Our Safeguarding Policy

 

Safeguarding Policy for The Access To Justice For Families 

[Updated on 28 August 2025]

Introduction Safeguarding Statement

✨ Safeguarding Statement for Families

At The Access to Justice for Families, safeguarding means creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone we work with,  especially children, parents, and vulnerable people navigating the family courts.

We believe every person has the right to be free from harm, neglect, or abuse. We also know that trust in safeguarding institutions can feel complicated. Many families have experienced both the dedication of good professionals and the harm caused by failures or misconduct. That is why our approach is twofold:

  • We signpost to statutory agencies such as the police, social services, and the NSPCC where there is immediate danger, because safeguarding is their legal duty.

  • We also provide an independent safeguarding route through ("ATJF"), where concerns can be raised directly and handled with sensitivity, accountability, and transparency.

Our commitment is simple:

  • To protect dignity, human rights, and children’s safety.

  • To act on concerns with compassion and responsibility.

  • To hold institutions to account when they fail to safeguard properly.

Safeguarding is not just a policy for us — it is a culture of safety, truth, and justice.

If you have a safeguarding concern, you can contact our Safeguarding Officer, Sian Gissing-McMeel, at info@accesstojusticeforfamilies.com In an emergency, always dial 999 (England & Wales) 

Safeguarding Policy – The Access to Justice for Families

Updated: 28 August 2025

Introduction

The Access to Justice for Families Limited (“ATJF”) is committed to safeguarding the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of all individuals who engage with us. We recognise our duty to protect children, young people, vulnerable adults, and families navigating the justice system. This policy sets out the measures we take to prevent harm, promote safety, and uphold human rights and constitutional protections.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, consultants, volunteers, clients, and anyone acting on behalf of ATJF or engaging with our services.

Principles

  • Safety & Dignity – Everyone has the right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • Children’s Human Rights – Our work aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and VAWG standards.

  • Confidentiality – Information is handled in line with GDPR and ICO registration (ZB901705). Safeguarding concerns may override confidentiality if safety is at risk.

  • Empowerment – Clients are supported to make informed choices.

  • Accountability – Concerns are acted upon promptly, transparently, and fairly. 

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Safeguarding Officer – Sian Gissing-McMeel (info@accesstojusticeforfamilies.com) is responsible for implementation, oversight, and review.

  • All Staff & Volunteers – Must complete safeguarding training and immediately report any concern.

  • External Reporting – Concerns may be referred to the police, social services, or the NSPCC helpline (UK) (0808 800 5000) if risk of significant harm exists.

  • Accountability Note – We acknowledge that while many safeguarding professionals act with integrity, systemic failures do occur. ATJF therefore combines signposting to statutory agencies with independent safeguarding accountability to ensure concerns are taken seriously and responsibly.

Recruitment & Training

  • Background checks for all staff/volunteers.

  • Mandatory safeguarding induction and annual refreshers.

  • Ongoing review to reflect changes in UK law and international standards.

Reporting & Responding

  • Immediate Risk – Call 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency).

  • Internal Reporting – Contact the Safeguarding Officer by email.

  • Escalation – If concerns involve ATJF leadership, clients may contact the NSPCC or other safeguarding partners.

  • Action – All reports are investigated with sensitivity, confidentiality, and a clear outcome.

Data Protection & Online Safety

  • Data is secured under GDPR and ICO obligations.

  • Only authorised staff may access sensitive data.

  • Online services are delivered through secure communication channels.

  • Clients are advised on how to protect their information digitally.

Review & Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or organisational needs change. Regular audits ensure compliance and identify improvements.

Conclusion

("ATJF") is dedicated to creating a safe, transparent, and supportive environment. Safeguarding is not just a policy—it is a culture of safety, truth, and justice.