Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and Hereford &Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) staff are committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from abuse and neglect. We strive to promote the safety, dignity and wellbeing of people in the communities we serve and of our own staff.
Safeguarding practices within HWFRS aligns to the Fire Standards Board Safeguarding Fire Standard which aims to ensure that fire and rescue services are doing all that they can to support and promote the safeguarding of those within their communities, employees and volunteers.
The responsibility for ensuring safeguarding is part of the Services Strategy lies with the Assistant Chief Officer: Director of Prevention
What does Safeguarding mean?
The Governments definition of Safeguarding is:
“The process of protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are living in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables them to have optimum life chances.”
If you are concerned about abuse or neglect of yourself, a vulnerable adult or a child, you can find out more by visiting the local safeguarding board website which can be found below:
Worcestershire:
Adults – Report it – Worcestershire Safeguarding Boards (safeguardingworcestershire.org.uk)
Children – Report it – Worcestershire Safeguarding Boards (safeguardingworcestershire.org.uk)
Herefordshire:
Adults – Safeguarding Adults Board – Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards and Partnerships
Children – Safeguarding Children Partnership – Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards and Partnerships
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service commitment to Safeguarding:
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service staff and volunteers have to follow our Safeguarding Policies and Guidance.
There are two Safeguarding and Signposting Leads who are based in the Prevention Team and can be contacted on 0800 032 1155 to discuss any concerns.
The Service will support people by offering the following services:
- Offer and complete Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) to reduce the risk from fire and identify other sources of vulnerability for referral to partner agencies
- Work with other agencies to support the victims of domestic abuse
- Offer advice on arson prevention
- Liaise with Police wherever a hate-crime is suspected of being committed, or information is received that a hate-crime may be about to be committed
- Juvenile Firesetters Scheme – work with children, young people and parents to reduce fire setting and risk of injury.
In accordance with our legal responsibilities, partnership arrangements and data sharing protocols, information will be shared to assist action by other agencies where safeguarding of a vulnerable person or child is required.
Adults Safeguarding Guidance Notes