thebigword will: 

1. Inform and educate all employees of their rights and responsibilities to maintain and promote equality. 
2. Not tolerate any form of harm, neglect and/or abuse and will investigate all allegations.  
3. Every employee is entitled to a work in an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all.  
4. Encourage all of our employees to take an active role in combating all forms of discrimination, victimisation and harassment. 
5. Ensure both our staff and linguists are aware of potential Safeguarding issues and are given support to handle any potential concerns in a defined and appropriate manner. Ensure we fully support our clients’ Safeguarding policies for any situations our linguists or staff might find themselves in.  
6. Seek to strike a balance between the need to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, and the need to defend staff, linguists and volunteers from false or unfounded accusations.  

Core Commitments 

Training & Awareness

1. Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff (included in induction and ongoing).
2. E-learning modules available for linguists via the International School of Linguists (ISL).

Reporting & Investigation

1. Employees must report concerns to HR.
2. All reports are logged and handled confidentially.
3. Allegations against staff or linguists are investigated, with suspension and notification of authorities as appropriate.

Safeguarding Leads

• We have named safeguarding officers for both employed and non-employed staff are available. If you would like to talk to them, please email your request to DPO@thebigword.com and we will direct you to the responsible team.

Definitions & Types of Abuse

1. Abuse categories: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Neglect, and Domestic Abuse.
2. Vulnerable people include children (under 18), adults at risk, and those with disabilities or other risk factors.

Procedures

1. If someone is in immediate danger: call 999 and notify safeguarding leads.
2. If not in immediate danger: report to safeguarding leads for further action.
3. Allegations must be recorded accurately and handled confidentially.
4. Host establishments’ safeguarding procedures take precedence when services are delivered on their premises.

Special Considerations

1. Guidance on responding to allegations, including what to do and what not to do.
2. Suicide and self-harm prevention: staff must report concerns immediately and escalate to appropriate authorities.

Supporting Documents

1. The policy should be read alongside related documents: Whistle Blowing Policy, Business Ethics Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Employee Handbook, and training materials.