Child Safeguarding Policy

Commitment

The safety, dignity and wellbeing of every child comes first. This policy applies to everyone who works with or on behalf of the foundation: staff, volunteers, partners, visitors and contractors.

Core rules

• No adult will be alone with a child out of sight of others.
• Activities take place in open, visible spaces.
• No physical punishment, humiliation or discrimination, ever.
• No private contact with children through phones or social media.
• No photographs or videos of children without documented guardian consent and the child's own agreement.
• No sharing of children's names, schools, addresses or other identifying details in public communications.

Safer recruitment

Everyone working with children will be screened, including references and, where available, police verification, and will receive safeguarding training before starting.

Reporting concerns

Any concern about a child's safety must be reported immediately to the foundation's designated safeguarding lead (to be appointed). Where a child is in danger, contact the police (112) or Childline (1098) without delay. Concerns will be handled confidentially and, where required, reported to the authorities, in line with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and other applicable law.

Data about children

Only the minimum information needed will be collected, with guardian consent, stored securely and deleted when no longer needed.

Review

This policy will be reviewed by a qualified professional before any programme involving children begins, and at least once a year after that.

Questions

Questions about this policy can be sent through our Contact page.