Sawtooth Studios Ltd Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: July 2025
Next Review Date: July 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jacqueline Silver
Email Contact: safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk
Phone Contact: 07784 968 019 (no text function available)

For a copy of this policy in a different or accessible format e mail safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk

1. Introduction

Sawtooth Studios Ltd is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of all adults participating in our programmes. Although our classes are not targeted specifically at vulnerable adults, some participants may have care and support needs that place them at greater risk of abuse or neglect. We take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse.

This safeguarding policy outlines the responsibilities of Sawtooth Studios Ltd, its staff, and freelance contractors in identifying, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns. It reflects our legal obligations under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 and aligns with guidance from the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board.

2. Policy Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All freelance artists, educators, and facilitators engaged by Sawtooth Studios Ltd

  • Administrative and operational staff

  • Directors and board members

  • Any volunteers acting under the direction of the company

  • All programme participants, including those considered adults at risk

All team members and freelancers must:

  • Read and comply with this policy

  • Undertake regular safeguarding training

  • Sign the Annual Freelancer Safeguarding Declaration

  • Report concerns immediately to the DSL or relevant statutory services

3. Definitions

Adult at risk: A person aged 18+ who has care and support needs, and who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation. This includes people with learning disabilities, mental ill health, or physical impairments, and those experiencing coercive control, homelessness, substance misuse, or trauma.

Safeguarding: Protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse or neglect. This includes identifying risk, responding appropriately, and involving the adult in decisions that affect their wellbeing (Making Safeguarding Personal).

Abuse: Includes but is not limited to: physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, discriminatory, organisational abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and domestic abuse.

4. Our Commitment

Sawtooth Studios Ltd will:

  • Appoint and train a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Promote safe and inclusive working environments

  • Require all freelancers to hold valid safeguarding policies and public liability insurance

  • Provide clear processes for reporting concerns

  • Record and store safeguarding information securely

  • Cooperate fully with relevant safeguarding boards and statutory agencies

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jacqueline Silver
Email: safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk
Phone: 07784 968 019

Responsibilities:

  • Respond to safeguarding concerns and referrals

  • Liaise with external services (e.g. Norfolk Adult Social Services)

  • Maintain accurate safeguarding records

  • Review safeguarding practice annually

  • Ensure appropriate action is taken without delay

Freelancers and Staff Must:

  • Attend appropriate safeguarding training at least every 3 years

  • Know how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect

  • Follow this policy and reporting procedures

  • Create a safe and respectful learning environment

  • Treat all concerns seriously and maintain confidentiality

6. Mental Capacity and Consent

Adults have the right to make their own decisions unless there is evidence they lack capacity to do so. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides the framework for assessing capacity and making decisions in a person’s best interests. If a person lacks capacity or is under coercion, staff must report their concerns and take appropriate steps to protect the individual.

Consent should always be sought before sharing safeguarding information unless doing so would place the individual or others at risk.

7. Identifying Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

  • Direct disclosure

  • Observed behaviour (e.g. distress, fear, withdrawal)

  • Injuries or signs of neglect

  • Witness accounts

  • Online or verbal communication

Signs may be subtle. Staff should use professional judgement and always err on the side of caution.

8. Reporting Process

Concerns must be reported without delay using the following steps:

Step 1: Is there immediate danger?

  • If YES: Call 999 and ensure the person is safe. Then inform the DSL.

  • If NO: Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Record the concern

  • Use the Safeguarding Concern Recording Form (Appendix B)

  • Include time, date, location, observations, and who was present

Step 3: Report the concern

  • Email safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk or call 07784 968 019

  • Do not promise confidentiality

  • Only share information on a need-to-know basis

Step 4: DSL decision and action

  • DSL assesses the risk

  • Consults the adult where appropriate

  • Refers to Norfolk County Council Adult Social Services if required

Back-up reporting route: If the DSL is unavailable and there is a risk of delay:

  • Contact Norfolk County Council Adult Social Services directly

    • Phone: 0344 800 8020 (24/7)

    • Website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/42510/Report-a-concern---safeguarding

9. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns will be:

  • Logged by the DSL

  • Stored securely with restricted access

  • Retained for 6 years or in line with legal/statutory obligations

  • Used for monitoring trends and informing policy review

Records may be shared with external services as required by law.

10. Training Requirements

  • DSL must complete Safeguarding and Prevent training every two years

  • Freelancers must complete Level 1 or 2 Adult Safeguarding training at least every three years

  • Evidence of training must be submitted annually

  • Additional CPD is strongly encouraged

11. Safer Working Environment

All staff and freelancers must:

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times

  • Use inclusive, respectful language

  • Not share personal contact details with participants

  • Avoid private 1:1 situations without prior agreement

  • Report any breach or misconduct immediately

12. Prevent Duty and Online Safety

Although not a Prevent-specified provider, Sawtooth Studios Ltd recognises the risk of radicalisation and hate crime. Staff are expected to:

  • Promote inclusive values

  • Report any concerns linked to extremism, hate speech, or online harm

  • Uphold digital safety and appropriate conduct in all online interactions

13. Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs)

In line with Section 44 of the Care Act 2014, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board may commission a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) where:

  • An adult with care and support needs has died or suffered serious harm, AND

  • Abuse or neglect is known or suspected, AND

  • There is concern that agencies could have acted more effectively

Sawtooth Studios Ltd will fully cooperate by:

  • Providing all relevant information

  • Attending review meetings as required

  • Reflecting and acting on recommendations

More information: https://www.norfolksafeguardingadultsboard.info

14. Policy Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL or sooner if:

  • There is a safeguarding incident

  • There are legislative updates

  • Organisational structure or services change significantly

All freelancers must renew their Safeguarding Declaration annually.

15. Appendices

Appendix A: Freelancer Safeguarding Declaration

Freelancers are asked to confirm:

  • I have read and understood the Sawtooth Studios Safeguarding Policy

  • I have valid public liability insurance

  • I have completed adult safeguarding training within the past 3 years

  • I will report concerns using the process outlined in this policy

  • I will uphold a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or neglect

  • Enhanced DBS


Appendix B: Safeguarding Concern Recording

To be used by anyone witnessing or receiving a disclosure of abuse. Submit the completed form to safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk or hand it to the DSL in person.

The report should include the following fields:

  • Your name and contact details

  • Date, time and exact location of the incident or concern

  • Names and roles (if known) of individuals involved

  • Detailed description of the concern, including observed behaviours or statements made by the person disclosing

  • The person's exact words, where possible

  • Any immediate actions taken (e.g. who was informed, what steps were taken)

  • Signature and date

Records will be securely stored by the DSL and may be shared with statutory services if required.

For any concerns or questions about this policy, please contact safeguarding@sawtoothstudios.co.uk or call 07784 968 019.