The Hawth has a duty of care to safeguard from harm everyone with whom it interacts. This is a responsibility our teams take extremely seriously.
We demonstrate this by:
• Recognising that everyone has the right to freedom from abuse and harm;
• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead who takes responsibility for everyone's protection, safety and well-being;
• Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and vetted, possess the relevant qualifications and experience and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care;
• Responding quickly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse;
• Providing parents/carers, children/young people with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have in a safe and supportive environment;
• Reviewing the effectiveness of our Protection Policy and Procedures;
• Working with external agencies to ensure, as far as is possible, that children/young people are protected;
• Not tolerating bullying. Incidents of bullying will be investigated and treated seriously. Action will be taken to stop the bullying;
• Monitoring Social Media usage ensuring all content is shared in line with Parkwood's Social Media Policy.
Our policy details the legal requirements, organisational procedures and best practice as applicable to all staff.
Policy updated 24 April 2026