 1888
Email: mash@birmingham.gov.uk
Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/children
Manchester Children’s Safeguarding Partnership
(Manchester Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 0161 234 5001
Email: contact.manchester@manchester.gov.uk
Website: https://www.manchestersafeguardingpartnership.co.uk
Oldham Children’s Safeguarding Partnership
(Oldham MASH)
Telephone: 0161 770 7777
Email: mash@oldham.gov.uk
Website: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/children
Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership
(Sandwell Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 0121 569 3100
Email: mash_children@sandwell.gov.uk
Website: https://www.sandwellsafeguardingpartnership.org.uk
Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership
(Salford Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 0161 603 4500
Email: worriedaboutachild@salford.gov.uk
Website: https://www.partnersinsalford.org/sscp
Tameside Safeguarding Children Partnership
(Tameside Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 0161 342 4101
Email: childrensservices@tameside.gov.uk
Website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/safeguardingchildren
Walsall Safeguarding Children Partnership
(Walsall Children’s Services / MASH)
Telephone: 0300 555 2866
Email: mash@walsall.gov.uk
Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/safeguardingchildren
Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Partnership
(Wolverhampton Children’s Social Care / MASH)
Telephone: 01902 555 392
Email: mash@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Website: https://www.wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk
Emergency Situations
If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, Mandem Meetup staff must contact the Police by dialling 999.
Version – 4.0
Reviewed and updated by Jamie Dennis, 12.1.26
Trustee Review due by Jan 2028
