Safeguarding at Thrive Advocacy Herts & Essex CIC
*Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.*

At Thrive Advocacy Herts & Essex CIC (CIC No: 17443767), the safety, wellbeing and voice of the people we support is our absolute priority. We work in a trauma-informed, person-centred way and we never lose sight of our duty to protect.

As a Social Work England registered service, we work in line with:

- Care Act 2014 & Care and Support Statutory Guidance
- Children Act 1989 & 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 / 2007
- Hertfordshire and Essex Safeguarding Adults Boards & Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures

*Our Commitments:*

1. Listening: We believe you. Advocacy means we amplify your voice, not speak over you.
2. Proactive Protection: All staff and volunteers have enhanced DBS, safeguarding training, and regular supervision.
3. Making Safeguarding Personal: We follow the 6 principles of adult safeguarding: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, Accountability.
4. Clear Action: If we are worried about abuse, neglect or exploitation, we act — always with the person at the centre, and within the law.

*What we will do if we are worried:*
- We will listen, record accurately, and explain what needs to happen next.
- Where required, we will make a referral to Adult Social Care, Children’s Social Care, or the Police.
- We will inform the person (and where appropriate their family/advocate) unless to do so would increase risk.

*Contact — If you are worried about someone:*

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

*Hertfordshire:*
Adult Social Care: 0300 123 4042 (Out of hours: 0300 123 4042)
Children’s Services: 0300 123 4043
LADO: 01992 555420

*Essex:*
Adult Social Care: 0345 603 7630 (Out of hours: 0345 606 1212)
Children’s Services: 0345 603 7627
LADO: 0333 032 2976

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rebecca Hemmings, Registered Social Worker
Contact: thrive.advocacy.herts.essex@gmail.com | Tel: [07772940714]
CIC No: 17443767

_This policy is reviewed annually. Last reviewed: 30/09/2026 2026. Next review: September 2027._