our policies
At Surrey Deaf Children’s Society, we believe in transparency, fairness, and the safety of every child and family we support. Below you’ll find summaries of our key policies, with links to the full documents.
safeguarding policy
Surrey Deaf Children’s Society, in partnership with the National Deaf Children’s Society, is committed to protecting all children, young people, and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we have clear procedures in place to ensure safety and wellbeing at all times.
We promote safe, inclusive environments where welfare is a priority
All staff, volunteers, and committee members follow strict safeguarding guidance and training
Concerns or disclosures are always taken seriously, recorded, and reported to the appropriate authorities
We work closely with safeguarding partners such as local authorities, NDCS safeguarding officers, and the NSPCC
This policy ensures that deaf children and young people, who may face additional risks, are protected, supported, and empowered.
Mental Health Therapy Provision
Surrey Deaf Children’s Society recognises the urgent need for accessible mental health support for deaf children and young people. While NHS and CAMHS services often involve long waiting times, SDCS can fund short-term counselling blocks (6–8 sessions) to bridge the gap.
Available for members under 21 with permanent hearing loss
Sessions are confidential, either online, at school, or in-person
Parental/carer consent required (unless the young person is assessed as competent to self-refer)
Therapy is not a replacement for NHS provision but a vital, supportive resource while waiting for formal services
Grants policy
Surrey Deaf Children’s Society provides financial support to help meet the extra costs of raising a deaf child. Grants are available to members for equipment, tuition, therapy, or activities that support a child’s development and wellbeing.
Families must be current SDCS members with a child under 21 who has a permanent hearing loss
Grants cannot cover items or services that should reasonably be provided by schools, the NHS, or local authorities
Applications are reviewed by a grants sub-committee within 5 working days
Typical grants include contributions towards tuition, BSL courses, therapy, specialist equipment, or assessments
Each application is considered on its own merits to ensure fairness and consistency.
equality, diversity and inclusion policy
At Surrey Deaf Children’s Society, we are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community for all children, families, and volunteers.
We value and celebrate diversity, and actively work to eliminate discrimination
We ensure our activities and services are accessible to all
We promote fairness, dignity, and respect in everything we do
We have clear processes for raising concerns, complaints, or feedback, which we take seriously and use to improve our services
This policy applies to all members, families, volunteers, and staff.
complaints and feedback policy
Surrey Deaf Children’s Society aims to provide a friendly, respectful, and helpful service to all families and individuals we support.
We welcome all feedback — positive or negative — as it helps us improve
Complaints are taken seriously and handled fairly and promptly
Wherever possible, issues are resolved straightaway by the committee member in charge
If you remain unhappy, there is a clear escalation process including the option to raise your concern with the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Fundraising Standards Board, or the Charity Commission
Your views matter to us and help us ensure our services are the best they can be.