Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a term used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people — especially children, young people and vulnerable adults — to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.

Safeguarding children

Any child can be hurt, put at risk of harm or abused, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or religion. The UK government has enacted legislation and published guidance to protect children from maltreatment, prevent the impairment of children’s health or development, ensure children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and enable children and young people to have the best outcomes. Responsibility for these aims is deemed to lie with everyone who comes into contact with children and families.

Safeguarding adults

“Adult Safeguarding” is working with adults with care and support needs to keep them safe from abuse or neglect.  It is an important part of what many public services do, and a key responsibility of local authorities.

It is important if you or someone you know is being abused, that you tell someone so that they can help.

To report a concern, please go to https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/social-and-health-care/keeping-safe/raising-safeguarding-concern

Our Policies

We have child and adult safeguarding policies in place.

Further information on child safeguarding is available at www.oscb.org.uk, and information on adult safeguarding can be found at www.osab.co.uk.

If you are a child or young person and you are being abused or neglected, or if you are concerned about a child who may be experiencing abuse, please contact Oxfordshire County Council on one of the following numbers:

• Office hours (8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm, Friday): Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0345 050 766
• Outside office hours: Emergency Duty Team: 0800 833 408

Useful telephone numbers

In an emergency, ring 999

Berkshire West Local Authority—01635 42400

Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline—0800 731 0055

Childline—0800 1111

Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board —01865 815843

Oxfordshire Mental Health Information—0845 050 7666

Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre—0800 783 6294

Police Non-emergency Number—101

Victim Support Line—0808 168 9274

NSPCC helpline

You can also get advice and help from the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or get help via email on help@nspcc.org.uk.