Safeguarding Statement

1. Our commitment

Friends of Isaac's Food Bank CIC is committed to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of everyone who interacts with our organisation — including children, young people, and vulnerable adults who may visit our sheds or engage with our services.

We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All volunteers, staff, and anyone acting on behalf of the CIC are expected to uphold this commitment and to act promptly if they have a concern.

This statement sets out our approach to safeguarding and should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.

2. Scope of this statement

This statement applies to:

• All volunteers, trustees, and anyone acting in an official capacity for Friends of Isaac's Food Bank CIC.
• All activities carried out under the name of the organisation, including shed operations, collections, deliveries, events, and online activity.
• Anyone who accesses our services, including members of the public visiting our sheds.

It covers the safeguarding of children (anyone under 18) and vulnerable adults (adults who may be at risk due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances).

3. Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for safeguarding within Friends of Isaac's Food Bank CIC rests with the organisation's leadership, including Claire Chapman as co-driver of the CIC's operations.

All individuals involved with the organisation are expected to:

• Treat everyone they encounter with dignity and respect.
• Never place themselves in a position where they are alone with a child or vulnerable adult in circumstances that could give rise to concern.
• Report any safeguarding concern promptly and without delay — even if unsure.
• Not investigate concerns themselves, but refer them to the appropriate authority.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality — sharing information only on a need-to-know basis and with relevant authorities where required.

4. Recognising a safeguarding concern

A safeguarding concern may arise if you observe or become aware of:

• Unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, or signs of distress in a child or vulnerable adult.
• Disclosure of abuse or neglect, whether past or present.
• Behaviour by another adult or volunteer that appears inappropriate or harmful.
• A situation where a child or vulnerable adult appears to be at risk of harm.

You do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring to raise a concern. If something feels wrong, report it.

5. Reporting a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern, take the following steps:

• Immediate danger: Call 999.
• Child safeguarding concern (Worcestershire): Contact Worcestershire Children First on 01905 822 666. Out of hours: 01905 768 020.
• Adult safeguarding concern (Worcestershire): Contact Worcestershire County Council on 01905 763 763. Out of hours: 01905 768 020.
• Internal concern about a volunteer or representative: Contact Claire Chapman directly at friendsofisaacs@hotmail.com or 07496 381323.
• NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 (free, 24/7).

Record what you have observed or been told as accurately as possible, using the individual's own words where applicable. Do not share this information beyond those who need to know.

6. Safer recruitment

We are committed to safer recruitment practices for volunteers and anyone working with or near children or vulnerable adults. Where appropriate, this includes:

• Requesting references from prospective volunteers.
• Carrying out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required by the nature of the role.
• Ensuring all volunteers understand and agree to our safeguarding expectations before beginning their involvement.

7. Our young founder

Friends of Isaac's Food Bank was founded by Isaac Winfield, who is currently 13 years old. As a child who is integral to the public identity and operations of the CIC, Isaac's own safeguarding is a priority.

Isaac is supported at all times by his mother, Claire Chapman. Any media, press, or external engagement involving Isaac is managed with his wellbeing, consent, and best interests at the forefront.

Anyone wishing to photograph, film, or interview Isaac must seek prior consent from Claire Chapman. Requests can be made via friendsofisaacs@hotmail.com.

8. Review

This Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner following any safeguarding incident or significant change to the organisation's operations. The most recent review date is shown at the top of this page.

We are committed to improving our safeguarding practices over time and welcome feedback from volunteers, service users, and partners.

9. Contact

For any safeguarding-related queries, or to raise a concern with us directly, please contact:

• Name: Claire Chapman
• Email: friendsofisaacs@hotmail.com
• Phone: 07496 381323
• Address: Friends of Isaac's Food Bank CIC, 51 Throckmorton Road, Redditch, B98 7RP