Safeguarding in Everyday Life

This Safeguarding Adults Week we want to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding, how intrinsic it is at Brook and how well-equipped all our staff are to respond to contemporary and emerging safeguarding challenges. Here, Jane O’Neill, Brook’s Education Manager and Safeguarding Lead, talks about what she enjoys about her role and the importance of safeguarding.

My role is varied from managing a number of national contracts, supporting teams to achieve their contractual requirements through to supporting staff members to develop both personally and professionally  One of the most important responsibilities within my role is that of a Safeguarding Lead.

At Brook we meet lots of people every day, in educational organisations, youth clubs, our clinics, outreach in the community and in professional training sessions. Brook recognise that the responsibility to safeguard falls upon every single member of staff. Our frontline staff are trained in spotting the signs regarding potential safeguarding concerns and are encouraged to use their professional curiosity if they are alerted to a suspected/potential risk be that in a clinical or an educational environment.

Our commitment to safeguarding is at the core of everything we do.

Staff are trained and supported in all aspects of safeguarding and there is a clear understanding of the process across the organisation. As a Safeguarding Lead, I talk through safeguarding disclosures with staff members, assess the level of risk and support them in decision-making and appropriate action-taking. I will then oversee that the correct documentation is accurately recorded, follow up actions completed and review dates set. I also ensure that each safeguarding episode that I have been involved in is closed appropriately and in a timely manner when everyone is satisfied with the outcome.

The role of a safeguarding lead can be challenging, however recognising that I am not expected to hold all of the answers enables me to confidently develop my practice and feel safe in this role

A strong support network of colleagues empowers me to confidently safeguard and feel secure in the decisions I make.

Supporting the teams with safeguarding episodes is also an important aspect of my role, looking after staff wellbeing is paramount and regular check-ins and de-briefs provides an opportunity for transparent and supportive conversation. The teams within Brook attend local and national safeguarding supervisions regularly. These supervisions provide a safe, non-judgemental platform for staff to share good practice, discuss concerns and provide an opportunity for staff to develop their confidence and explore professional curiosity.

The role is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, recognising the outstanding work staff do to safeguard the people we work with and seeing the safeguarding journey that is taken to ensure positive outcomes is inspiring.

I am proud to be part of this journey and embrace the collaborative, supportive and constantly evolving process that safeguarding brings.

I think working at Brook and being in my role has taught me that safeguarding is complex, there can never be a one size fits all viewpoint. Each case needs to be considered on an individual basis with a centralised approach to ensure the person’s safety and welfare is at the heart of all the decisions made and future actions taken.

Safeguarding decisions should never be considered in isolation, the complexities that each safeguarding disclosure brings provides unique opportunities to build knowledge and confidence, share opinions and ideas and create a culture of reflection, review, communication and collaboration.