Safeguarding
We 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.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is defined as '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.'
Our Service not only responds to the risk from fire, road traffic collisions and other life-threatening scenarios, but also carries out a broader range of work associated with those who may be at risk from harm.
Safeguarding at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
A key objective for BFRS is to promote the message that ‘Safeguarding is everyone's business’. As a result, our 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.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service staff must follow our Safeguarding Policy.
To contact the Safeguarding Team, please contact us and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team or the Duty Group Commander. The Service recognises the significant role we can play in partnership with other agencies. We work closely with the adult and children’s safeguarding boards for Bedfordshire, in accordance with our legal responsibilities, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has partnership arrangements and data sharing protocols to share information to assist action by other agencies, where the safeguarding of the vulnerable person is outside the scope and capabilities of the Service.
Abuse and neglect can take many forms. 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.
Book a Home Fire Safety Visit
On a visit, our team will assess the home for fire safety, including your gas and electrical appliances, access and escape routes, and smoke alarms. They can also offer advice regarding falls, smoking and make referrals where needed.
