HOTEL SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Policy title: Hotel School Safeguarding

Policy Reviewed: Annually

Last review: June 2024

Download the Safeguarding Policy (pdf)

Our Mission

Hotel School provides a dynamic 10-week programme that combines theory, hands-on experience, and industry visits to empower individuals who have experienced homelessness and other disadvantages to succeed in the hospitality industry. As an organisation supporting vulnerable adults, safeguarding is central to our work. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone involved in our programme, and this safeguarding policy is an integral part of that commitment.

Purpose of the Policy

Hotel School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals, including those who have experienced homelessness and other disadvantages. We believe that everyone has the right to be safe and protected from harm, and as an organisation that works with individuals facing challenging circumstances, we take our responsibility seriously. This policy sets out how Hotel School ensures a safe environment for all students, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders, and complies with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Care Act 2014, and guidance from the Charity Commission.

Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE)

Hotel School operates within the framework of a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE), which acknowledges the impact of trauma and homelessness on individuals. PIE is designed to create a safe, supportive space that considers the emotional and psychological needs of participants, many of whom have faced adversity. Our safeguarding processes are embedded within this approach, recognising the importance of building trust, promoting safety, and responding sensitively to students’ and graduates' psychological well-being. Staff are trained to understand how past trauma may influence behaviours and responses, and safeguarding interventions are tailored to be compassionate, trauma-informed, and empowering for the individual.

Definitions

·       Safeguarding: Protecting an individual’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

·       Abuse: Any form of mistreatment that results in harm or exploitation. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or discriminatory abuse, as well as neglect.

·       Vulnerable Adults: At Hotel School, this refers to adults aged 18 or over who may be at risk due to their previous experiences of homelessness, disadvantage, or other challenges, and who are participating in our programmes.

Scope of the Policy

This safeguarding policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trustees, and participants at Hotel School. It is designed to protect our students, many of whom may have faced significant adversity in their lives. The policy covers the full range of Hotel School’s activities, including our 10-week hospitality training programme, industry visits, mentoring, and any other support services offered.

Roles and Responsibilities

·       Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Hotel School has an appointed a DSL who is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, ensuring that any concerns are appropriately addressed, and reporting to the relevant authorities.

·       Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are required to undertake safeguarding training, understand their responsibilities, and report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL.

·       Trustees: The trustees have overall accountability for ensuring that Hotel School complies with safeguarding legislation and that appropriate systems are in place to protect vulnerable individuals.

Recognising Abuse

Given the nature of our work, staff and volunteers at Hotel School must be aware of the different forms of abuse and neglect that our participants may be vulnerable to, including:

·       Emotional or psychological abuse: Many of our students have experienced significant emotional trauma, and it is vital to recognise signs of ongoing psychological distress.

·       Financial abuse: Students may be at risk of exploitation or manipulation, especially if they have previously been homeless or financially disadvantaged.

·       Neglect: This includes failing to meet an individual’s basic needs, whether in terms of physical care or emotional support.

·       Discriminatory abuse: Many participants may face discrimination based on their socioeconomic background, mental health, or other characteristics.

Reporting Procedures

At Hotel School, safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and we are committed to a person-centred approach that prioritises the well-being of the individual at risk. If a safeguarding concern arises, the following steps must be taken to ensure that the individual receives immediate protection and long-term support:

 Immediate Safety

·       The safety of the individual is paramount. If there is immediate danger or the individual is at risk of significant harm, take the following actions:

·       Ensure the individual’s safety by removing them from the source of harm if possible.

·       Call emergency services (999) if necessary, especially if there is immediate physical danger or a crime has been committed.

·       Provide emotional support and reassurance to the individual, ensuring they feel safe and understood while respecting their dignity and privacy.

Report to Line Manager/Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

·       Once immediate safety is secured, it is essential to follow the reporting structure to ensure proper management of the safeguarding concern:

·       Report the concern to the individual’s line manager or the DSL at the earliest opportunity, without delay. If the DSL is unavailable, escalate to a senior manager.

·       Provide a full account of the concern, including all relevant details such as what was witnessed or disclosed, dates, times, and the identities of any individuals involved.

·       Maintain a calm, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach when discussing the concern, ensuring the individual feels heard and respected.

Update Information and Complete Documentation

·       Accurate and up-to-date records are essential in managing safeguarding concerns. The following documentation steps must be taken:

·       Record the safeguarding concern in writing on Inform as soon as possible. Include detailed, factual information about what has occurred, including any actions taken so far, potential risks, and any disclosures made by the individual.

·       Ensure that all information is clear and concise, avoiding assumptions or personal opinions. Focus on objective facts to create a reliable record.

·       Update Inform & documentation regularly to reflect any developments or changes in the situation. Ongoing risks, new information, and actions taken must be recorded to ensure transparency and accountability

Complete Risk Assessment

·       A thorough risk assessment ensures that the needs of the individual are fully understood, and appropriate actions are taken to mitigate any risks:

·       The DSL, in collaboration with the reporting staff member, will decide if a risk assessment is necessary and carry out a risk assessment to evaluate the level of risk to the individual. This includes assessing both immediate and longer-term risks.

·       The risk assessment should take into account the individual’s specific vulnerabilities, including any history of homelessness, trauma, or other disadvantages that may impact their current situation.

·       Consider any emotional, psychological, financial, or physical risks that the individual may face, ensuring that the assessment is holistic and person-centred.

Develop a Risk Management Plan

·       A risk management plan provides a structured response to safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the individual is supported through every stage of the process:

·       Based on the findings of the risk assessment, the DSL will work with relevant staff to develop a risk management plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

·       The plan will outline specific actions to mitigate risks, such as increasing supervision, adjusting the participant’s support plan, or involving specialist services (e.g., mental health, housing, or financial support services).

·       The plan should also consider the individual’s emotional and psychological well-being, ensuring they are fully supported throughout the safeguarding process.

·       Collaborate with external professionals where needed, to ensure that the individual receives comprehensive care and support.

Notify Appropriate Agencies

·       In some cases, external agencies must be involved to ensure the individual’s safety and well-being. The DSL will take the following steps:

·       If the risk assessment indicates that external intervention is required, notify the appropriate agencies, such as:

-      Local Safeguarding Adults Board for coordinating protection efforts.

-      Social Services if the individual is considered to be at serious risk of harm or in need of additional care and support.

-      Police if a crime has been committed, or if there is an immediate threat to the individual’s safety.

-      Health Services if the individual requires medical, mental health, or substance misuse support.

·       Seek the individual’s consent before sharing any personal information with external agencies, unless doing so would place them at greater risk or compromise their safety. This aligns with safeguarding best practices and data protection laws.

Follow-up and Ongoing Support

·       Ongoing support is critical to ensuring the individual feels safe and empowered throughout the safeguarding process:

·       Keep the individual informed about any actions being taken on their behalf. Maintain open, transparent communication, explaining the safeguarding procedures and the steps being followed.

·       Offer ongoing emotional and practical support, ensuring the individual knows they have access to help whenever needed.

·       Where appropriate, involve external support services (such as mental health professionals, housing advisors, or social workers) to provide comprehensive, long-term care.

·       Ensure regular check-ins with the individual to monitor their well-being and adjust the risk management plan if new risks or needs arise.

Review and Reflect

·       Safeguarding concerns should be treated as opportunities for continuous learning and improvement:

·       Once the safeguarding case is resolved, the DSL and relevant staff should review the case to reflect on the process. Identify what worked well and any areas for improvement.

·       Update organisational practices based on the learnings from each case, ensuring that Hotel School remains at the forefront of safeguarding best practices.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Hotel School is committed to maintaining confidentiality in safeguarding matters. However, where the safety of a vulnerable adult or child is at risk, the charity will share information with the relevant authorities in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. In situations where a participant has disclosed a safeguarding issue, their consent will be sought for sharing information, unless doing so would put them at further risk.

Training and Support

All staff and volunteers at Hotel School will receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and ongoing professional development. Given the specific vulnerabilities of our students, this training will include recognising signs of trauma and understanding how to support individuals who have experienced homelessness or other forms of disadvantage.

Safer Recruitment

Hotel School recognises the importance of safer recruitment practices in safeguarding. As part of our commitment to keeping participants safe, all staff and volunteers working directly with students will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and thorough vetting procedures.

Monitoring and Review

Hotel School’s safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner, if necessary, to ensure that it remains compliant with current legislation and best practice. Safeguarding incidents will be monitored, recorded, and reviewed regularly to ensure lessons are learned, and improvements are made to our procedures where needed.

Whistleblowing

Hotel School encourages all staff, volunteers, and participants to speak up about any concerns regarding safeguarding practices. We have a whistleblowing policy in place that ensures individuals can raise concerns without fear of retribution.

Support for Participants

Hotel School recognises that our students may be particularly vulnerable due to their past experiences. We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Our safeguarding policy ensures that all students have access to the help and support they need to succeed, both during and after the programme.

 Contact Information

·       Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Zoe Minihan, zoem@hotelschool.org.uk.uk

·       Local Safeguarding Authorities: Phone the safeguarding helpline 020 7641 2176 Email: adultsocialcare@westminster.gov.uk

·       Emergency Services: 999 for immediate danger.

Updated June 2024