Safeguarding Policy

ACHFN states that safeguarding is a collective responsibility rooted in justice, dignity, and mutual care for children, elders, and vulnerable adults.

The policy is explicitly framed through a decolonial lens, aiming to challenge power imbalances, centre the knowledge of the communities served, and recognise cultural, spiritual, and community-based practices of safety and healing.

The source document highlights a safeguarding model built around relationships, ongoing consent, cultural humility, and historical awareness.

ACHFN recognises the forms of harm already covered by UK law and also names additional harms that can be overlooked in mainstream practice.

Trustees hold legal responsibility, the Designated Safeguarding Lead manages day-to-day safeguarding, and all staff and volunteers are expected to complete training that includes decolonial and anti-racist practice.

Preventative commitments include safer recruitment, values-based interviews, community covenants, co-designed programmes, and transparent discussion of organisational power.

The document says ACHFN will listen and believe disclosures, prioritise safety and agency, record concerns accurately, collaborate with relevant support networks where appropriate, and refer to statutory services when legally required.

It also commits to culturally competent survivor support, whistleblowing protections, and annual review led with community participation.