Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy

Our commitment

Papillon has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, exploitation or avoidable harm. The welfare and voice of the child or adult at risk are central to our response. This policy applies to employees, freelancers, subcontractors and anyone delivering services on Papillon’s behalf.

Papillon is a language-services provider, not the statutory safeguarding authority. We nevertheless recognise that disclosures or warning signs may arise during interpreting, translation, transcription, accessible-format work or online contact and must be acted upon appropriately.

Recognise and respond

• If anyone is in immediate danger or urgent medical need, call 999 and follow the commissioning organisation’s emergency procedure.
• Listen calmly; do not promise secrecy, investigate, confront an alleged perpetrator or ask leading questions.
• Record facts, exact words, date, time, people present and action taken. Clearly distinguish observation from opinion.
• Report without delay to Papillon’s Managing Director and the client’s designated safeguarding lead or agreed referral route. Where the concern relates to that contact, use the client’s alternative escalation or the relevant local authority or police route.
• Share only information necessary to protect the person, in accordance with law, client instructions and the public interest in preventing serious harm.

Prevention and safer delivery

• Identity, qualifications, references, right-to-work status and role suitability are checked; DBS or equivalent status is obtained or verified where the role is eligible and the client requires it.
• Workers receive role-appropriate safeguarding, professional-boundary, confidentiality and reporting guidance.
• Assignment planning considers lone working, conflicts, the service user’s communication needs, interpreter gender where legitimately requested, and safe online or in-person arrangements.
• No worker may use a safeguarding concern for personal contact, publicity or any purpose outside the authorised response.

Consent, information sharing and review

We seek the person’s involvement and explain information sharing wherever safe and practicable. Consent is not required where there is an overriding legal duty, immediate risk, risk to another person or a justified need to prevent or detect serious harm or crime. Decisions and reasons are recorded.

Safeguarding records are restricted, retained securely and reviewed for learning. Concerns about the conduct of Papillon personnel may also be handled under complaints, whistleblowing, disciplinary, contractual or referral procedures.