Policies

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NPCV SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Introduction

NPCV recognises the numerous benefits and opportunities which a social media presence offers. The purpose of this policy is to explain how we use social media, our posting guidelines and moderation policy for user-generated content.

For the purposes of this policy, social media is defined as any online interactive communication tool, including (but not limited to) blogs, wikis, discussion forums and message boards, comments on website articles, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr and LinkedIn.

How we use social media

We use social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and third-party discussion forums to engage with parent carers and the general public. These channels are also available to give parent carers the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and provide mutual support.

We do not pre-moderate user-generated content before it goes “live”. However, all the channels are monitored regularly. We will delete any comments or messages that do not meet our posting guidelines. We are not liable for user-generated content. We make no commitment to respond to every individual comment, message, post or tweet.

Messages posted by NPCV representatives are for general informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitute for professional advice.

Posting guidelines

Whilst we want our Facebook page and group to be an open and honest space, we also want posts to be courteous and to not cause offence. Therefore we reserve the right to delete any of the following posts:

· Comments which contain personal information like telephone numbers, address details etc.

· Violent, pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, hateful, or discriminatory posts, links or images

· Comments that threaten or defame any named person, professional or organisation

· Posts which advertise commercial activity or make requests for donations or money

· Comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity

· False or derogatory statements about any person or organisation

· Comments which are off topic or unrelated

· Repetitive posts copied and pasted or duplicated by single or multiple users

· Comments which amount to bullying or harassment

· Comments which impersonate or falsely claim to represent a person or organisation

· Comments which are party political

· Material in breach of copyright or other intellectual property rights

· Links or material relating to chain letters, junk mail, online gambling or extremist groups

· Any other content which is likely to create any liability, criminal or civil, for the individual or the organisation

Please remember:

· You are responsible for what you write.

· Don’t make assumptions about other people’s experiences; everyone has different coping mechanisms and tolerance levels.

· Speak your mind, but please be sensitive to the feelings and opinions of others.

· Do not share confidential or personal information about yourself or other people.

· Do not post photos of other people, especially children, even if taken at NPCV events, unless you have been authorised to do so

· If you want to talk off topic with someone, please message them privately.

Moderation policy

NPCV representatives administer our social media channels and act as moderators.

We do not pre-moderate user-generated content before it goes live, however, all channels are monitored regularly.

We will delete any comments or messages that do not meet our posting guidelines above. 

We will ban members who we feel do not follow the posting guidelines.

Where possible and in response to any request, we will explain why we banned a contributor or deleted a post. 

We will explain why a contribution did not fit with the guidelines and suggest how the content could be re-phrased so that it can be published.

Safeguarding

Where there appears to be a clear need to safeguard the welfare of a poster and/or his/her family, we will contact the relevant authorities.

This policy should also be read in conjunction with the following NPCV policies:

· Confidentiality

· Data protection

· Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

THE CONSTITUTION

NPCV and its money will be administered and managed in accordance with the provisions in this constitution unless and until it’s conversion to a Community Interests Company. Adoption of this constitution is as of the date it is signed. This constitution sets out the rules by which NPCV will be governed. These are legally binding on the members until CIC status is achieved.

The name

The name of the group is North Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices also known as NPCV.

The aims and objectives

· To relieve the needs of young people aged 0-25 years old with disabilities and / or special educational needs to assist in advancing them in life so that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society for the public benefit in the Northamptonshire area by :

ü Setting up structures and providing opportunities (surveys, meetings, events, information days) to facilitate two-way communication between families, and service providers;

ü Promoting and implementing coproduction in decision-making and planning for future service provision, so that parents and carers can contribute to improvements in services;

ü Promoting the sharing of best practice, informed by statutory and voluntary agencies within health, education, social care, and disability.

• To be the strategic consultative      body within North Northamptonshire     representing families of children with special educational needs, additional      needs and/ or disabilities, providing a liaison point for Statutory and      Voluntary Agencies within North Northamptonshire. This will be achieved by parent carer      representatives working in Co-production with local statutory and      voluntary services.
• To promote and enhance constructive      dialogue between parent carers and statutory authorities who provide      services for children and young people with SEND in Northamptonshire. We will do this by putting forward the collective      voice.
• To consult with and inform our      membership, ensuring that parent carer and young people’s voices and views      contribute to service improvement. This      will mean all children and young people in North Northamptonshire with special educational      needs, additional needs and/or disabilities achieve their best possible      outcomes and life chances. 

Powers

In furtherance of the aims and objectives the group may:

• Raise funds by any lawful means      except permanent trading.
• Accept gifts and donations for the      group.
• Do anything else within the law      which is necessary for the group to carry out their aims and objectives.

Application of the income

1. The NPCV funds shall be applied solely towards      the promotion of the aims and objectives.
2. Any member may be given reasonable,      and proper renumeration for any goods and/or services on behalf of or for      NPCV.
3. Travel      costs, material costs and venue hire, may all be claimed from the funds,      when they are for NPCV.
4. Members should give receipts or invoices      to the treasurer, for payment.
5. A bank account will be opened by      the Directors and run by the Finance Lead. Cheques must be signed by any two of the three nominated      signatories. 
6. Accurate accounts of all income and      expenditure must be kept for Annual reporting.
7. If NPCV is dissolved and there are funds in the      bank any designated grant funding shall be returned to the relevant bodies.  The      law states that it should pass on any remaining assets to another      charitable body once outstanding debts and liabilities have been paid. The      Strategic Group at the time will vote for the relevant charity whose      beneficiaries are children and young people with special needs and and/or      additional needs and/or their families.

Membership

1. FULL MEMBERSHIP is open to close family members      and carers of any child or young adult with special and/or additional      needs, up to the age of 25 years and who live in or receive services from      the county of North or West Northamptonshire.     Bereaved members are still able to be members for up to 3 years.
2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP for practitioners, both within the      Voluntary and Statutory sectors. This membership will have no voting rights but will be kept up to      date with our newsletter and will be able to attend Open      Meetings.
3. AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP is offered to groups whose purpose      reflects or furthers our Aims and Objectives. Affiliate members will be kept up to      date by NPCV newsletters and will be able to attend Open Meetings.
4. Membership is not transferable.
5. The Representative Group must keep      a register of members, either in a written form or held on computer, and      will ensure compliance with current and relevant data protection      regulations and legislation.
6. Only Full Members are entitled to      vote; each member is entitled to one vote.
7. Any member may request to be      removed from the list at any time and will no longer receive the      newsletters.
8. If the Representative Group considers      that any member’s conduct is in any way harmful to the Aims and Objectives      of NPCV the      Representative Group and or Directors will reserve the right to terminate      membership.

Management/Meetings

1. The      business of NPCV will      be managed by the representative Group. This will comprise of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 members. This will include a Chair (or co-chairs), Vice-Chair and Treasurer.      Other roles within the Representative Group will be appointed as and when      required.
2. The inaugural Representative Group members      and officers shall be those elected at the initial general meeting. Subsequent      members will be proposed by Representatives and/or Directors and accepted by      majority or unanimous vote of the Representative Group .
3. Any Representative Group member wishing      to be elected as an officer will need to seek nomination by members of the      Representative Group at the first general meeting.
4. The representative Group may      appoint sub-committees or focus groups to carry out specific tasks and      delegate specific powers as necessary. Sub-committees or focus groups must report back to the      Representative Group for ratification of any decisions.
5. The Representative Group may have      no more than two co-opted members who will not be entitled to vote
6. A quorum of three voting members of      the Representative Group will be needed to hold a meeting and make      decisions.
7. Each member has one vote. In the      event of a tie the Chair has a casting vote.
8. The Representative Group will meet      at least six times a year.
9. The Chair or co-chairs may ask any      member of the Representative Group to step down if they have not attended three      consecutive meetings.
10. A General Meeting can be called by      at least four Full Members of the Representative Group when some special      or urgent business has to be considered. Such meetings will be called in      writing 21 days in advance. A quorum for such meetings shall consist of a      minimum of six Members or 5% of the membership. The same rules shall apply      to Annual General Meetings

Amendment to the constitution

This document may only be amended by a resolution passed at a General Meeting until and unless it is superseded by CIC status related documentation.

COMPLAINTS POLICY

1. Policy Statement 

NPCV strives for high standards in the participation, engagement and involvement of the Parent Carer Forum. We welcome any communication from individuals, forums, charities and any other organisation on all aspects of the Parent Carer Forum. The communication is invaluable in helping us to evaluate and continually improve our service. 

NPCV understands that complaints may be received from time to time and want to ensure that there is a clear process for those complaints to be made and dealt with. Complaints about the Parent Carer Forum, any individual Director, Representative or staff member of the Forum will be taken seriously, and action will be taken where necessary to deal with any issues and improve our service for the future. 

NPCV believes that everyone in the organisation has a responsibility to handle complaints effectively, learn from them and improve. 

NPCV believes if you are unhappy with any aspect of the Forum that, in the first instance, you speak to someone directly to discuss your concern in an informal manner as quickly as possible. However, if this is not possible, please follow the complaints procedures outlined below. 

The objectives of the NPCV Complaints Policy are to:

· ensure everyone knows how to provide feedback and how a complaint will be handled.

· ensure that complaints are dealt with consistently, fairly and sensitively within clear time frames.

· provide a fair and effective way to complain.

· ensure that compliments and complaints are monitored and used to improve our services.

· ensure that those who have experienced unsatisfactory service from NPCV are dealt with fairly.

· ensure that all insured losses are effectively handled by and recovered from NPCV’s Insurers. 

We will ensure that we:

· listen carefully to complaints and treat complaints as confidential, where possible.

· Record, store and manage all complaints accurately and in accordance with Data Protection legislation.

· Investigate the complaint fully, objectively and within the stated time frame if it is deemed an investigation is necessary after completion of the pre-investigation phase. Notify the complainant of the results of any investigations and any right of appeal. Inform the complainant of any action that will be implemented in order to avoid further re-occurrence.

· Where appropriate, include in the Annual Report, the number of compliments and complaints received, the key outcomes of investigations and any action. 

2. Definition of a complaint 

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction by a stakeholder, whether justified or not. A person may make a complaint if they feel NPCV has: 

·Failed to provide a service or an acceptable standard of service. 

·Delayed in providing a service.
·Made a mistake in the way it has provided a service.
·Failed to act in a proper way. 

·Provided an unfair service. 

1. Whilst complaints may be written or verbal, NPCV undertake a pre-investigation phase to seek to verify / authenticate any accusation or allegation through detailed evidence before embarking on a complaints process. 

2. This detail or evidence may be in written form, testimony from witnesses, photographs or voice recording. 

3. Wherever possible complainants will be asked to put the full complaint into writing and asked to provide supporting evidence for investigation. 

4. Where complaints cannot be substantiated with evidence NPCV will note the matter but shall not be obliged to undertake further actions. 

5. Where a complaint relates to multiple NPCV volunteers each complaint must be submitted separately and will be dealt with as a separate case. 

6. Complainants must not address or share any complaint issue with any other agency or body whilst the complaint is in process or runs its full course (respect for the complaints process). Any such action will cease the complaint with immediate effect and no further action will be taken. 

7. The FMC may remove from the membership anyone making malicious/ vexatious/ unfounded/ unsubstantiated allegations.

This policy and procedure relate only to complaints received about NPCV and its services. Individuals who make complaints about partner organisations / individuals will be notified in writing within five working days that they need to complain to the organisation / individual against which they have the complaint. NPCV will signpost with contact details, where appropriate. 

3. Withdrawal of Complaints 

Complainants may withdraw their complaint at any time. 

If a notice in writing, or electronic communication is received, from the complainant, withdrawing a complaint, an acknowledgement will be sent to the complainant indicating that the matter is closed, however all documentation will be securely stored in the complaints file. 

NPCV will continue to review any matters that have arisen and seek to improve practice etc, through policy change, practice change, training etc. 

4. Overview 

The objectives of NPCV Complaints policy are to: 

1. Ensure everyone knows how to provide feedback and knows how a complaint should be handled. 

2. Have a clear process of who to complain to, how a complaint is dealt with, a clear timeline of the complaint process, who will respond to you and how, what to do if you are unhappy with the response.

3. Ensure that all complaints are dealt with fairly, consistently and sensitively. 

NPCV will ensure that we:

· Where possible we will treat all complaints as confidential.
We will listen carefully and be open to hearing the complaint. 

· Record, store and manage all complaints accurately and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. 

· Investigate complaints fully, objectively and within the stated timeframe.
Notify the complainant of the results of the investigation and any right of appeal. 

· Notify the complainant of any action that will be implemented. 

5. Complaints Procedure 

There are three stages of the complaint’s procedure: -

Stage One – Pre- investigation stage

Stage Two – Internal Complaint
Stage Three – External Complaint

Stage One

To make a complaint in the first instance please contact our Director on ????

Whilst complaints can be written or verbal, NPCV will undertake a pre-investigation phase to seek to verify / authenticate any accusation or allegation through detailed evidence before embarking on stage two of the complaints process. 

Stage Two

1. In attempting to resolve the issue, the complaint will be listened to and acknowledged, we will do our upmost to clarify the nature of the complaint and what the complainant wants to happen because of their complaint. 

2. NPFG aims to settle complaints quickly and satisfactorily. The complaint if upheld may be resolved informally by way of an apology, by providing an explanation of why a situation occurred, or by another appropriate action. 

3. Complaints will be acknowledged within seven working days and you will receive a final response within 30 working days of the commencement of stage two. Either a Director or a member of the representative group will investigate your complaint and respond to you. 

The complaint will be held on file for 12 months, if the complaint is not upheld then no record will be kept. 

Appeal
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, then you have 14 working days to appeal to Directors and progress to Stage three of the complaint procedure. 

Stage Three 

If an individual disagrees with the decision from Stage Two they can request an Independent Review within 14 working days and progress to Stage Three. 

An appropriately experienced individual who is not a member of NPCV would be asked to review the complaint and any investigation or actions taken. 

The independent individual would then make a recommendation about whether: 

a)  They feel the investigation and decision was arrived at appropriately. 

b)  If they disagree then would make recommendations. 

6. Anonymous Complaints 

Complaints sent anonymously will be recorded and considered but won’t be acted on. 

7. General Data Protection Regulations 

To process the complaint, NPCV will hold personal data about the complainant, which the individual provides, and which other people give in response to investigating the complaint. The identity of the person making the complaint will only be made known to those who need to consider the complaint and will not be revealed to other people or made public. However, it may not be possible to preserve confidentiality in some circumstances, for example, where relevant legislation applies, or allegations are made which involves conduct of third parties. 

Monitoring and Review: This is the current version of NPCV Complaints Policy. The policy will be reviewed every two years or earlier if required in the light of any complaint or should relevant legislation change. 

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE/AT RISK ADULTS POLICY

“safeguarding is everybody’s business”

INTRODUCTION

This document is the Policy for the Safeguarding Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults for North Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voice (NPCV), which will be followed by all Directors, staff, representatives and members of NPCV. 

NPCV does not undertake activities with children in the absence of their parents/carers, but has the opportunity to observe the child’s welfare at family events. Parents/carers remain responsible for their children’s welfare throughout all the work undertaken by NPCV.

Any child or vulnerable adult can be vulnerable to abuse. The purpose of this policy is to make sure that the actions of any adult in the context of the work carried out by NPCV are transparent, and safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults.

If any parent or young person/child has any concerns about the conduct of any member of the organisation, this should be raised in the first instance with the Director designated as the child protection officer.

Contact details: Samantha Baker - enquiries@NPCV.co.uk

DEFINITIONS

Vulnerable adult

In the context of this policy, a vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or above who may need community care services for reasons like mental health issues, disability, age or illness. They may not be able to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Child

In the context of this policy, a child is a person under the age of 18.

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults means taking action to:

· protect them from being mistreated

· make sure their health or development is not impaired

· make sure that they grow up in an environment that provides safe and effective care

· help them to have the best possible life chances, and to enter adulthood successfully.

Child Protection

Child protection is a part of safeguarding. It means taking action to protect the small number of children and young people who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm through child abuse.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is the term used to describe how children are harmed, often by adults but also by other children and young people. Abuse or neglect of a child is caused by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children with special needs are particularly vulnerable and in need of special care. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or more rarely by a stranger.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes, ill-health to a child whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using terms such as, fabricated illness by proxy or Munchausen Syndrome by proxy.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child, such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material, or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

NPCV is committed to the following statements:

· the welfare of the child / vulnerable adult is paramount

· all children and vulnerable adults have the right to protection from abuse regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs

· the policy is approved and endorsed by the board of Directors and/or Representative Group

· the policy applies to all directors, staff and volunteers and will be included in their induction

· children and parents will be informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate

· all concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by directors, staff and volunteers and, responded to appropriately. This may require a referral to children’s services via Northamptonshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and, in emergencies, the police.

· safer recruitment, selection and vetting procedures will be followed

· appropriate legislation and guidance will be complied with

· the policy and procedure will be evaluated and reviewed

· the policy and procedure will cross-reference with associated policies and procedures which promote children’s safety and welfare

POLICY

In order to protect children/vulnerable adults from abuse, the Management Committee will:

1. Ensure that all Directors, Staff and at least two Representatives have undertaken appropriate Child Protection and prevent training.

2. Appoint a minimum of two designated Child Protection Officers from the Directors to respond to allegations and concerns

3. Ensure that appropriate recording and monitoring systems are in place

4. Operate safe recruitment procedures including using application forms, asking on the form about past convictions and pending cases, taking up references, following up employment histories, interviews with trained panels, verifying identity and (if appropriate) workers and volunteers to be criminal records will be checked before starting work via the Disclosure and Barring Service. (DBS)

5. Organise induction and training for workers and volunteers in safeguarding issues (where appropriate)

6. Confirm that projects and activities are adequately supervised, taking into account visitors and guests and any necessary consent required from parents/carers

7. Provide guidance on how to respond to a person disclosing abuse

8. Set up a reporting procedure with information about when and how to contact social services via Northamptonshire MASH

9. Provide contact details for local support services including the police, children’s social services and the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline.

PROCEDURES

The Child Protection Officers for NPCV are Claire Baxter and Samantha Baker.

Immediate Action to Ensure Safety

IN ALL CASES IT IS VITAL TO TAKE WHATEVER ACTION IS NEEDED TO SAFEGUARD THE CHILD:

· If emergency medical attention is required, an ambulance should be called (dial 999) or the child taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

· If a child is in immediate danger, the police should be contacted (dial 999), as they alone have the power to remove a child immediately if protection is necessary, via Police Protection Order.

Recognition of Abuse or Neglect

Individuals within NPCV need to be alert to the potential abuse of children, including abuse by members of the organisation. It is good practice to be as open and honest as possible with parents/carers about any concerns.

However, you must not discuss your concerns with parents/carers in the following circumstances:

· where sexual abuse is suspected

· where organised or multiple abuse is suspected

· where fictitious illness by proxy (also known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy) is suspected

· where contacting parents/carers would place a child, yourself or others at immediate risk.

What to do if children or vulnerable adults talk to you about abuse or neglect?

It is recognised that a child or vulnerable adult may seek you out to share information about abuse or neglect, or talk spontaneously, individually or in groups, when you are present. In these situations you must:

· Listen carefully to the child / vulnerable adult. DO NOT directly question the child / vulnerable adult

· Give the child / vulnerable adult time and attention.

· Allow the child / vulnerable adult to give a spontaneous account; do not stop a child / vulnerable adult who is freely recalling significant events.

· Make an accurate record of the information you have been given, taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, the child’s / vulnerable adult’s presentation, as well as what was said. Do not throw this away as it may later be needed as evidence.

· Use the child’s / vulnerable adult’s own words where possible.

· Explain that you cannot promise not to speak to others about the information they have shared.

· Reassure the child / vulnerable adult that you are glad they have told you; they have not done anything wrong.

What you are going to do next?

· Explain that you will need to get help to keep the child / vulnerable adult safe

· Do NOT ask the child / vulnerable adult to repeat his or her account of events to anyone.

Consulting about your concern

The purpose of consultation is to discuss your concerns in relation to a child or vulnerable adult and decide what action is necessary. You may become concerned about a child or vulnerable adult who has not spoken to you, because of your observations of, or information about that child or vulnerable adult.

It is good practice to ask a child / vulnerable adult why they are upset, or how a cut or bruise was caused, or respond to a child / vulnerable adult wanting to talk to you. This practice can help clarify vague concerns and result in appropriate action.

If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult, you MUST share your concerns. 

Initially you should talk to one of the Co-ordinators designated as responsible for child protection within NPCV. If that person is implicated in the concerns, you should discuss your concerns directly with Children’s Services via MASH telephone number 0300 126 7000. In the case of a vulnerable adult, the same contact number should be used.

You should consult externally with MASH in the following circumstances:

· when you remain unsure, after internal consultation, as to whether child protection concerns exist

· when there is disagreement as to whether child protection concerns exist

· when you are unable to consult promptly, or at all, with your designated internal contact for child protection

· when the concerns relate to any member of the Management Committee.

Consultation is not the same as making a referral but should enable a decision to be made as to whether a referral to Social Services or the Police should progress.

Making a referral

A referral to MASH involves sharing information about concerns relating to an individual or family, in order that enquiries can be undertaken by the appropriate agency followed by any necessary action. Information can be shared where there are safeguarding concerns for a child or vulnerable adult.

In certain cases the level of concern will lead straight to a referral without external consultation being necessary.

Parents/carers should be informed if a referral is being made, except in the circumstances outlined on page 3 – Recognition of abuse.

However, inability to inform parents for any reason should not prevent a referral being made. It would then become a joint decision with Social Services about how and when the parents should be approached and by whom.

If your concern is about abuse or risk of abuse from someone not known to the child / vulnerable adult or their family, you should make a telephone referral directly to MASH.

If your concern is about abuse or risk of abuse from a family member, or someone known to the child/vulnerable adult, you should make a telephone referral to MASH.

Information required

Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible (in emergency situations all of this information may not be available). Unavailability of some information should not stop you making a referral.

· Your name, telephone number and position, and request the same of the person to whom you are speaking

· Full name and address, telephone number of family, date of birth of child / vulnerable adult and siblings

· Gender, ethnicity, first language, any special needs

· Names, dates of birth and relationship of household members and any significant others

· The names of professionals known to be involved with the child/vulnerable adult/family e.g. GP, Health Visitor, school

· The nature of the concern and foundation for it.

· An opinion on whether the child / vulnerable adult may need urgent action to make them safe

· Your view of what appears to be the needs of the child / vulnerable adult and family

· Whether the consent of a parent with parental responsibility has been given to the referral being made.

Action to be taken following the referral

· Ensure that you keep an accurate record of your concern(s) made at the time

· Accurately record the action agreed, or that no further action is to be taken, and the reasons for this decision.

Confidentiality

NPCV will ensure that any records made in relation to a referral will be kept confidentially and in a secure place.

Information in relation to child protection concerns should be shared on a “need to know” basis. However, the sharing of information is vital to child protection and, therefore, the issue of confidentiality is secondary to a child’s need for protection.

Contact details

Children’s Services via MASH telephone 0300 126 7000

Duty Social Workers for Children’s Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone 01604 626938for out of hours services.

More information about getting help from Social Care Services can be found on the website:

 https://www.nctrust.co.uk

Northamptonshire Police - you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ring 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership 

One Angel Square

Angel Street

Northampton

NN1 1ED

Tel: 01604 364036

http://www.northamptonshirescb.org.uk

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk

Vulnerable adult - call 0300 126 7000 in office hours or telephone 01604 626938 out of office hours if you have concerns about neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult. 

More information about safeguarding vulnerable adults can be found on the Northamptonshire Adult Safeguarding Board website: https://www.northamptonshiresab.org.uk 

This policy will be reviewed at least annually.

Issue date : Jan 2024 next review : Jan 2025

CAMPAIGNING POLICY

Northamptonshire Parent carer voice (NPCV) does NOT have direct political aims.

We are non party-political and therefore only permitted to engage in certain sorts of non-political campaigning.

NPCV will, as per its Constitutional and community purpose, seek to research and use the experiences and concerns of parents and children with disabilities and/or Special Educational Needs (SEN) to:

· influence the Government and public opinion through reasoned argument based on research or direct parent experience or direct experience of children with disabilities and/or SEN.

· encourage parents to seek to persuade decision makers to change their opinion through reasoned argument and facts.

· inform members of petitions and consultations where relevant.

· respond to Government consultation papers relevant to parents and/or children with disabilities and SEN.

· brief decision makers prior to debates.

· advocate changes in the law and agencies practices which would be of benefit to parents and/or children with disabilities and SEN.

· guide members towards Bills or consultations which NPCV believe will be of benefit or detriment to parents and/or children with disabilities and SEN. 

Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices will not:

· distort data or present inaccurate data to influence the Government and public opinion.

· participate in party political demonstrations.

· claim evidence of public support without justification.

· seek to influence by the use of purely emotive material.

· seek to persuade the public to vote for or against a particular candidate.

· promote research which we know to be flawed or distort the results of research.

· undertake research or support for another body where that body intends to use the research for political purposes.