Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment that prioritises our legal and moral obligations to safeguard adults with care and support needs. This policy is for all those who are working on our behalf.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is defined as protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult's wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear, or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.
According to the Care Act 2014, adult safeguarding is for people over 18 who: 1. have needs for care and support (whether those needs are being met), and 2. are experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and 3. as a result of those needs are unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect, or the risk of it. Care and support needs are defined as the mixture of practical, financial, and emotional support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent including older people, people with a disability or long-term illness, people with mental health problems, and carers. In short, safeguarding is for people who, because of issues such as dementia, learning disabilities, mental ill-health, or substance abuse, have care and support needs that may make them more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. This will apply to some guests at Tabula Rasa, but not all.
What is abuse and neglect? Abuse and neglect can take many forms and the circumstances of the individual case should always be considered. Abuse and neglect may be by omission or commission e.g., inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. We recognise that people can be abused in a family, institution or community setting by those known to them or by a stranger.
There are ten types of abuse and neglect:
1. Sexual abuse for example, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, sexual teasing, sexual photography. Signs of sexual abuse may include bruising, difficulty in walking or sitting, changes in sexual behaviour or attitude, self-harming, fear of relationships, a reluctance to be alone with a particular person.
2. Physical abuse e.g., being hit, slapped, burned, or restrained, being denied food or water, misuse of medications (such as over-sedation). Signs of physical abuse may include physical evidence such as bruising, cuts or broken bones, frequent unexplained injuries, signs of malnutrition, failure to seek appropriate medical treatment.
3. Psychological or emotional abuse e.g., threats to hurt or abandon, verbal abuse, humiliating, blaming, controlling intimidating or harassing behaviour, enforced social isolation, preventing someone from meeting their religious or cultural needs, cyberbullying. Signs of psychological abuse may include withdrawal or a change in a person's psychological state, low self-esteem, uncooperative or aggressive behaviour, a change of appetite or weight, signs of distress such as tearfulness or anger.
4. Financial or material abuse e.g., theft of money or possessions, fraud, preventing a person from accessing their own money, benefits or assets, undue pressure put on a person in relation to loans, wills, property, inheritance, or financial transactions. Signs of financial abuse may include missing personal possessions, unexplained lack of money, rent arrears and eviction notices.
5. Domestic violence or abuse Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse by someone who is, or has been, an intimate partner or family member. Domestic abuse can take the form of any of the types of abuse relating to sexual, physical, psychological, and financial abuse. Signs of domestic abuse may include low self-esteem, physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts or broken bones, verbal abuse, and humiliation in front of others, isolation.
6. Discriminatory abuse Discriminatory abuse is unequal treatment based on one of the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation. It can take the form of verbal abuse, harassment, or deliberate exclusion based on a protected characteristic or substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic. Signs of discriminatory abuse may include withdrawal, isolation, expressions of anger, frustration, fear, or anxiety.
7. Neglect or acts of omission e.g., failure to provide food, shelter, clothing or heating, failure to administer medication as prescribed, ignoring or isolating the person, preventing a person from making their own decisions. Signs of neglect may include poor physical condition or personal hygiene, malnutrition, untreated injuries or medical issues, uncharacteristic failure to engage socially.
8. Modern slavery e.g., human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, debt bondage. Signs of modern slavery may include signs of physical or emotional abuse, isolation from the community, always wearing the same clothes, avoidance
of eye contact or fear of strangers.
9. Organisational or institutional abuse e.g., authoritarian management or rigid regimes, insufficient staff leading to inadequate quality care, run-down or overcrowded establishment, failure to manage other residents with abusive behaviour, not offering choice or promoting independence, failure to respond to complaints. Signs of organisational abuse may include inadequate staffing levels, poor standards of care.
10. Self-neglect e.g., lack of self-care to the extent that it threatens personal health and safety, neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health or surroundings, inability to avoid self-harm, failure to seek help to meet health and social care needs. Signs of self-neglect may include poor personal hygiene, lack of essential food, clothing or shelter, malnutrition.
Reporting a safeguarding concern
It is every volunteer's and employees' responsibility to report any safeguarding concerns, whether these are suspected or have been disclosed by the individual.
The responsibility of anyone who suspects there are safeguarding concerns is to report ONLY, never to investigate.
Investigating safeguarding concerns is the responsibility of the Swindon Adult Safeguarding Team at Swindon Borough Council.
All safeguarding concerns should be reported to Dylan Curtis who is the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). He will raise the concern with the Swindon Adult Safeguarding Team. If you are unable to report to the DSO for any reason, you can raise your concerns with the Chair of Trustees. The DSO will keep a log of all reported safeguarding concerns.
Confidentiality
All safeguarding disclosures must be dealt with confidentially. This means that you should not discuss them with anyone except those within the organisation who need to know i.e., the Service Coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Officer, However, keeping a disclosure confidential does NOT mean that you cannot share the disclosure within the organisation. Individual employees or volunteers must report concerns to the DSO. You may also share information to the emergency services if there is an emergency or life-threatening situation.
In summary, Safeguarding is the responsibility of EVERYONE, no matter your role in our organisation.
We may be the first or only organisation that our guests contact after a case of abuse or neglect. Always report any concerns that are suspected or disclosed as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Remember: your responsibility is to report ONLY, not to investigate and not to give advice. All relevant concerns will be referred to the Swindon Safeguarding Team and/or the police.
I have read the Safeguarding Policy and I agree I will follow the procedure as described.
Name: Dylan CURTIS
Date: 15/4/24-
Countersigned by the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Dylan Curtis
Safeguarding-policy updated April 2024-
Review date April 2025
Health and Safety Policy
1. Introduction
At Tabula Rasa Food Kitchen, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, and visitors. This policy outlines our approach to health and safety, ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and workplace safety standards.
2. Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities:
Ensure compliance with local and national health and safety laws.
Provide necessary training to all staff on food safety and workplace hazards.
Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen, dining, and storage area.
Regularly inspect equipment, fire safety systems, and first aid supplies.
Implement and review risk assessments periodically.
Employee Responsibilities:
Follow all hygiene and food safety procedures.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and hairnets.
Report any safety hazards or maintenance issues to management.
Use equipment safely and according to instructions.
Maintain personal hygiene and adhere to illness reporting protocols.
3. Food Safety and Hygiene
Follow Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
Ensure proper handwashing and sanitization of surfaces.
Store food at safe temperatures to prevent contamination.
Prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Dispose of waste safely and hygienically.
4. Fire Safety
Keep fire exits clear at all times.
Ensure all staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures.
Regularly check and maintain fire extinguishers and alarms.
5. First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Maintain a fully stocked first aid kit on-site.
Have at least one trained first aider available at all times.
Record all accidents and injuries in an incident logbook.
Establish clear emergency evacuation procedures.
6. COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Prevention
Encourage frequent handwashing and sanitization.
Ensure sick employees do not report to work.
Follow health authority guidelines on food handling during outbreaks.
7. Inspections and Compliance
Conduct routine health and safety audits.
Ensure compliance with health department regulations.
Keep records of all inspections, training, and safety updates.
8. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure continuous improvement in health and safety standards.
Signed: Dylan Curtis
Tabula Rasa Food Kitchen
Date: 15/4/24
Selection Criteria
At Tabula Rasa Homeless Food Kitchen, our mission is to provide nutritious meals to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. To ensure fairness, efficiency, and maximum impact, we follow clear selection criteria for meal recipients and program participants.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Individuals must meet at least one of the following criteria to receive assistance:
Experiencing homelessness (unsheltered, in temporary shelters, or transitional housing).
At risk of homelessness due to financial hardship or unstable housing.
Low-income individuals or families struggling with food insecurity.
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, or individuals facing medical or mental health challenges.
2. Verification Process
To maintain fairness, we may request one or more of the following (if available):
Referral from a recognized shelter, social service organization, or community group.
Personal identification (not mandatory, but helpful for tracking support needs).
Self-declaration of need (for those unable to provide documentation).
3. Priority Groups
While we aim to serve all in need, priority is given to
Elderly individuals (60+)
Veterans experiencing homelessness
Known individuals experiencing homelessness
4. Code of Conduct for Participants
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, participants must:
Treat staff, volunteers, and other guests with respect.
Follow health and safety guidelines.
Avoid disruptive behavior, including violence, discrimination, or substance abuse on the premises.
5. Service Limitations
Meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
No one will be denied food based on race, gender, religion, or background.
We may limit portions to ensure fair distribution.
6. Referral to Additional Services
Whenever possible, we connect participants with:
Shelter programs
Job training and employment services
Mental health and substance abuse support
Data Protection Policy
Introduction
At Tabula Rasa Food Kitchen, we are committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and share your information. We want you to know that we take your privacy seriously.
Information We Collect
We collect information about you when you use our services, such as when you:
* Visit our ki
* Contact us
The information we collect may include your name, email address, phone number, and
How We Use Your Information
We use your information
* Send you marketing communications
* Improve our website and services
We will never sell your information to third parties.
How We Share Your Information
We may share your information with third parties who help us provide our services, such as delivery companies and payment processors. We will only share your information with third parties who have agreed to protect your privacy.
We may also share your information if we are required to do so by law.
Your Choices
You have the right to:
* Access your information
* Correct your information
* Delete your information
You can also choose to unsubscribe from our marketing communications.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post any changes on our website.
Effective Date
This policy is effective as of 12/4/24
Definitions
* "Personal information" means any information that can be used to identify you, such as your name, email address, phone number, and address.
* "Third party" means any company or person that is not Tabula Rasa Food Kitchen.
We hope this policy helps you understand how we protect your privacy. We are committed to being transparent about our data practices. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.