1. Introduction

This safeguarding procedure outlines how DiversITy-Talent Community Interest Company (CIC) will ensure the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults we work with. It sets out the steps to be followed by all staff, volunteers, and trustees in safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and reporting any concerns about abuse, neglect, or harm.

This procedure applies to all services and activities provided by DiversITy-Talent Community Interest Company where children, young people and vulnerable adults are involved.

2. Responsibilities

2.1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns, allegations, or incidents.
  • Ensuring that concerns are recorded and referred appropriately.
  • Liaising with statutory agencies such as local authorities, police, and the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
  • Ensuring all staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding and understand the procedures.

2.2. Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

  • Being aware of safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Attending safeguarding training and refreshing their knowledge regularly.
  • Reporting any concerns regarding a child’s welfare to the DSL without delay.
  • Maintaining professional boundaries and safe working practices when interacting with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

3. Recognising Abuse

Staff and volunteers should be able to identify potential signs of abuse. There are four main categories of abuse:

  1. Physical Abuse: Involves hitting, shaking, or otherwise physically harming a child.
  2. Emotional Abuse: Includes threats, criticism, or bullying that impacts a child’s emotional development.
  3. Sexual Abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
  4. Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs.

Signs of abuse may include (but are not limited to) unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, fear of adults, poor hygiene, and reluctance to participate in activities.

4. Responding to a Disclosure

If a child, young person and vulnerable adult discloses abuse to a staff member or volunteer:

  • Listen carefully: Allow the child to speak without interruption or leading questions.
  • Reassure them: Acknowledge their courage in speaking out and let them know they did the right thing.
  • Do not promise confidentiality: Explain that you must share the information with the DSL to ensure their safety.
  • Take the disclosure seriously: Avoid expressing shock or disbelief.
  • Record the disclosure: Write down what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s exact words, without interpreting or making assumptions.
  • Report immediately: Contact the DSL without delay.

5. Reporting Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible, using the following procedure:

5.1. Immediate Actions

  1. Recognise the concern: Whether through disclosure, observation, or suspicion.
  2. Respond appropriately: As outlined above, particularly if a child makes a direct disclosure.
  3. Report to DSL: Contact the DSL immediately, providing all relevant details. If the DSL is unavailable, contact the Deputy DSL or another senior member of staff.

5.2. Recording Concerns

  • Complete the CIC’s Safeguarding Incident Form, detailing:
  • The child’s name, age, and contact details.
  • The nature of the concern, including dates, times, and the context of any disclosure or observations.
  • Any actions taken, including conversations with the child, young person, vulnerable adult, parents, or other staff.
  • Signature and date of the report.
  • The record must be factual, objective, and submitted to the DSL within 24 hours.

5.3. DSL Action

  • The DSL will assess the concern and determine the appropriate action. This may include:
  • Internal Action: Providing support within the CIC or discussing the matter with the child’s family if appropriate.
  • Referral to External Agencies: Contacting the local authority children, young people and vulnerable adults services or police if they are at risk of harm. Referrals should be made within 24 hours of receiving the concern.
  • Confidentiality and Information Sharing: Information will be shared only with those who need to know, and any external agencies involved will be notified in accordance with statutory guidelines.

6. Referral Process

6.1. Making a Referral

If the DSL decides that a referral to social care or the police is necessary:

  1. Contact the local authority children’s services where the child, young person and vulnerable adult resides. Provide all relevant details, including the nature of the concern and any actions taken.
  2. If the child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
  3. Keep a detailed record of the referral, including:
  • The date and time of the referral.
  • The agency contacted and the name of the person you spoke with.
  • The details shared and the outcome of the conversation.
  • Any follow-up actions required.

6.2. After the Referral

  • The DSL will continue to monitor the situation and offer support to the child, young person and vulnerable adult as appropriate.
  • The DSL will liaise with the referring agency for updates and ensure the CIC complies with any recommendations.
  • All records related to the concern will be stored securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

7. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer, the following steps must be taken:

  1. Immediate Reporting: Report the allegation to the DSL immediately. If the allegation involves the DSL, report to the Chair of Trustees.
  2. DSL Action: The DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to ensure the allegation is handled appropriately.
  3. Suspension: The staff member or volunteer may be suspended while the matter is investigated.
  4. Investigation: The DSL will cooperate fully with the LADO, police, or other relevant agencies during the investigation.
  5. Confidentiality: The details of the allegation must be kept confidential and shared only with those directly involved in the investigation.

8. Whistleblowing

If a staff member or volunteer has concerns about the behavior or conduct of another staff member, trustee, or volunteer, they are encouraged to report the concern through the CIC’s whistleblowing procedure. Concerns should be reported to the DSL, Chair of Trustees, or the relevant safeguarding authority if necessary.

9. Training and Awareness

  • All staff, volunteers, and trustees must complete safeguarding training within three months of starting their role.
  • Refresher training must be provided every two years to ensure ongoing awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
  • The Social enterprise will regularly review safeguarding practices and provide updates to staff as needed.

10. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns and incidents must be recorded promptly and stored securely.
  • Records will be kept in line with data protection laws and shared only with those directly involved in the safeguarding process.
  • Records will be reviewed regularly to ensure any recurring issues are identified and addressed.

11. Review and Monitoring

This safeguarding procedure will be reviewed annually by the DSL and the Board of Directors to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with current legislation. The review will consider any incidents or concerns raised over the year and feedback from staff and volunteers.

Last Reviewed: 28 August 2026

Next Review Due: 20th August 2027

Approved by: Jeremy Blain, Safeguarding Lead, DiversITy-talent