Safeguarding Policy – Elisha House

First Issued: 01/02/2019
Issue Version: 4
Purpose of Issue: Policy update and review
Planned Review Date: 05/08/2026

Named Responsible Officer: Carl Molyneux
Approved by: Board
Approval Date: 05/08/2025

Section 1 – About Elisha House

11 Burnley Road
Colne
Lancashire
BB8 8DY

Telephone: 01282 542590
Email: carl.molyneux@elishahouse.org.uk

Senior Leader: Carl Molyneux
Tel: 07902 749743
Email: carl.molyneux@elishahouse.org.uk

Safeguarding Coordinator: Emma Ibbetson
Tel: 07498 618075
Email: emma.ibbetson@elishahouse.org.uk

Company Number: 1206983

About Our Work

Elisha House was initially set up in 2016 as a community interest company and converted to a charitable incorporated organisation in February 2024 – Charity number 1206983. We are a lived experience recovery project which supports males in recovery from substance misuse including alcohol. Our services include:

  • Residential accommodation for 31 men staffed 24/7 by our dedicated team of Staff and Volunteers
  • Community gym
  • Community café
  • Community gardening project

Our programme includes evidence based and trauma informed interventions including;

  • 12 Steps recovery programme
  • The 5 Ways to Wellbeing
  • Asset-Based Community Development

Our Commitment

The Trustees and Management are committed to providing a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. We acknowledge that individuals can be victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect.

We adopt the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance and work constructively with statutory and voluntary safeguarding agencies.


This policy is based on the Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by thirtyone:eight.

  • Follow national and local safeguarding legislation
  • Provide ongoing safeguarding training
  • Review safeguarding procedures regularly
  • Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010
  • Support the Safeguarding Coordinator in safeguarding actions

Section 2 – Prevention

Abuse may occur through harm inflicted or failure to prevent harm. It may occur within families, institutions or community settings.
Elisha House adheres to Article 5 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights:

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Safer Recruitment

  • Written job descriptions and person specifications
  • Completed application and self-declaration forms
  • Interviews including safeguarding discussion
  • Written references
  • DBS checks where required
  • Verification of qualifications
  • Safeguarding induction training
  • Probationary period completion

Safeguarding Training

All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training during induction and ongoing recognised safeguarding training.
Adults with care and support needs are provided with information on how to seek help if required.

Management and Code of Conduct

All workers receive supervision and support. A code of conduct has been issued to all staff and volunteers.

Section 3 – Practice Guidelines

Elisha House promotes good working practice to ensure activities are run safely, positive relationships are developed and risks are minimised.
Strict procedures apply to visits from family members and associates.

Working in Partnership

We maintain clear safeguarding expectations with partner organisations and require safeguarding standards to be upheld by any organisation using our premises.
Good communication is essential to effective safeguarding.

Section 4 – Responding to Allegations of Abuse

Staff and volunteers must not conduct their own investigations. All concerns must be documented and reported immediately.

Reporting Procedure

Primary Contact:
Emma Ibbetson
Tel: 07498 618075
Email: emma.ibbetson@elishahouse.org.uk

If unavailable:
Carl Molyneux
Tel: 07902 749743
Email: carl.molyneux@elishahouse.org.uk

External Advice:
thirtyone:eight
Tel: 0303 003 1111

Local Authority Contacts – Lancashire

Children’s Social Services: 0300 123 6720
Out of hours: 0300 123 6722

Adult Social Services: 0300 123 6721
Out of hours: 0845 053 0028

Police Protection Team: 0845 125 3545

Allegations Against Staff

The Safeguarding Coordinator will liaise with Adult Social Services, consider suspension where appropriate and make a DBS referral if required.

Section 5 – Pastoral Care

Elisha House is committed to supporting individuals affected by abuse and working with statutory agencies where appropriate.

Working With Individuals Who Pose Risk

Where an individual attending Elisha House is known to pose a risk, an appropriate risk assessment will be conducted and boundaries set to protect others while offering appropriate support.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with current safeguarding legislation and best practice.