Safeguarding & Governance

Safeguarding & Governance

At What We Think, safeguarding is central to everything we do.

We are committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals we support, and to working in a way that is ethical, responsible, and accountable.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We recognise that the people we work with may be experiencing risk, vulnerability, or distress. Safeguarding is therefore embedded across all areas of our work.

We are committed to:

  • Creating safe and supportive environments
  • Promoting wellbeing, autonomy, and respect
  • Responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures
  • Working within clear professional and legal boundaries

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility within our organisation.

Who We Safeguard

Our safeguarding responsibilities apply to:

  • Adults at risk
  • Children and young people
  • Individuals affected by domestic abuse
  • People experiencing mental health difficulties
  • Individuals in recovery from addiction

We take a proportionate, trauma-informed approach that prioritises safety while respecting individual rights.

How We Manage Safeguarding

Safeguarding within What We Think is supported through:

  • Clear safeguarding policies and procedures
  • Defined reporting and escalation pathways
  • A Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practice
  • Regular safeguarding training and ongoing supervision
  • Appropriate information sharing in line with legislation

All concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly.

Raising a Safeguarding Concern

If a safeguarding concern is identified:

  • It is recorded accurately and confidentially
  • Appropriate action is taken in line with policy
  • Concerns are escalated to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • External agencies are involved where required

We work in a way that supports appropriate escalation and information sharing in line with statutory safeguarding responsibilities.

Confidentiality & Information Sharing

We respect confidentiality and privacy at all times. Information is shared:

  • In line with safeguarding responsibilities
  • Where there is a risk of harm to an individual or others
  • In accordance with data protection legislation

Governance & Oversight

Safeguarding and service quality are overseen by our leadership team. This includes:

  • Clear accountability at director level
  • Regular review of safeguarding practice
  • Ongoing monitoring of risk and quality
  • Continuous improvement of policies and procedures

This governance structure ensures safeguarding remains robust, consistent, and effective.

Working With Other Services

Where appropriate, safeguarding concerns may involve liaison with relevant external services in line with statutory responsibilities.

What We Think recognises the importance of effective multi-agency safeguarding and operates in a way that supports appropriate professional collaboration and information sharing when required.

Our Responsibility

Safeguarding is not a standalone process, it underpins every interaction, decision, and service we deliver.

We are committed to acting in the best interests of those we support, while maintaining professional integrity and accountability at all times.

Safeguarding Concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern or require further information, please contact us using the details on our Contact page.