Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (CIC only)
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 26 September 2025
Review Date: 26 September 2026
Approved by: [Director/Board]
1. Purpose
To protect children and young people from harm, abuse, or exploitation and to safeguard the wellbeing of staff engaged in CIC activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all CIC staff, contractors, and volunteers who come into contact with young people.
3. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by: Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and local safeguarding procedures.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
- Act as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
- Ensure referrals to statutory agencies are made within 24 hours for significant concerns.
- Provide guidance and supervision to staff handling safeguarding issues.
- Maintain accurate, secure safeguarding records.
- Deliver safeguarding training and ensure annual refreshers.
- Liaise with safeguarding boards, police, schools, and social services.
- Provide quarterly safeguarding reports to the Board.
- Ensure safer recruitment practices are followed across the CIC.
Managers:
Ensure safer recruitment and staff training.
Staff/Volunteers:
Report concerns immediately to the DSL and follow safeguarding procedures.
Board:
Provide oversight and resources for safeguarding compliance.
Wayfinders / Youth Support Staff
- Provide direct engagement and support to young people participating in CIC programmes.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality requirements.
- Record interactions with young people in accordance with organisational recording procedures.
- Immediately report safeguarding concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Seek guidance or supervision when managing complex or emotionally challenging situations.
5. Recognising Abuse
Abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying (including cyber), online abuse, and radicalisation.
6. Procedures for Reporting & Responding
Immediate Response:
Any disclosure or concern must be taken seriously, recorded factually, and reported to the DSL immediately (verbally and in writing).
DSL Action:
DSL reviews within 24 hours, assesses risk, and decides on escalation.
Escalation:
- High risk: Refer to local safeguarding authority/Police immediately.
- Medium risk: Monitor, support, and record ongoing concerns.
- Low risk: Provide support, signpost services, record concerns.
Parents/Guardians:
Informed where safe and appropriate, unless doing so would increase risk.
Documentation:
All actions, decisions, and communications must be logged securely.
Staff must never promise absolute confidentiality to a young person, as information may need to be shared with safeguarding professionals to protect them or others from harm.
7. Recording of Phone & Online Calls
- All phone and online calls with young people must be recorded (with consent where appropriate) to protect both the young person and staff.
- Recordings will be stored securely in compliance with the Data Protection & GDPR Policy.
- Only the DSL and senior leadership may access recordings.
- Unrecorded or unsupervised one-to-one calls are not permitted.
8. Safeguarding Staff
- All calls with young people must be conducted from the office or another approved safe environment.
- Staff must not conduct safeguarding-related calls alone from home or personal devices.
- Lone working policy must be followed during all youth interactions.
- Staff will receive debrief and support after handling safeguarding cases.
- DSL will provide supervision and wellbeing support to staff involved in safeguarding matters.
8A. Supporting Wayfinders and Staff Handling Sensitive Information
Wayfinders and staff working directly with young people may be exposed to sensitive, distressing, or complex personal information. This may include disclosures relating to abuse, mental health concerns, family difficulties, exploitation, or other safeguarding risks.
The organisation recognises that managing this information responsibly while maintaining appropriate confidentiality can place emotional and professional pressure on staff.
The CIC is committed to supporting staff through the following measures.
Emotional Wellbeing and Professional Support
Wayfinders and safeguarding staff will have access to:
- Regular supervision or check-ins with a line manager or programme lead
- Safeguarding guidance and escalation support from the DSL
- Opportunities to debrief following safeguarding disclosures or complex cases
- Access to peer support or reflective practice discussions where appropriate
- Training on maintaining professional boundaries and managing emotional strain
Staff are encouraged to seek support whenever they experience uncertainty or emotional pressure relating to safeguarding matters.
Managing Emotional Impact
Staff should not feel responsible for resolving complex safeguarding situations alone.
Where a young person discloses sensitive or concerning information, Wayfinders must:
- Listen calmly and avoid making promises of absolute confidentiality
- Record the information factually
- Report the concern to the DSL as soon as possible
- Seek supervision or support where required
The organisation recognises the risk of vicarious trauma, emotional fatigue, and stress when supporting young people and will ensure appropriate support mechanisms are available.
Confidentiality Boundaries for Staff
While Wayfinders must maintain confidentiality regarding young people's information, they are permitted and encouraged to share relevant information internally with:
- Their line manager
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Relevant senior staff responsible for safeguarding oversight
This internal sharing ensures appropriate safeguarding decisions, support for the young person, and wellbeing support for staff.
Confidential information must not be shared outside authorised organisational channels.
9. Safer Recruitment
- All staff/volunteers must complete enhanced DBS checks before working with young people.
- Recruitment processes include safeguarding-related interview questions.
- References must be verified before employment commences.
10. Training
All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training at induction and refresher training annually. DSLs must undertake advanced safeguarding training.
11. Monitoring & Review
Safeguarding practices and case records will be reviewed quarterly by the DSL and annually by the Board. Policy will be updated following significant incidents or changes in legislation.
12. Breaches
Failure to comply with safeguarding responsibilities may result in disciplinary action, dismissal, and referral to statutory authorities.
13. Version Control
Version: 1.0
Date: 26/09/2025
Change: Initial draft
Author: Mel Dorlin
Approved By: Principal Consultant
Version: 2.0
Date: 13/03/2026
Change: Additional section for Wayfinders
Author: Mel Dorlin
Approved By: Principal Consultant