1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Black Blossom Alliance CIC is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of all individuals we support—especially Black and Brown women, birthing people, and children.

We recognise the trauma and disparities many have experienced within maternity and healthcare systems, and we are determined to ensure our spaces are nurturing, safe, and free from harm.

We are committed to:

• Protecting children, vulnerable adults, and families from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Creating a culture where safeguarding is embedded and understood by all involved in our work

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility upheld by every staff member, volunteer, and partner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Black Blossom Alliance CIC staff, directors, volunteers, session leaders, and contractors
• Anyone acting on behalf of BBA in any paid or unpaid capacity
• All individuals and families engaging with our services and activities

3. Safeguarding Practices

Safer Recruitment

• Reference checks and Enhanced DBS checks (where appropriate) are conducted for all staff and volunteers
• Safeguarding expectations are communicated clearly during recruitment and induction

Training and Awareness

• All team members complete safeguarding training at induction
• Refresher training is provided every two years or sooner when significant updates occur

Recognising Abuse

We train our team to identify signs of:

• Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
• Neglect and domestic violence
• Peer-on-peer harm, child exploitation, and trauma-related stress
• Systemic inequalities impacting Black and Brown women and birthing people

Reporting Procedures

• Concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) immediately
• Reports should be submitted within 24 hours using BBA's Safeguarding Incident Form
• All serious concerns will be escalated to the appropriate statutory services or police

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• We respect confidentiality unless the safety of an individual is at risk
• Information is shared securely and only with those who need to know to protect someone from harm

Working in Partnership

• We work closely with healthcare providers, statutory agencies, and community partners
• We respect cultural, racial, religious, and gender diversity while always prioritising safety

4. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name:Sarah Chitongo

Email: info@blackblossomalliance.org

Phone: +44 7578 140822

The DSO is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, offering guidance to staff, and liaising with external safeguarding bodies.

5. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child, adult, or parent discloses a concern:

• We will listen carefully and without judgment
• We will not promise to keep information secret if someone is at risk
• We will act immediately and in line with our safeguarding procedure
• We will keep detailed, secure records of all concerns raised

6. Photography, Filming & Social Media

• We seek clear, informed consent before using images, video, or quotes
• Families and individuals have the right to withdraw consent at any time

7. Online Safety

• All online communication, sessions, and content sharing will be conducted securely and respectfully
• We use password-protected and access-controlled platforms to ensure online safety

8. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required by changes in legislation, best practices, or serious incidents.