Safeguarding Policy

The London Irish LGBT Network does not provide welfare or social support services, but we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who may engage with our platform, services, or community initiatives. 

 We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm, exploitation, and abuse. 

This policy outlines the principles, procedures, and responsibilities that guide our approach to safeguarding in all activities associated with the London Irish LGBT Network.  

It ensures compliance with relevant UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Equalities Act 2010 (GB), and the Care Act 2014. 
  

Scope 
This policy applies to: – 

  • All Members, volunteers, and partner organisations involved with or representing the London Irish LGBT Network. 
  • Any interaction with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults through our website, digital content, events, community support initiatives, or communication platforms. 
  • Both online and offline engagement, including social media, email communication, events, and advisory services. 
  1. Definitions           
  1. Child: Any person under 18 years of age. 
  1. Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who, due to sexuality, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, traveller identity, age, disability, illness, or other circumstances, may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, exploitation, or neglect. 
  1. Abuse: Includes but is not limited to physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory abuse, and neglect. 
  1. Principles of Safeguarding 

 London Irish LGBT Network is committed to the following safeguarding principles: –  

  • The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount in all activities. 
  • All individuals, regardless of sexuality, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, traveller identity, age, disability, illness, or other circumstances have the right to protection from harm. 
  • Online safety is prioritised to prevent cyberbullying, grooming, or exploitation. 
  • All concerns must be reported promptly to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Contact or a Committee Member, and appropriate action taken. 
  • Working in partnership with relevant authorities, organisations, and communities is essential to safeguarding. 
  1. Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding 

Since London Irish LGBT Network also operates in a digital environment, we take additional steps to ensure online safety by: – 

  • Implementing content moderation to prevent harmful or inappropriate material. 
  • Monitoring interactions on social media and digital platforms to detect risks. 
  • Ensuring Members and volunteers interacting online are trained in digital safeguarding. 
  • Providing clear reporting procedures for anyone experiencing online harassment, abuse, or exploitation. 
  • Encouraging safe and respectful communication in all digital spaces. 
  1. Code of Conduct for Members, Volunteers, and Partner Organisations 

All individuals representing the London Irish LGBT Network must:  – 

  • Respect and protect the dignity of children and vulnerable adults. 
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries in online and offline interactions.    
  • Avoid one-to-one private online communication with children or vulnerable adults. 
  • Ensure consent is obtained before sharing any images, stories, or personal information. 
  • Report concerns or suspicions of abuse immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 

They must not: – 

  • Engage in any form of abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate behaviour. 
  • Share or discuss the personal or contact details of children or vulnerable adults outside of professional interactions. 
  • Use language or imagery that is offensive, discriminatory, or suggestive.   
  • Ignore concerns or fail to act on a safeguarding issue. 
     
      

Reporting Procedures 

 All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately. If a child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk, Emergency Services must be contacted. 

Steps to follow if abuse is suspected or disclosed: – 

  1. Listen carefully and remain calm 
  1. Do not ask leading questions. 
  1. Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by speaking up. 
  1. Do not promise confidentiality—explain that information must be shared to ensure safety. 
  1. Record the concern factually, including dates, times, and observations. 
  1. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Contact Details 

DSL: Vanessa Monaghan 

Email: londonirishlgbtnetwork@gmail.com 

Safer Recruitment and Training 

To protect children and vulnerable adults, the London Irish LGBT Network implements: – 

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for the DSL. 

Confidentiality and Data Protection  

  • All safeguarding reports and disclosures will be handled with confidentiality and shared only with those who need to know. 
  • Information will be stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation. 
  • Consent will always be sought before sharing any child or vulnerable adult’s information, except in cases where there is an immediate risk to safety. 
      

Partnership and Collaboration 
We recognise that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. The London Irish LGBT Network is committed to working with: – 

  • Local safeguarding boards, support organisations, and community groups. 
  • Irish welfare and community support organisations  
  • Non-Irish welfare and community support organisations 
  • Statutory authorities, including social services and law enforcement, where necessary. 

Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects best practices, updated legislation, and evolving safeguarding needs. 

Declaration 

The London Irish LGBT Network is committed to ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and that appropriate measures are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults in all our digital and offline interactions. 

For further information, guidance, or to report a concern, please contact  

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):    

DSL: Vanessa Monaghan 

 Email: londonirishlgbtnetwork@gmail.com 

Date:  September 30th 2025 

Policy Review: 1st October 2026