Keeping People Safe
At Lakota Hub C.I.C., safeguarding is at the heart of what we do.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk who access our services. We aim to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, listened to and able to thrive. 

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Our staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding information and training so they understand how to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and report them without delay. 

What Does Safeguarding Mean?
Safeguarding means taking steps to protect children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
This can include physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, financial or material abuse, forced marriage and other situations that may place someone at risk. Concerns can arise in person, at home, in the community or online

At Lakota, we place the welfare and wellbeing of the individual at the centre of our safeguarding practice.

Our Approach
Everyone working for or on behalf of Lakota Hub C.I.C. is expected to understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
We follow five important steps:
 

1. Recognition

2. Response

3. Reporting

4. Recording

5. Referral

Staff and volunteers are expected to recognise possible concerns, listen carefully, respond appropriately and report concerns promptly. They should never investigate suspected abuse themselves. 

Where necessary, our safeguarding leads will seek advice or make a referral to the appropriate service. This may include Children's Social Care, Adult Social Care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Police or another safeguarding service. 

If Someone Tells Us Something Is Wrong
If someone makes a disclosure or tells us about a safeguarding concern, we will listen carefully and take them seriously.

We will not promise to keep the information secret because it may need to be shared with people who can help keep them safe.
The concern will be recorded accurately and passed promptly to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

Safeguarding information is handled sensitively and securely. Information is only shared where there is an appropriate safeguarding or legal reason to do so. 

Our Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Paul Marriner
Director & Safeguarding Lead
Telephone: 001642 378245
Email: paul@lakota.org.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Joanne Horner
Director
Telephone: 01642 378245
Email: joanne@lakota.org.uk 

If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 999