Safeguarding Policy.

Safeguarding policy of cliffTop projects cic

Our safeguarding policy

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Clifftop Projects. Currently Lottie Barker and freelance associates.

All freelance associates will be required to read and sign that they have read this policy before beginning work with the company. If they are to work with young people they will also complete the online NSPCC course in Child Protection in Scotland.

Our designated Child Protection Officer is: Lottie Barker.

The purpose of this policy is:

·      To protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who receive Clifftop Projects’ services.

·      To provide overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

Clifftop Projects believes that people should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

·      Children Act 1989

·      United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991

·      Data Protection Act 1998

·      Sexual Offences Act 2003

·      Children Act 2004

·      Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

·      Relevant government guidance on safeguarding

We recognize that:

·      The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989

·      All children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

·      Some people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

·      Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep young people and vulnerable adults safe by:

·      Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.

·      Adopting child protection policies through procedures.

·      Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents, carers and children appropriately.

·      Ensuring all employees/freelancers that work with community participants are PVG checked.

·      Ensuring all employees/freelancers sign our Code of Conduct policy.

·      Ensuring all employees/freelancers who work with young people complete NSPCC online safeguarding training.

Process if a young person/vulnerable adult raises a complaint:

·      Lottie Barker (Child Protection Officer for the company) to be informed in writing immediately.

·      Meeting organised with participant and responsible adult if appropriate.

·      Local Social Work Authorities contacted if concern level raised:

0141 562 8800

                                    Out of Hours - 0300 343 1505

·      The Police should be contacted and the member of staff/freelances stay with the young person/vulnerable adult if they are worried for their immediate safety.

·      Disciplinary meeting if complaint is about member of staff/freelancer.

·      All details reported to The Board and kept on file.

Breaches of Policy

Failure to comply with our safeguarding policy of Code Of Conduct may be managed in a number of ways, depending on the nature and consequences of any incident. In some cases a combination of responses may be required.

·      Local authority co-ordinated safeguarding investigation

·      Police investigation

·      Referral to the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

·      Internal review by Artistic Director and Board.

We are committed to reviewing this policy and good practice annually.